CHW Core Competencies Update

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Core Competencies are a set of skills, knowledge, and qualities promotores/Community Health Workers (CHWs) and CHW instructors must demonstrate. To be certified as a CHW or CHW instructor in Texas, you must show evidence of mastery through training or significant experience. The current eight core competencies include communication, interpersonal, service coordination, capacity-building, advocacy, teaching, organizational, and knowledge base on specific health issues.

DSHS approved updates to the core competencies in August 2024 to:

  • Support expanded and diverse CHW roles that are essential to improving the health of Texans; and
  • Incorporate nationally recognized standards.

These changes will be effective as of February 1, 2026, and all training centers must utilize an initial training curriculum that aligns with the new competencies by August 1, 2026.

You can find a complete list of the DSHS core competencies and a summary of the changes below. This webpage will be updated as we make progress.

Announcements

The DSHS Community Health Worker (CHW) Program worked with the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Branch to hold focus groups with CHWs and CHW Instructors from certified training centers across Texas. The goal was to hear their thoughts and get feedback on how the updated core competencies will be put into practice. This input will help shape how the updates are rolled out. The CHW Program presented a summary of the focus group results at the CHW Advisory Committee meeting on July 29, 2025. View the presentation.

Summary of Changes to Core Competencies

  • Some topics have been expanded:
    • Interpersonal Skills becomes Interpersonal and Relationship-Building Skills
    • Service Coordination Skills becomes Service Coordination and Navigation Skills
    • Teaching Skills becomes Teaching and Education Skills
    • New core competency: Evaluation and Research Skills
  • Changes to the wording of some skill descriptions

What does this mean for you?

CHWs

The changes mean that you will have additional skills you can list on your resume! Your Texas certification will still meet or exceed nationally recognized standards for CHWs, placing you at the top of the field.

Existing CHWs

Your certification will not be affected. As part of the 20 hours of continuing education required to renew your certification you will be able to choose CEUs relating to the new or expanded core competencies to improve your skills.

New CHWs

If you plan to apply for a new CHW certification on or after February 1, 2026, you must take a certification course from a training center certified by DSHS.

CHW Instructors

As a CHWI, you must know the changes that have occurred. Study the core competency changes and be ready to explain them when needed.

Existing CHWIs

Your certification will not be affected. As part of the 20 hours of continuing education required to renew your certification you will be able to choose CEUs relating to the new or expanded core competencies to improve your skills.

New CHWIs

If you plan to apply for a new CHWI certification on or after February 1, 2026, you must take a certification course from a training center certified by DSHS.

Training Centers

Your course curriculum must be updated to reflect the new and updated core competencies. The updated initial certification curriculum must be at minimum 180 hours and include 20 hours for each of the nine CHW Core Competencies. The curriculum must have at least nine modules, one for each of the nine CHW Core Competencies. Lessons and activities in each module must cover and align with the learning objectives listed under the Core Competency Detailed Changes.

You need to be prepared to answer questions from CHWs in your area about the changes. The DSHS Community Health Worker (CHW) or Promotor(a) Training and Certification Program (CHW Program) developed Frequently Asked Questions with guidance to implement the changes. Monitor the CHW Program webpage for announcements on the enhanced Core Competencies and messaging to align with your communications and curriculum materials. Contact the CHW Program for technical assistance.

Key Implementation Milestones

August 2024

  • DSHS approved the proposed changes.

January 2025 – May 2025

  • Conduct interviews and focus groups, and develop report

May 2025 – June 2025

  • Plan and develop an implementation plan based on the report findings

June 2025 – January 2026

  • Execute implementation plan

February 1, 2026

  • Enhance core competencies to become effective
  • Curricula submitted to DSHS must align with the new enhanced core competencies

July 31, 2026

  • New “Evaluation and Research Skills” training module curriculum must be certified by DSHS

August 1, 2026

  • Training centers must be using curricula that align with the new core competencies

CHW Core Competencies Enhancement Project Focus Groups Findings

Core Competency Detailed Changes

Changes are shown below in bold. 

Questions? Email the CHW Program at chw@dshs.texas.gov