LPCs in Texas need to renew their license biennially: once every two years. At least 30 days prior to the renewal date, you will receive a postcard informing you that your license requires renewal. You can renew the license online up to 60 days before expiry.
Learn more about the steps for license renewal in Texas with this guide.
How To Renew Your License As An LPC In Texas
An LPC has to renew their license every two years in the state of Texas. You will be notified at least 30 days in advance of the renewal date, and can access the renewal module of the Online Licensing System approximately 60 days before expiration.
Make sure to note when your renewal is required, and start early! Missing the deadline will incur a fee.
All license renewals are now completed online, via the online licensing system. Renewals are issued by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).
Ensure Your Contact Information Is Kept Up To Date
It’s important to keep your contact information accurate throughout the year, but this becomes essential when you need to renew your license. At least 30 days prior to the renewal date, you will be contacted with a reminder postcard. If this is sent to the wrong address, you might forget the renewal altogether.
If you need to change your address, you can do so via the Online Licensing System for the state of Texas. This is a free service. If you haven’t previously registered an account, you’ll need to create one in advance of your renewal.
Once you’ve logged in, select “Manage your license information”, and then click “Mailing Address Change”. Follow the instructions on screen, entering your new information, and check for accuracy.
Once you’ve submitted the information, your address will update automatically, and you should receive an email confirming the change.
The online portal can be used to update your home and business address, your email address, and your phone number. It can also be used for any name changes, although you will need supporting documentation. Name changes are not automatic, and require verification from the BHEC.
Prior to renewing your license, we recommend checking the information is accurate and up to date. Incorrect information can slow down the renewal process significantly.
Continuing Education Needed For Renewal
The Texas State board requires all LPCs complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education during each period they hold the license.
In addition, at least 4 of these hours must be focused on ethics, and 2 of these hours specifically related to ethics in Texas.
If you complete and pass the jurisprudence examination, it can be claimed as 1 hour of ethics credit. All Texas LPC must complete the jurisprudence examination for every renewal.
What Counts As Continuing Education?
Any LPC must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) in each licensing period. All 24 hours can be taken online, but they must be from accepted courses and providers.
The Texas LPC renewal board will accept courses from providers that have been approved by the NBCC, APA, and ASWB.
The Texas Administrative Code states that:
- All continuing education must be related to the practice of professional counseling.
- The individual(s) presenting the information must have relevant experience and knowledge of the topic.
- The presenter must be able to provide the LPC with proof of attendance, including the topic covered, the date of the course, and the relevant hours of the course.
- The presenter must also provide each LPC with a method for evaluation of each CE activity.
Documenting Proof
Each month, 5% of LPCs eligible for renewal are randomly selected for a Continuing Education (CE) hours audit. When this happens, license holders are required to submit any documentation and proof confirming their hours in further education.
Audits can also be requested for license holders with an irregularity in their continuing education requirements. If you are being audited, you will be contacted by the renewal board, and asked to provide documented proof of your CE hours.
As audits happen at random, it’s essential that all LPCs in Texas record and document their continuing education hours.
If you aren’t requested for an audit, then you do not need to provide any documentation regarding your continuing education hours. But keep in mind, any suspected irregularities in the information given can result in a full audit.
HHSC Approved Human Trafficking Prevention Training Course
All LPC license holders in Texas are required to complete an HHSC approved human trafficking prevention training course.
The HHSC has a list of approved courses on their website, and the list is updated as new courses are approved. If you choose a course that isn’t listed by the HHSC, then it won’t be accepted when you need to renew your license.
Fingerprint Information
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council requires any LPC renewing their license to undergo electronic fingerprinting. This will be requested when you complete the renewal form.
Electronic fingerprinting takes roughly 15 minutes to complete, and there are facilities around the country.
If you haven’t undergone electronic fingerprinting, you will be provided with the necessary information when you receive your renewal postcard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renewing Your LPC In Texas
What Happens If I Renew My LPC Late?
You can renew your license within 90 days of expiration, but this does incur a late fee. If the license has expired for over 90 days but less than one year, it can also be renewed, but the late fee increases.
After one year of expiration, the license can’t be renewed, but you can apply for reinstatement.
Is There An LPC Renewal Fee In Texas?
Yes, there is a standard renewal fee. Renewing late will also incur a late fee.
How Long Does It Take To Renew An LPC License In Texas?
Assuming a smooth process, it takes roughly 3 business days to renew a license in Texas (see also ‘Texas Psychologist License‘). If you need to complete CE auditing, or electronic fingerprinting, it can take longer.
Final Thoughts
Texas requires LPC renewal every two years, and applicants must complete 24 hours of continuing education for approval. With all your details in order, the application process is relatively quick and easy.