The following button (link) will take you to the Council’s online licensing system where you can apply for a new license or renew an existing license.
Note: If you experience technical difficulties logging into or using the online licensing system, please check first the compatibility of your browser by reviewing the compatibility information located at the bottom of the online licensing system login page. If that does not resolve the issue, please contact the HPC Helpdesk for technical assistance.
If you need to set up an account in the online licensing system or need help navigating the system, please review the How-To User Guides webpage (found in the left-hand menu) for assistance.
Current Application Processing Timelines
Applying for a License
Start the process by reading carefully the laws and rules for licensure in Texas. Doing so will help you know whether you meet the requirements to obtain a license to practice marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, psychology, or social work. In particular, you should pay careful attention to each of the following:
- 22 TAC 882.1, the rule that governs how the Council processes applications;
- 22 TAC 882.2, the rule that sets out the general requirements for all applications, regardless of the type of license sought; and
- the application packet for the license sought, with particular attention paid to the checklist of items and forms needed to apply for that license.
Prospective applicants can download the application packet for the license sought by clicking on the link for the board charged with determining the license qualifications for that particular profession. The website for each board will provide further instruction on the minimum qualifications necessary to obtain a license, as well as the checklist of items and forms needed to apply for licensure.
Information for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Information for Prospective Applicants with Criminal Backgrounds
NOTE: Applicants with foreign degrees must also comply with 22 TAC 882.11, the rule governing how the Council reviews foreign degrees.
No Pre-Evaluation or Pre-Approval of Education, Training, or Experience
Please be aware that the Council does not pre-evaluate applications, education, or training. It is incumbent upon each individual seeking licensure to ensure that his or her education, training, and experience meets the requirements of the law.
The primary responsibility of a regulatory body is to protect the interests of the public and not to advocate for the profession or its members. The Council works to ensure that the services provided by its licensees are ethical, competent, and consistent with acceptable standards. To that extent, staff will assist you as much as possible in going through the application process and in understanding applicable provisions of statutes and rules, but it is your responsibility to make sure all requirements have been met.
Applicants may contact staff with questions about licensure if they are unable to find an answer to their question after reviewing the relevant application packet and the Council’s website and rules. Please review these resources carefully however, before contacting the Council.
Electronic Delivery of Transcripts to Licensing Division
Transcripts must be received by the Council directly from the awarding institution, a transcript or credential delivery service, or a credentials bank that utilizes primary source verification. To help ensure the transcripts received are associated with an applicant’s file, transcripts may be delivered by email to Transcripts@bhec.texas.gov. Only emails containing transcripts are permitted at this address. Questions, requests for information, or other application materials sent to this email address will be deleted without a response.
Electronic Delivery of Certified NPDB Self-Query Reports to Licensing Division
In lieu of submitting your self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) by mail, you may submit a certified self-query report by email to NPDB@bhec.texas.gov. Only emails containing certified self-query reports will be accepted at this address. Questions, requests for information, or other application materials sent to this email address will be deleted without a response.
Reports submitted by email must be certified self-query reports, i.e., a PDF that ensures the self-query is exactly as it was issued by the NPDB. Scanned printouts of certified self-query reports will not be accepted.
