Here’s what the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) asks of licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers at renewal, and the courses built around each requirement.
Renewal requirements
LPC and LPC-S
- 24 hours of continuing education each 2-year renewal period (22 TAC 681.140).
- 6 hours of ethics.
- 3 hours on serving a distinct population (formerly cultural diversity).
- Pass the Texas jurisprudence exam each renewal. It earns 1 ethics hour.
- LPC-S: 6 of your hours in supervision.
LMFT and LMFT-S
- 30 hours of continuing education each 2-year renewal period (22 TAC 801.261).
- 6 hours of ethics.
- 3 hours on serving a distinct population.
- If you provide telehealth: 2 hours in technology-assisted services.
- LMFT-S: 6 hours in supervision, plus the jurisprudence exam.
Social workers (LBSW, LMSW, LCSW)
- 30 hours of continuing education each 2-year renewal period (22 TAC 781.501).
- 6 hours of ethics.
- 3 hours on serving a distinct population.
- Supervisors: 6 hours in supervision.
Rules for every license
- When: licenses renew every 2 years, due the last day of your birth month (22 TAC 883.1).
- The 50% rule: at least half of your hours come from recognized providers, such as national associations of behavioral health professionals. BHEC confirmed to us in writing that courses from NBCC and NAADAC approved providers count toward it. We’re both.
- Online courses count. Texas doesn’t limit online hours. The 1-hour self-study limit covers activities you do on your own, not organized courses from a CE provider.
- Human trafficking training: if you provide direct patient care, complete an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course each renewal (Texas Occupations Code Chapter 116). It counts as 1 CE hour. Our courses don’t include it.
- Extra hours: up to 10 hours beyond your requirement can carry forward to your next renewal period.
Courses for each requirement
Ethics for LPCs and LMFTs (6 hours)
Texas Ethics: Compliance, Jurisprudence, and Avoiding Disciplinary Action. Self-paced, 6 CE hours, $15.
See the courseEthics for social workers (6 hours)
Texas Social Work Ethics: Standards of Practice and Avoiding Disciplinary Action. Built on the Chapter 781 social work rules for LBSWs, LMSWs, and LCSWs. Self-paced, 6 CE hours, $14.
See the courseDistinct population (3 hours)
Cultural Diversity and Competency in Texas Practice. BHEC still accepts cultural competency and diversity training for this requirement. Self-paced, 3 CE hours, $15.
See the courseSupervision (6 hours)
Clinical Supervision: Models, Methods, and Texas Rules. For LPC-S, LMFT-S, and LCSW-S holders. Self-paced, 6 CE hours, $17.
See the courseTelehealth
Telehealth in Texas: Legal and Ethical Standards. Built for LMFTs who provide telehealth and anyone practicing online. Self-paced, 4 CE hours, $10.
See the courseJurisprudence exam prep
Texas Jurisprudence Exam Prep. A short review before you take the Board’s exam. Self-paced, 1 CE hour, $5.
See the courseSocial work jurisprudence review (1 hour)
Texas Social Work Jurisprudence Review. A short review of the Texas social work laws and rules for LBSWs, LMSWs, and LCSWs. Self-paced, 1 CE hour, $5.
See the courseBundles
Texas Social Work Complete 30-Hour Renewal Bundle
For LBSWs, LMSWs, and LCSWs. Texas Social Work Ethics (6), Cultural Diversity and Competency in Texas Practice (3), Texas Social Work Jurisprudence Review (1), Telehealth in Texas (4), Diagnosis and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders (6), Addiction Counseling Competencies, TAP 21 (8), and Gambling Addiction Treatment (2). 30 CE hours, $65.
See the bundleTexas LPC Complete 24-Hour Renewal Bundle
Texas Ethics (6), Cultural Diversity and Competency in Texas Practice (3), Texas Jurisprudence Exam Prep (1), Diagnosis and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders (6), and Addiction Counseling Competencies, TAP 21 (8). 24 CE hours, $65.
See the bundleTexas LPC-S Complete 23-Hour Renewal Bundle
Clinical Supervision: Models, Methods, and Texas Rules (6), Texas Ethics (6), Cultural Diversity and Competency in Texas Practice (3), and Addiction Counseling Competencies, TAP 21 (8). 23 CE hours, $65.
See the bundleACS 45-Hour Training Program
For supervisors working toward the national Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential. 10 self-paced courses, 45 hours, $250. You then apply to the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE).
See the ACS programCommon questions
How many CE hours do Texas LPCs need?
Texas LPCs complete 24 hours of continuing education each 2-year renewal period, including 6 hours of ethics and 3 hours on serving a distinct population. LPCs also pass the Texas jurisprudence exam each renewal, and LPC-S holders put 6 of their hours toward supervision (22 TAC 681.140).
How many CE hours do Texas LMFTs and social workers need?
Texas LMFTs and social workers complete 30 hours each 2-year renewal period, including 6 hours of ethics and 3 hours on serving a distinct population. Supervisors put 6 of their hours toward supervision (22 TAC 801.261 and 781.501).
Is there a CE bundle for Texas social workers?
Yes. The Texas Social Work Complete 30-Hour Renewal Bundle has all 30 hours for LBSWs, LMSWs, and LCSWs in seven self-paced courses, including 6 hours of social work ethics and 3 hours on a distinct population, for $65. It doesn’t include supervision hours or the HHSC-approved human trafficking training.
Can I take all of my Texas CE online?
Yes. Texas doesn’t limit online hours. The 1-hour self-study limit covers activities you do on your own, not organized courses from a CE provider like ours.
Do NBCC-approved courses count toward the Texas 50% rule?
Yes. BHEC confirmed to us in writing that courses from NBCC and NAADAC approved providers count toward the 50% of hours that come from recognized providers.
Do I have to report my CE through CE Broker?
Yes. Texas renewals now require reporting CE through CE Broker. We’re a registered provider for the Texas LPC, MFT, and social work boards, so passing the post-test reports your hours for you.
Texas LPC and LMFT coursesTexas social work courses
Last reviewed October 16, 2026.
Our Texas courses and bundles are designed around Texas requirements. They are not approved or endorsed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, which does not pre-approve continuing education providers or courses.
“Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) 45-Hour Training Program” for Credentialing & Education (CCE) registered 1019-ACS training provider. This course is approved as a 45 hours for ACS training course.
Dr. Paulson Professional Counseling LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7987. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Dr. Paulson Professional Counseling LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
