TX SW Juris study guide
TX SW Juris · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Texas Social Worker Jurisprudence Examination is the state-specific examination associated with social work licensure in Texas. It is administered under the umbrella of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), which was created by the 86th Legislature in 2019 and consists of four member boards, including the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. The TX SW Juris study guide has 4 sections and about 1,479 words.
01Texas Social Work Practice Act and Scope of Practice by License Level
Chapter 505 of the Texas Occupations Code is the enabling statute: it creates the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE), protects titles such as "social worker" and "clinical social worker," and separates two ideas candidates must never blur - the broad practice of social work (services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities) and clinical social work , meaning the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and developmental disorders (DSM/ICD), including psychotherapy. Clinical work is reserved to master's-level licensees.
373 words, about 2 min02Board Rules: Licensure, Supervision, and Independent Practice
The board's rules sit in Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 781. They govern application and examination (the ASWB exam matched to license level plus the Texas jurisprudence exam), background checks, renewal on a two-year cycle with continuing education including required ethics hours, supervision, and the standards for independent practice.
351 words, about 2 min03Code of Conduct: Ethics, Confidentiality, and Boundaries
The code of conduct in Chapter 781 governs competence, informed consent, nondiscrimination, fees, records, advertising, termination and referral, and professional boundaries. Confidentiality is the core duty: disclose only with valid written authorization or when law requires or permits it.
367 words, about 2 min04Mandatory Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Complaint/Disciplinary Processes
Child abuse and neglect: Under Family Code Chapter 261, professionals - social workers included - must report suspected abuse or neglect to DFPS through the Texas Abuse Hotline no later than 48 hours after first having cause to believe it. The duty is personal: telling a supervisor or agency designee does not discharge it.
388 words, about 2 min