Keeping up with continuing education (CE) is part of every Texas LPC's professional life, and the rules have changed in recent years. Here is a plain-language overview of what the Texas LPC rules require, based on the rules in effect as of 2026. Always confirm current requirements with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) before you renew.
How many CE hours do Texas LPCs need?
The rule (22 Tex. Admin. Code § 681.140) requires 24 hours of CE during each renewal period, including:
- 6 hours in ethics
- 3 hours in cultural diversity or competency
Extra CE for LPC-Supervisors
If you hold supervisor status, you must also complete 6 hours of CE in supervision. Supervisors often forget this until renewal time, so plan for it early.
Who can provide acceptable CE?
At least half of your CE must come from acceptable providers listed in the rule, which include professional associations, accredited colleges and universities, government entities, hospitals, and licensees with LPC-S status, among others. The Council does not pre-approve CE providers or courses, so it is up to you to make sure a training fits the rule.
CE Broker is now required
Starting January 1, 2026, BHEC requires licensees with CE requirements to create a CE Broker account and report their hours there. A license cannot be renewed until sufficient CE is reported. Courses from providers registered with CE Broker may be recorded automatically; otherwise, you enter them yourself.
Keep your records
Your CE certificate should show your name, the topic, the date(s), and the hours earned. Keep proof of completion for at least three years after the renewal period, in case of an audit.
Carrying hours forward
The rule allows up to 10 hours earned during the current renewal period to carry over to the next one, which can help if you complete extra training.
Making CE meaningful
CE does not have to be a box to check. Look for trainings that change how you practice: experiential, culturally responsive, and taught by experienced clinicians. My trainings for Texas LPCs include trauma-informed and multicultural practice (helpful for cultural diversity hours), expressive arts, a 6-hour supervision CE workshop for LPC-Supervisors, and the Texas 40-hour LPC supervisor training.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; verify current requirements with BHEC.
Dr. Nancy Thomas, PhD, LPC-S is a counselor educator, Texas Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, and national speaker on faith and mental health, trauma, multicultural counseling, and supervision. Read more about Dr. Thomas.