Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides mental health counseling. Requires MSW degree and clinical hours.

What the Texas data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

Becoming a licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Texas means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,527 training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and 2 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Texas regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $167 to get started, plus $141 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,527 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$167
Renewal Fee
$141
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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Compare all states for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) All Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas? ▼
Texas requires 3527 education/training hours, passing an exam (ASWB Clinical Exam), and an initial fee of $167. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas? ▼
Certification as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Texas means clearing the state's checklist: 3527 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Texas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Texas from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s nationally works like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Texas. Verify the specifics with the Texas licensing board.
Does Texas require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
Yes, Texas requires a criminal background check as part of the licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas? ▼
Texas ties continued licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $141 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.