SOCIAL WORKER License in Texas
Quick Answer
Texas licenses social workers at three tiers through the Behavioral Health Executive Council, with the LCSW requiring 3,000 supervised clinical hours. The ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $478. Texas has enormous demand for social workers across its large and growing population.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $478 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
SOCIAL WORKER license in Texas
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $143
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $105
- Total Estimated Cost
- $478
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your SOCIAL WORKER license in Texas. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Texas licensing board.
SOCIAL WORKER Salary in Texas
Entry Level
$41,130
Median
$89,520
Experienced
$131,680
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed SOCIAL WORKER in Texas.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Both state and third-party exams required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$143.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
SOCIAL WORKER Licensing in Texas: What to Know
Texas licenses social workers through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (formerly the State Board of Social Worker Examiners), offering Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of two years. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially, including ethics. Texas was among the states that actively debated the ASWB exam requirement due to racial disparities, with the state legislature considering bills to address the issue. Texas has an enormous and growing demand for social workers due to its large population, with workforce needs concentrated in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin metro areas, as well as the Rio Grande Valley and rural West Texas. The University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University have strong social work programs. Texas has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a SOCIAL WORKER license cost in Texas?
- The estimated total cost is $478, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a SOCIAL WORKER license in Texas?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a SOCIAL WORKER license in Texas?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Both state and third-party exams required
Considering another state?
Compare SOCIAL WORKER requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.