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.

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