Steps to Obtain LMSW Licensure in Texas

Are you unsure about the steps to become licensed as a LMSW in Texas?

To successfully register for the ASWB exam, candidates must first navigate to the official website of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) at https://www.aswb.org/. Once on the website, aspiring test-takers are prompted to create an account. The fee for the ASWB exam is set at $230. This fee is a standard requirement for all candidates looking to take the exam and is non-negotiable. Master-level students in their last semester can apply to take the exam before graduation. The cost associated with the exam pre-approval application amounts to $60.

In Texas, as part of the licensing requirements, individuals are obligated to pass the Jurisprudence Examination. This examination serves as a crucial step in ensuring that professionals possess the necessary knowledge of the laws and regulations governing their field of practice. The Jurisprudence Examination not only tests the candidates' understanding of legal principles but also evaluates their ethical judgment and decision-making skills within the context of their profession. The exam will take 60-90 minutes. The fee associated with the Jurisprudence Examination is $39. Here's the website to register: https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-social-worker-examiners/jurisprudence-examination/

While study material is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for optimal preparation. For instance, the Therapist Development Center offers a comprehensive package priced at $275, or alternatively, Ray Tube provides access to a selection of free instructional videos.

Furthermore, a payment of $39.05 for fingerprints will be required at the time of checkout. This fee is associated with the self-query order through the National Practitioner Data Bank.

[https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/ext/selfquery/SQHome.jsp](https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/ext/selfquery/SQHome.jsp)

Once completed, you will request PDF and can email to [npdb@bhec.texas.gov](mailto:npdb@bhec.texas.gov)

Moreover, it is required that the official transcript from the university where the master's degree was obtained be sent via email to transcripts@bhec.texas.gov. The cost will vary depending on your school, on average $5.

After passing the LMSW exam, you can move forward with submitting your license application. Keep in mind that there is a $109 application fee. The processing period usually varies from 10 business days to more than a month, starting once the application fee is received.

[https://bhec.texas.gov/applying-for-a-license/](https://bhec.texas.gov/applying-for-a-license/)

The typical expense for an initial license bundled with a study program is approximately $700, in contrast to the average cost of $490 for an initial license without such a program.

For further resources, please refer to the ASWB Examination Guidebook https://www.aswb.org/exam/getting-ready-for-the-exam/aswb-examination-guidebook/ or the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-social-worker-examiners/Examiners.