To practice in Texas, all applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 503. This includes specific academic qualifications and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience. These requirements cannot be waived.
Texas does not offer reciprocity or temporary licensure. Licensure is based on the client’s physical location—if the client is physically in Texas at the time of services, the provider must hold Texas licensure, regardless of where the provider is licensed.
Required Documentation with Foreign Degrees:
To avoid delays, ensure all items listed below are attached to your online application.
1. Foreign Degree Evaluation – The evaluation must be sent directly to the Council by one of the following evaluation services:
- National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE)
2. Practicum Documentation Form – May be completed by a faculty or administrative member of the counseling program or the site where the practicum hours were gained. A letter from the University is also acceptable.
3. Texas LPC Jurisprudence Examination Certificate – Completed within six months of application submission.
4. Verification Form – Must include disciplinary action. If not included, must be submitted in another format.
5. Supervised Experience Documentation Form – The form may be completed by a former board-approved supervisor or the regulatory agency in the other jurisdiction.
Additional Documents from Third Parties (Cannot Be Uploaded with Your Application):
- NCE/NCMHCE Scores – Contact NBCC to request your score verification be sent directly to the Texas Portal. To register, visit https://www.nbcc.org/licensure/examregistration. NBCC typically forwards the verification within 6–8 weeks after your exam.
- National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report – We accept an official electronic version or a mailed copy from NPDB. Request the self-query and forward the unopened copy to us. For details, see the NPDB self-query information here.
- Fingerprinting – After submitting your online application, you’ll receive instructions by email for fingerprinting. Locations are nationwide, and a fee is paid directly to the facility.
- Official Transcripts with Certified English Translation – Official transcripts must include a certified English translation by one of the following:
- The issuing institution.
- A translator certified by the American Translators Association.
- A reputable foreign translator or translation service.
Official transcripts must be sent directly to the board and cannot be uploaded with your online application. Electronic delivery is preferred, but hard copies are accepted.
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- Electronic transcripts should be sent to: transcripts@bhec.texas.gov
- Hardcopy transcripts should be mailed to: BHEC LPC Transcripts, 1801 Congress Ave, Ste. 7.300, Austin, TX 78701
Military Service Members, Veterans, and their Spouses – If you or your spouse have qualifying military service, please complete the Military Supplemental Form.
- Account set up instructions can be found here.
- Online Licensing System User Guide instructions can be found here.
- Once you have all the required documentation proceed to the Online Licensing System. Paper applications are no longer accepted and will be returned if received.
