If your application was denied due to the results of your background check, there may be some alternative options available. If you are eligible for the Justice Involved Exception Process (JIEP), the certification board will inform you in an email. The email will explain that your application was rejected due to your criminal history/background check results and will offer you the JIEP option. The email will include detailed information and list the time constraints for submitting your JIEP documents for review and consideration.
Justice Involved Exception Process (JIEP)
The Texas Certification Board exception process allows exemptions to denials under this section due to extraordinary or extenuating circumstances specific to the applicant’s life since conviction.
The applicant has 30 calendar days from the date of denial to apply. The certification applicant will be considered after the following waiting period, depending on the verification of accomplishments during the waiting period.
| Category of conviction | Time period after conviction to qualify for Exception Submission |
| 1 | Lifetime (not eligible for exception, must submit an appeal) |
| 2 | Five (5) years |
| 3 | Five (5) years |
| 4 | Three (3) years |
| 5 | Two (2) years |
Applicants should not submit exemption requests until after the Exception Submission time
period has been met. The applicant will be required to submit information verifying recovery.
The following are the documents needed when requesting a JIEP:
- Submit a signed personal statement no longer than one page.
- Submit three signed letters from sponsors or coaches who have worked with the individual.
- Signed statements/letters from employers, counselors, or any person who can verify that the applicant has continued to successfully lead a recovery lifestyle.
- No outstanding charges and/or arrests.
Further,
- Once charges and/or arrests have been resolved, the applicant can submit an exemption request.
- Review TAC RULE ⸹354.3201 for more information.
- Provide another justice-involved background check or other official documents indicating that the charge/arrest has been resolved.
The Texas Certification Board Standards Committee will review the application submitted by the
certification applicant. The Candidate may be required to agree to an evaluation by an LMHP,
LCDC, or one of TAPNET’s screeners.
If the Exception Submission application is denied, the candidate may appeal through the Texas
Certification Board Appeals process.
Peer Academy does not oversee the Certification or Justice Involved Exception Process, and can not provide additional information on these processes other than what is listed in this section.
For any questions about the JIEP, please contact the Texas Certification Board directly.
