Texas is in desperate need of social workers. The state has more than 30.5 million residents, yet at last count, just under 9,000 social workers. If you want excellent job prospects, Texas is the place to find them!
Our editors first published this guide on how to become a social worker in Texas in September 2022. This ranking was updated in March 2024.
The process of becoming a social worker is controlled by each state. While this helps states ensure their social workers have the specific skills and qualifications to meet the unique needs of their residents, it also causes some confusion about what you need to do to start your career. That’s where this guide comes in.
Below, you’ll find all the details you need about the social work education requirements in Texas, how to get a license, employment information, and more.
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What Are the Social Work Education Requirements in Texas?
To become a Texas social worker, the first step is to get a degree. You need a BSW or an MSW before applying for a social worker license. Then, you can practice at different levels depending on the degree. Texas schools offer numerous social work degree options.
Social Work Degrees in Texas
Social Work degrees in Texas range from undergraduate to masters and doctoral degrees. Career opportunities often determine a Social Work career. A bachelor’s degree in Social Work prepares you for entry-level positions in Texas. These are non-clinical positions such as case managers and family specialists.
BSW
| Online social work programs are a great choice for licensed bachelor social workers who are already working in the field. A licensed social worker can earn credits for social work employment history and start pursuing advanced practitioner status. |
MSW
| A master of social work (MSW) degree opens clinical and non-clinical career opportunities. For example, clinical social workers work in mental healthcare and substance abuse settings. They also work in schools. Furthermore, a doctoral degree in Social Work can increase research and teaching opportunities for you after completing your degree. |
If you haven’t worked in human services, you might consider an on-campus program as better for your professional development and networking opportunities. In either case, you should seek out a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. Accredited social work programs ensure your education aligns with professional standards and the highest level of ethics and reliability.
What Are the Social Work Licensing Requirements in Texas?
All practicing Texas social workers are required by the state to be licensed. Anyone who practices without a license is subject to monetary fines and penalties for misrepresentation.
There is one license for individuals in Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. In addition, there are three licenses available for individuals with master’s and doctoral level degrees. The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) is the group that issues these Social Work licenses.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
If you have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), you can apply for a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) license in Texas. To do so, you must first complete the following:
| ✔︎ Graduate from your social work program ✔︎ Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam ✔︎ Pass the Jurisprudence exam ✔︎ Complete the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report ✔︎ Provide fingerprints ✔︎ Submit official college transcripts ✔︎ Fill out the Military Supplemental form, if applicable |
If you already hold an LBSW license in another state, you must submit licensure verification forms for every agency that has issued you a professional license, even if that license is now expired. You must also provide ASWB scores.
Once licensed as a Texas LBSW, you can work in general social positions, such as case manager, advocate, and social work program development.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
To become a Licensed Master Social Worker, you must first earn a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited school and program. After graduating, you must complete the following steps to obtain a Texas license:
| ✔︎ Graduate from your MSW program ✔︎ Complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice ✔︎ Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam ✔︎ Pass the Jurisprudence exam ✔︎ Submit the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report ✔︎ Offer fingerprints ✔︎ Submit official college transcripts ✔︎ Complete the Military Supplemental form, if applicable |
If you have a license from another state, you must submit licensure verification forms for every agency that has issued you a professional license, even if that license is now expired. You must also provide ASWB scores.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is the highest credential a Texas Social Worker can earn. This license is for clinical practice, and Texas LCSW’s can also have an independent practice. In addition, applicants for an LCSW must have earned an MSW or doctorate from a CSWE accredited school and program.
The Texas licensure requirements for LCSWs is the same as noted above for LMSWs with one exception. In addition to the tasks outlined earlier, you must submit a clinical supervision verification form documenting your activities in supervised practice.
| License | Education | Experience | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| LBSW | Bachelor’s Degree | – | ABSW Bachelor’s |
| LMSW | Master’s Degree | – | ABSW Master’s |
| LMSW-AP | Master’s Degree | Two years | ABSW Adv Gen |
| LCSW | Master’s Degree | Two years | ABSW Clinical |
Can You Get A Social Work License by Endorsement In Texas?
Unfortunately, Texas does not have a formal agreement for reciprocity or endorsement with other states. However, if you have a license in another state and pass the ASWB, you can apply for a Texas license.
Social Work License Compact
The ASWB has worked with other organizations for years to create a social work licensing compact that would issue multi-state social work licenses. This is an ongoing process, though, and multi-state licenses are not available at the time of writing.
Additional Licensing Renewal And Continuing Education Information
Social workers with a Texas license must renew it every two years. Licensees in Texas must also complete required continuing education to keep their license current. In addition, they must complete thirty hours of continuing every two years.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Social Worker In Texas?
It typically takes most students four years to earn a bachelor’s degree and two additional years to earn a master’s degree. However, students with an undergraduate degree in Social Work can attend a program that offers advanced standing and complete an MSW in one year. After graduating, LBSW and LMSW students can sit for their ASWB exams and potentially receive a license in a few weeks.
| LBSW | 4+ years |
| LMSW, LMSW-AP | 6+ years |
| LCSW | 8+ years |
How Much Do Social Workers Make In Texas?
In May 2022, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the below Social Work career categories in Texas average salaries. How much does a social worker make in Texas? The average pay for social workers in Texas is $68,500/year. Texas ranks as the 4th highest-paying state for social workers.
Social Work Pay in Texas
Average pay for social workers nationally is as follows:
| Type of Social Worker | Average Annual Pay |
| General social workers | $61,420 |
| Healthcare social workers | $60,280 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | $51,240 |
| Child, family, and school social workers | $50,820 |
Resources For Social Workers in Texas
Additionally, information is available on Social Work in Texas from the organizations listed below.
- The Texas Society for Clinical Social Work
- Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
- National Association of Social Workers
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Your Social Work Career In Texas
If you are interested in Texas Social Worker jobs, Texas is a great place to start your career. The state offers some of the most affordable college tuition in the country. In addition, Texas has a list of excellent colleges and universities. The Social Work Degree Hub has ranked the Best Social Work Schools in Texas to help you get started!
