Examination preapproval for the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Apply for preapproval through ASWB to get a social work license in Texas that requires taking one of the social work licensing exams.
Exam preapproval application fee: US$60 (nonrefundable)
Approval to take the exam is valid for one year.
About preapproval
Exam preapproval is the first step in applying for licensure to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; ASWB will verify your eligibility to take the exam. This exam preapproval process does not completely replace the application for licensure to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, but we will verify your eligibility to take the exam.
Once your exam is complete, we will provide your information and exam results to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. You must then submit a licensing application to BHEC to complete the licensure process. Please review the How To User Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the online license application.
Exceptions:
If you are applying for licensure by endorsement—meaning you have already taken the exam and have a license in another state or province—you must contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council directly.
Eligibility requirements
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
- An official transcript showing a baccalaureate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (or dean’s letter if in the last semester). The transcript or dean’s letter must be in a sealed envelope or sent electronically from the school to texas@aswb.org.
- Passing of the Bachelors examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards
- A passing score on the jurisprudence examination
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- An official transcript showing a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE/CASWE-accredited program (or dean’s letter if in last semester), OR a doctoral degree in social work from an accredited university, and documentation of successfully completing a field placement in social work.
- The transcript or dean’s letter must be in a sealed envelope or sent electronically from the school to texas@aswb.org.
- Passing of the Masters examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards
- A passing score on the jurisprudence examination.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- An official transcript showing a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE/CASWE-accredited program, OR a doctoral degree in social work from an accredited university, and documentation of successfully completing a field placement in social work. The transcript must be in a sealed envelope or sent electronically from the school to texas@aswb.org. For social workers who currently hold an LMSW license in Texas, no transcript is required.
- A minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised professional clinical experience over a period of 24 to 48 months, or its equivalent if the experience was completed in another jurisdiction. Supervised professional experience must comply with 22 TAC 781.404.
- A minimum of 100 hours of supervision over the course of the 3,000 hours of experience with a supervisor.
- Passing of the Clinical examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards
- A passing score on the jurisprudence examination.
