Need to Know Information
Effective September 1, 2017:
House Bill 1508, requires training providers who offer educational programs that prepare an individual for an initial license, to notify enrollees in that program of the following:
1.Potential license ineligibility due to any criminal conviction,
2.The current TCEQ Criminal History Guidelines, RG 521, and
3.An applicant’s right to a criminal history evaluation for an initial TCEQ license.
To protect the training provider from potential liabilities associated with the notification requirements, TCEQ recommends the providers use the acknowledgement form provided. TCEQ will require documentation to be kept on file for a minimum of 5 years showing that each individual enrolled in the training has received and understood the information listed above by signing and returning to the training provider.
A criminal history evaluation is a process done ahead of a license application to determine eligibility for an occupational license. An applicant is eligible for an evaluation ONLY if they do not have a TCEQ license and intend to submit an application for a license. It is not available if the individual already holds a license with TCEQ.
A criminal history evaluation is strongly encouraged if the applicant is applying for a high risk license (as listed in RG-521) and has any of the following convictions or arrests in their criminal history: sexual offenses, violent/assaultive offenses, fraud or falsification of government documents, or property offenses like theft or burglary. A link to this form can be found on the TCEQ Criminal History web page.
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding this information, please contact occupational licensing at
(512) 239-6133 or via email at licenses@tceq.texas.gov and specify in the subject line that it is related to HB1508 Implementation.
Pre-Approval for TCEQ applications to test
As of September 9, 2016, all license applications must be pre-approved before an applicant may register to take an exam. All applicants must submit a TCEQ e-Application and pay all Application Fees prior to registering and taking a TCEQ License Exam.
For more information go to TCEQ Exam Schedule and Registration or TCEQ E-Application Instructions
Criminal Background Check
Effective August 20, 2012 a completed criminal history form is a required part of each license application. An application is deficient and cannot be processed until a Criminal Conviction Notification form has been completed and submitted.
Occupations Code. Title 2. Chapter 53. Subchapter A - D authorizes the TCEQ to consider criminal backgrounds on all applicants attempting to obtain or renew a license. The types of convictions requiring evaluation and the considerations being used to determine eligibility to obtain or renew a license are outlined in the guidance document linked below.
Criminal Conviction Guidelines (PDF)
If you receive an application deficiency for not having completed this form, you can complete the form online at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/criminal-conviction-notification ,download a paper copy online at PDF Format, or request a paper copy at Licenses@tceq.texas.gov. The form may be faxed to: TCEQ Occupational Licensing at 512-239-6272 or emailed to Licenses@tceq.texas.gov.
Websites to Assist You in Completing the Form:
TxDPS Public Criminal History Search: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/
Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/pages/applicantfingerprintservices.htm
To locate Conviction Docket Numbers, etc., you will need to contact the court in which you were convicted: http://www.courts.state.tx.us/
Criminal Background Evaluation:
Individuals who believe that they may be ineligible to obtain an initial license due to a conviction or deferred adjudication may request an evaluation of their criminal conviction history prior to applying for the license. To request an evaluation, you may contact TCEQ at (512) 239-6133 or licenses@tceq.texas.gov to request a paper Criminal Conviction Evaluation form be mailed to you. Evaluations will not be performed for individuals that already have a TCEQ license or for individuals that are not actively seeking to obtain a TCEQ Occupational license.
Effective September 1, 2017:
House Bill 1508, requires training providers who offer educational programs that prepare an individual for an initial license, to notify enrollees in that program of the following:
1.Potential license ineligibility due to any criminal conviction,
2.The current TCEQ Criminal History Guidelines, RG 521, and
3.An applicant’s right to a criminal history evaluation for an initial TCEQ license.
To protect the training provider from potential liabilities associated with the notification requirements, TCEQ recommends the providers use the acknowledgement form provided. TCEQ will require documentation to be kept on file for a minimum of 5 years showing that each individual enrolled in the training has received and understood the information listed above by signing and returning to the training provider.
A criminal history evaluation is a process done ahead of a license application to determine eligibility for an occupational license. An applicant is eligible for an evaluation ONLY if they do not have a TCEQ license and intend to submit an application for a license. It is not available if the individual already holds a license with TCEQ.
A criminal history evaluation is strongly encouraged if the applicant is applying for a high risk license (as listed in RG-521) and has any of the following convictions or arrests in their criminal history: sexual offenses, violent/assaultive offenses, fraud or falsification of government documents, or property offenses like theft or burglary. A link to this form can be found on the TCEQ Criminal History web page.
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding this information, please contact occupational licensing at
(512) 239-6133 or via email at licenses@tceq.texas.gov and specify in the subject line that it is related to HB1508 Implementation.
Pre-Approval for TCEQ applications to test
As of September 9, 2016, all license applications must be pre-approved before an applicant may register to take an exam. All applicants must submit a TCEQ e-Application and pay all Application Fees prior to registering and taking a TCEQ License Exam.
For more information go to TCEQ Exam Schedule and Registration or TCEQ E-Application Instructions
Criminal Background Check
Effective August 20, 2012 a completed criminal history form is a required part of each license application. An application is deficient and cannot be processed until a Criminal Conviction Notification form has been completed and submitted.
Occupations Code. Title 2. Chapter 53. Subchapter A - D authorizes the TCEQ to consider criminal backgrounds on all applicants attempting to obtain or renew a license. The types of convictions requiring evaluation and the considerations being used to determine eligibility to obtain or renew a license are outlined in the guidance document linked below.
Criminal Conviction Guidelines (PDF)
If you receive an application deficiency for not having completed this form, you can complete the form online at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/criminal-conviction-notification ,download a paper copy online at PDF Format, or request a paper copy at Licenses@tceq.texas.gov. The form may be faxed to: TCEQ Occupational Licensing at 512-239-6272 or emailed to Licenses@tceq.texas.gov.
Websites to Assist You in Completing the Form:
TxDPS Public Criminal History Search: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/
Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/pages/applicantfingerprintservices.htm
To locate Conviction Docket Numbers, etc., you will need to contact the court in which you were convicted: http://www.courts.state.tx.us/
Criminal Background Evaluation:
Individuals who believe that they may be ineligible to obtain an initial license due to a conviction or deferred adjudication may request an evaluation of their criminal conviction history prior to applying for the license. To request an evaluation, you may contact TCEQ at (512) 239-6133 or licenses@tceq.texas.gov to request a paper Criminal Conviction Evaluation form be mailed to you. Evaluations will not be performed for individuals that already have a TCEQ license or for individuals that are not actively seeking to obtain a TCEQ Occupational license.