Social workers can help children, students, older adults, those experiencing alcohol and drug addiction, and many more. Clinical social workers provide much-needed diagnoses and treatments for mental illnesses. 

Texas is a great state to practice social work because it provides a variety of settings, from inner-city schools to rural health care practices. It offers prospective social workers a wide array of career paths. If a future in social work interests you, read on to learn more about some common ways to become a licensed social worker in Texas.

Information about licensure requirements was obtained from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Counsel in November 2025. Check the website for the most up-to-date information about licensure and requirements.

Texas offers four levels of licenses: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), LMSW – advanced practice (LMSW-AP) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).  In order to become a social worker in the state of Texas, according to the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners, you’ll need to generally complete the following steps:

1. Complete your social work degree.

To become an LBSW, you’ll need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). To become an LMSW or LCSW, you’ll need a CSWE-accredited MSW or a doctoral degree in social work. Many Texas programs offer advanced-standing MSWs if you already hold a BSW.

2. Gain field experience during your degree.

CSWE-accredited programs build in substantial practicum hours. This hands-on training is especially important if you plan to move into clinical practice later as an LCSW.

3. Complete supervised experience (for LCSW).

To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas, you must first hold an LMSW and then complete at least:

• 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice,
• 100 hours of supervision with a Board-approved LCSW Supervisor (LCSW-S),
• Over no fewer than 24 full months.

Your supervisor files a clinical supervision plan with the Board and later completes a Supervised Clinical Experience Verification Form to document your hours.

4. Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.

All Texas social work applicants must pass the Texas Social Work Jurisprudence Exam, an online, open-book exam that covers state laws and rules. The exam currently costs $39 and consists of 126 questions. Your completion certificate must be dated no earlier than six months before BHEC receives your license application, so time this step carefully.

5. Apply for the Social Worker License Exam.

Texas now partners with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Instead of applying to the Board for exam approval, you:

• Apply directly to ASWB for the appropriate exam (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Clinical).
• Pay ASWB’s exam and pre-approval fees.
• Have your scores sent to Texas when you test.

Texas allows qualifying students to sit for the Bachelor’s or Master’s exam while still in school, which can help you get licensed more quickly after graduation.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

6. Submit your online license application to BHEC.

After you pass the ASWB exam and jurisprudence exam, you apply for licensure through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council’s Online Licensing System. For most applicants, the Board will require:

• Official CSWE-accredited transcripts,
• Proof of jurisprudence exam completion,
• ASWB exam scores,
• A National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report, and
• A fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Three of the four social work licenses in Texas require an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Only one, the LBSW, requires a minimum Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). There are multiple MSW and social work education options to pursue:

Learn more about MSW programs in Texas.

Sponsored Online MSW Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

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Texas licenses social workers through the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, a board under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). The three primary active license levels are:

Texas also recognizes a legacy category, Licensed Master Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP), but no new LMSW-AP applications are being accepted. Existing LMSW-AP licensees can maintain that status.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

An LBSW is an entry-level licensed social worker who practices under appropriate supervision.

• Education: BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Social Work Jurisprudence exam.
• License Exam: ASWB Bachelor Examination
• Fees: Application fee $109; renewal fee $108 every two years (plus any applicable online processing fees)
• Renewal/CE: 30 hours of continuing education every renewal period, including  6 hours in ethics and 3 hours focused on distinct populations. At least half of all CE hours must come from provider types listed in Board Rule 781.501. 

LBSWs may also pursue Independent Practice Recognition (LBSW-IPR) after completing required non-clinical supervised experience; this allows certain non-clinical services to be delivered without agency employment.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

An LMSW can take on more advanced macro, administrative, and clinical support roles and is the required foundation for licensure as an LCSW.

• Education: MSW (or doctoral degree in social work) from a CSWE-accredited or candidate program.
• Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence exam.
• License Exam: ASWB Masters Examination. Texas does not accept the Clinical or Advanced Generalist exam in place of the Master’s exam. 
• Fees: Application fee $109; upgrade from LBSW to LMSW $24; renewal fee $108 every two years.
• Renewal: Same CE requirements as LBSW (30 hours; 6 ethics; 3 distinct-population; 50% from approved providers).

LMSWs can also seek Independent Practice Recognition (LMSW-IPR) for non-clinical independent practice after completing specified supervised non-clinical experience.

Learn more about how to become an LMSW. 

Licensed Master Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP)

Historically, Texas offered LMSW-AP recognition for LMSWs with extensive non-clinical experience.

• As of November 2025, no new LMSW-AP applications are accepted.
• Existing LMSW-AP licensees may maintain the credential and renew it on the same schedule and fee structure as other master-level licenses (renewal fee of $108 every two years; 30 CE hours, including ethics and distinct-population requirements).

For new graduates planning their careers, focus on LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, and Independent Practice Recognition, rather than LMSW-AP.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

An LCSW can independently diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and provide psychotherapy.

• Education: MSW or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited or candidate program.
• Field Requirement: At least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice under a Texas LCSW-S, with 100 hours of supervision over at least 24 months. 
• Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence exam (current within six months of application).
• License Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination. Texas does not accept the Advanced Generalist exam in place of the Clinical exam. 
• Fees (as of Nov 2025): LCSW application: $120; Upgrade from LMSW to LCSW: $24; Renewal fee: $108 every two years (additional fees apply for supervisor status, if held).
• Renewal: Same 30-hour CE framework, including 6 ethics hours and 3 distinct-population hours; supervisors must also complete 6 hours of supervision CE per renewal period.

Learn more about how to become an LCSW.

The average social worker salary in Texas depends on your role and work environment.

Information on the above social work salaries in Texas was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Texas as of May 2024.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

Let’s say you’ve decided on becoming a social worker in Texas and begin applying to schools, you may start considering how you’ll pay for your social work degree. There are hundreds of scholarships available for social work students. In Texas, a notable scholarship opportunity is the Ima Hogg Scholarship, which provides $5,000 to a student in a Texas-based, accredited graduate social work program. Applicants must be recommended by a dean or director of the social work program. 

Be sure to check with your preferred university for more scholarship opportunities, such as:

There are a few organizations dedicated to social workers in Texas that can provide education and career guidance: 

Information on this page was last retrieved and updated in November 2025.