Certification for Military Service Members, Veterans, and their Spouses

Alternative Certification

A military service member, military spouse, or military veteran may apply for CHW or CHWI certification if the individual:

• Is currently certified in another state with certification requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of a certification in Texas, and the certification is in good standing; and
• Held the same certification in Texas within the preceding five years.

A military service member or military spouse must provide proof of residency in this state. This requirement is satisfied by providing a copy of the permanent change-of-station order assigning the military service member to a military installation in Texas.

An applicant requesting a certification under this section must meet all requirements for obtaining CHW and CHWI certification, including receiving appropriate credit for training, education, and professional experience.

Certification Exemptions

A military service member or military spouse may act as a CHW or CHWI, as if certified in Texas, without applying for certification from this state if the individual:

• Is currently certified in good standing by another jurisdiction that has CHW and CHWI certification requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements in this state;
• Notifies DSHS, in writing, of the military service member's or military spouse's intent to practice in this state;
• Submits proof of the military service member's or military spouse's residency in this state and a copy of the military service member or military spouse's military identification card;
• Receives from DSHS a verification letter that:
  • DSHS has verified the military service member's or military spouse's CHW or CHWI certification in another jurisdiction; and
  • The military service member or military spouse is authorized to engage in the business or occupation in accordance with the Texas statutes and rules for that business or occupation.
• To receive a verification letter, the military service member or military spouse, must submit:
  • A request to DSHS CHW Program for recognition of the military service member's or military spouse's CHW or CHWI certification issued by the other jurisdiction, on the DSHS Reciprocity Application Form;
  • Proof of residency in this state, which may include a copy of the permanent change-of-station order for the military service member;
  • A copy of the military service member's or military spouse's military identification card; and
  • Proof the military service member is stationed at a military installation in Texas.

Expiration of Verification Letter

The verification letter will expire three years from the date of issuance or when the military service member is no longer stationed at a military installation in Texas, whichever comes first. The verification letter may not be renewed.

In the event of a divorce or similar event that affects a person's status as a military spouse, the former military spouse who received a verification may continue to engage in the business or occupation under the authority of this section until the third anniversary of the date the spouse received the verification letter.

Conditions

The military service member or military spouse must comply with all applicable Texas laws, rules, and standards, including the applicable Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Occupations Code, and all relevant Texas Administrative Code provisions.

DSHS may revoke the verification letter at its discretion. Grounds for revocation include:

• The military service member or military spouse fails to comply with these conditions; and
• The military service member's or military spouse's certification required for this exemption expires or is suspended or revoked in another jurisdiction.

Application for Alternative Certification or Exemption

Reciprocity Application for Military Service Member, Military Veteran, and Military Spouse CHW or CHW Instructor Alternative Certification or Exemption.