The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council partners with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to allow prospective licensees to apply for the exam directly to ASWB. Prospective social workers in Texas benefit by being allowed to take the examination in a timelier fashion. This, in turn, frees up Council staff to focus solely on license applications resulting in faster license processing times. ASWB examinations for Texas are listed below:
- Baccalaureate Social Worker
- Master’s Social Worker
- Clinical Social Worker
Overview of the Examination and Licensing Process
For Baccalaureate and Master’s examinations, If you have graduated from your social work program or are in your last semester, please click on the button below to begin the exam registration process.
For Clinical examination, if you have received qualifying degree and completed at least two years of clinical supervised experience, please click on the button below to begin the exam registration process.
Should you have any questions regarding the registration process, please submit your questions to:
ASWB, Attn: Texas Applications
17126 Mountain Run Vista Court
Culpeper, VA 22701
Email: texas@aswb.org
Dedicated application queue toll free number: 866-825-9580
ASWB home page: https://www.aswb.org/
ASWB’s animated video helps exam candidates understand the testing process, what to expect on exam day, and how to request special accommodations.
Once you have passed your examination AND graduated from your program, complete and submit an online application for the appropriate license using the Council’s online licensing system. You can access the online licensing system by clicking on the button below.
When you apply, you will be asked a series of questions to determine the type of license you are applying for and to gauge your eligibility. It is imperative that you answer these questions accurately, as fees submitted for applications before graduation and exam passage will not be refunded.
During the online application process, you will be prompted to upload supporting documentation (ex. Jurisprudence Exam Certificate). Please be sure to have that documentation ready and available when you begin the process.
You will also need to contact your Social Work Program and request an official copy of your transcripts be sent to our office. The Council prefers electronic submission to transcripts@bhec.texas.gov .
Once your online application is accepted, you will be sent information on how to complete the Council’s fingerprinting process that is required by law of all new applicants effective 09/01/2020.
ASWB will make your exam score available to the Council via a secure portal. Council staff will associate the scores to your application.
Once all requirements are met, staff will issue a license and send it to your mailing address.
Important Caveats
- If you hold a Social Worker license in another state and are coming to Texas, you have already passed the ASWB examination and should apply directly with the Council rather than through ASWB.
- If you have a criminal record, the license processing time may be longer to allow for sufficient review of any conviction history.