Drug and Alcohol Education

Apply for a New Instructor Certification

TDLR is reviewing ways to enhance the training courses to improve user experiences by updating the course delivery through advances in technology. All those interested in participating, or seeking to complete, an initial instructor training workshop for the Court-Ordered Education Program (formerly known as the Offender Education program) should contact the Education and Examination Division with your contact information and which workshop(s) you are interested in attending when they become available.

As it becomes available, a member of TDLR staff will contact you with the new registration information. Please do not sign up for, register, pay for, or participate in any workshops until further notice from TDLR.

Educational Requirements

You must have a minimum of an associate’s degree in the field of psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, criminal justice, education, nursing, or health.

Additionally, you must complete an initial training course for each type of curriculum you wish to teach.

Endorsements

Endorsements determine which types of curriculum your license allows you to instruct. You must have at least one endorsement, but you may have multiple.

DWI Intervention

To obtain an endorsement as a DWI Intervention instructor, you must be one of the following:

licensed chemical dependency counselor
registered counselor intern
licensed social worker
licensed professional counselor
licensed professional counselor intern
licensed psychologist
licensed physician or psychiatrist

You must also have at least one year of documented experience in case management or education relating to substance abuse and/or mental health.

DWI Education, Drug Offense Education Programs, or Alcohol Education Programs for Minors

To obtain an endorsement to instruct courses in DWI Education, Drug Offense Education Programs, or Alcohol Education Programs for Minor, you must be one of the following:

licensed chemical dependency counselor
registered counselor intern
licensed social worker
licensed professional counselor
licensed professional counselor intern
certified teacher
licensed psychologist
licensed physician or psychiatrist
probation or parole officer
adult or child protective services worker
licensed vocational nurse, or
licensed registered nurse

You must also have a minimum of two years of relevant and documented experience providing direct client services to persons with substance abuse problems or mental disorders.

Application and Fees

To apply for a new license, complete and submit the Court Ordered Instructor License Application (PDF) form and select the appropriate endorsement(s).

The application fee is $50 and includes an endorsement to teach one type of curriculum.

You must successfully pass a criminal history background check.

Multiple Endorsements

You may obtain certification as an instructor in multiple types of court ordered education courses, but you must take the applicable offender initial training course for each type of curriculum you wish to teach.

The fee for adding additional endorsements is $45 per endorsement. An additional endorsement is required for each type of curriculum that you will teach.

To include multiple endorsements on your license, check the appropriate boxes on the application form and include the required fees with your application materials.

Applicants with Criminal Convictions

Please see the Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions, which describe the process by which TDLR determines whether a criminal conviction renders an applicant an unsuitable candidate for the license, or whether a conviction warrants revocation or suspension of a license previously granted.

Certified Instructors are required to report, in writing, any felony or misdemeanor convictions.