The Council honors and supports our military personnel and veterans returning to civilian life and wishes to thank them for the sacrifices that they and their families have made on behalf of our nation. The skills that men and women acquire in the Armed Forces are valuable. These skills may benefit an individual who decides to pursue a career in behavioral health. In accordance with Section 55.010 of the Occupations Code, the Council has adopted several rules to streamline the licensing of military service members, their spouses, and military veterans.
Read below to learn about the benefits offered by the Council to military service members, spouses, and veterans. To request one of these benefits, complete this Military Supplemental Form and provide it with your license application. Find more information about applying for a license on these webpages:
Alternative Path to Licensure
The Council will issue a license to a military service member or their spouse, or a military veteran, if the applicant holds a current license in another jurisdiction that has license requirements substantially equal to the requirements for the license sought in Texas. For more details, see Council Rule 882.60.
Each professional board has the authority to define the method for determining whether a jurisdiction’s licensure requirements are substantially equivalent to Texas. Please review the applicable board’s rule for more details regarding minimum licensure requirements.
In rare circumstances, the Executive Director may waive a specific requirement for licensure for an applicant described above, if it is determined that the applicant’s education, training, and experience provide reasonable assurance that the applicant has the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level practice under the license sought. No waiver will be granted where an applicant holds a license issued by another jurisdiction that has been restricted or where the applicant has a disqualifying criminal history.
Recognition of Out-of-State License in Lieu of Texas License
Military service members and their spouses who hold a license in good standing in another jurisdiction may engage in their occupation without obtaining a Texas license. Before doing so, the service member or spouse must notify the Council of the intent to practice without a Texas license and receive official recognition from the Council that statutory requirements are met. The license held in the other jurisdiction must be of a similar scope of practice and have substantially equivalent licensing requirements to the Texas license.
A service member or their spouse may only practice under this recognition for the period during which the military service member is stationed at a Texas military installation.
For more details, see Council Rule 882.61.
Credit Toward Education, Training, and Experience Requirement
Military service members and veterans may receive credit toward license eligibility requirements based upon verifiable military service, training, and education. This credit cannot extend to a waiver of any examination requirements. Please review the applicable board’s rule for more details regarding recognition of qualified experience.
Waiver of Application and Examination Fees
The Council shall waive all application fees for the following applicants:
- Military service members and veterans receiving a license based on their military service, training, or education.
- Military service members and their spouses, and veterans, who hold a current license issued by another jurisdiction.
Renewal Requirements
In addition to the above license eligibility accommodations, statute allows military service members up to two years additional time to complete all continuing education and other requirements to renew their license with the Council. Further, the Council will not impose any surcharge or increase in renewal fees for military service members who fail to renew their license in a timely manner because they were actively serving in the military at the time of renewal.
Other Military Benefits
Military service members and veterans are also encouraged to review their eligibility for benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill and Post-9/11 G.I. Bill prior to applying for licensure. Military service members and veterans meeting certain criteria are eligible for reimbursement of certain licensing examination fees under these programs. A general overview of the program benefits, as well as instructions for applying for benefits can be found on the Texas Veterans Commission website.
