Becoming a Community Health Worker Instructor

A Community Health Worker (CHW) instructor is a person certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide instruction and training to CHWs or Promotores de Salud.

CHW instructors know about the role of a CHW, adult education methods, and curriculum development. CHW instructors provide culturally relevant education on the DSHS core competencies, and a diversity of health topics.

Requirements

In order to be certified as a CHWI in Texas, you must: 

1. Be a resident of Texas; OR
   Apply for alternative certification or exemption as military member, veteran, or military spouse.
2. Be at least 18 years old;
3. Submit a recent color photo; 
4. Complete a DSHS-certified 160-hour competency-based CHW Instructor training program; OR
   Have at least 1,000 hours of experience training individuals who provide community health work services, including CHWs, and other health care paraprofessionals and professionals in the past three (3) years. Experience will be verified with the supervisor(s) noted in the application.

Application

You must submit the following to DSHS:

1. Online application (available only in English at this time) or downloadable application (en español)
   • Online application instructions – based on completion of CHW training program
   • Online application instructions – based on CHW experience
2. Recent color photo (Photo Requirements)
3. Resume
4. Training certificate from a DSHS-certified CHW Instructor training program, or an employment/volunteer history verification form.  

DSHS will let you know if your application is approved, denied, or incomplete within 90 days. Review the application checklist to ensure your application is complete.

Note: To apply for alternative certification or exemption as military member, veteran, or military spouse:
follow the guidance here.

Expiration

Certifications are valid for two (2) years. Learn about renewal requirements or visit the DSHS Online Licensing Services website to find your instructor certification instructor certification number and/or expiration date.