Where can I get more information on Texas Licensing Board for Counselors?

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Every state has its own governing bodies for different entities that act as watchdogs for professional ethics and to make sure that educational requirements are met for these particular entities. The Texas licensing board for counselors, better known as Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors has the stringent duty to oversee the registry and application process for counselor licensure in the state of Texas.

The Texas licensing board for counselors, or the TSBEPC, consists of ten board members. Twenty-three regulatory programs make up the Licensing and Certification unit. The Texas Department of State Health Services is in charge of all activities that are carried out by the Texas Licensing Board for Counselors.

Some of the programs that DSHS regulate are Chemical Dependency Counselors, Code Enforcement Officers, Counselors, Licensing Program, Massage Therapy Program, Medical Physicists, Medical Radiologic Technologists, Response System Providers, and many others.

Licensing Information

Gathering information on applicants for administration of examinations, and issuing and evaluation of credentials are duties of the Texas licensing board for counselors. Along with conducting investigations of complaints and imposing disciplinary sanctions, the board monitors continuing education documents and activities.

In regard to exams, the licensure board is fairly lenient on options for clients who have difficulty passing. Senate Bill 913 was signed by the governor on Monday, June 17 2013 changing the amount of times an applicant can fail the test before having to meet other requirements. As of this date, an applicant can test 3 times before being required to take nine graduate hours in their weakest area or wait two years to retest.

The DSHS also works hand-in-hand with other councils to assist veterans with information about programs that are available to them when needed. The Texas Veterans’ Commission, the Texas Workforce Commission, and Office of the Governor are in unified collaboration to make sure our veterans get every opportunity for education in these areas before their time limits run out for training and continuing education.

Licensing Board Decisions

The Texas licensing board for counselors makes the decisions on licensure for exact items and prerequisites for all new licensing applicants. They also regulate particular rules for applying and they meet periodically to discuss success and failure rates of the examinations that are being offered. The board may, at any time, change through the voting process, which questions will be on the exams and what changes, if any, should be made in processing the exams.

The board may also hold symposiums and conferences. This can help the board become familiar with its members by getting to know them face-to-face. These gatherings are also used to circulate information about any changes made in the application process well before the exams occur and this will help applicants be more aware of what is expected of them.

The Texas State Board of Examiners for Professional Counselors may also create and disburse literature for their licensees. This literature is to help the clients know what kind of relationships to have with their counselors and what is to be expected during their visit.

The Texas licensing board for counselors meets often to discuss ethical issues, legislative updates, and ways to improve the examination process. It works much like any other board, determining eligibility of clients, holding elections for new board members, and conducting Robert’s Rules during meetings. The board also designates committees to extend their service by sending out occasional surveys to clients for feedback on issues that need to be addressed.