Category: Occupational Licensing

To identify problems in occupational licensure and help states find solutions, The Council of State Governments (CSG), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices created in 2017 the Occupational Licensing Policy Learning Consortium, a partnership of 16 states. This work is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration. The Consortium has strengthened understanding of occupational licensure issues among participating states by providing a forum for the state leaders and stakeholder professions to learn about occupational licensing best practices, become familiar with and discuss the existing licensing policies in their state and identify current policies that create unnecessary barriers to labor market entry, especially for disproportionately affected populations. States also were tasked with creating an action plan that focuses on removing barriers to labor market entry and improves portability and reciprocity for select occupations.

CSG, NCSL, and NGA have facilitated Consortium partner assessment of evidence-based research, best practices, possible alternatives to licensure, multi-state comparable data and, state-specific data; and provided opportunities to network with national experts. Each state in the Consortium has received technical assistance from CSG, NCSL and NGA to develop their action plans. Consortium states also created a core team of officials to participate in project activities, as well as a broader group of stakeholders to serve as a continuing network in occupational licensure policy. Each state selected specific occupations and target populations to focus on through this work, as well as examining other aspects of licensure regulation addressed in their action plans.

The first phase of the project culminated in 2020 with a Report issued by the partner organizations that outlines the work of participating states and best practices in occupational licensure policy. Lessons learned by Consortium states outlined in the Report assist all state policy-makers in decisions surrounding occupational licensure. This site contains the Report, along with more information about state assistance Consortium states received, and a collection of project resources created by CSG and its partners on specific occupational licensing issues.

Project Overview

With the transition to online license application and renewal processes accelerated by the pandemic, states must consider how best to manage third-party verification in online licensing systems. Most states with such systems do not allow applicants to upload documents. Instead, documents must be provided by institutions of higher education or verified by a national association. In rare cases, applicants can upload a document signed by a school official as proof of completed education requirements.

“Primary source verification” (PSV) refers to verification of an individual’s reported credentials and qualifications through the issuing organization or governmental entity or through a designated equivalent source (i.e., an approved agent designated to maintain official credential information). Methods of primary source verification include direct correspondence, such as a documented telephone conversation or facsimile, email or letter. Obtaining original documents is not necessarily equivalent to primary source verification (communication with the original source through the applicant or his or her agent is not primary source verification).

As technology continues to become more sophisticated, more organizations will automate PSV processes. In a recent study, 83% of healthcare organizations have fully or partially automated the PSV process. Primary sources increasingly provide internet portals and/or web access for credentials verification, making the process more efficient. As part of the automation process, organizations may outsource PSV to a third-party. Credential Verification Organizations (CVOs) conduct PSV of practitioner credentials for other organizations.

Credential Verification Organizations (CVOs):

Verity StreamVerisysMedallionsymplrEverCheck

Some software interfaces with higher education institutions to automatically confirm the education requirements. For example, Michigan uses the software Accela, which interfaces with continuing education providers to automatically retrieve credentials and validate education requirements. Additionally, some state licensing boards are members of national associations that collect and maintain education and work experience for their member states.  For example, Connecticut’s Architectural Licensing Board is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registrations Board (NCARB). The applicant notifies the appropriate association to provide the individual’s record to the state. Then, the state board can securely access NCARB’s database to download records. See the table below for examples of state boards and their methods of third-party verification.

State Online Portal Software Method California – Board of Accounting (CBA) CPA License Online Application  Sent by institution – applicant must request transcripts be sent to the CBA Connecticut – Architectural Licensing Board and State Board of Landscape Architects ELicense Iron Data Solutions Sent by national association Florida – Barbers Online Services  Uploaded by applicant but must have signature of school official on portion verifying minimum education requirements Illinois State of Illinois | Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (idfpr.com)  Uploaded by applicant Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Accela Interfaces directly with institutions to verify education credentials New Mexico – Counseling Apply Online  Exam scores sent by national association, other documents uploaded by applicant  Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing  Sent by institution – either sent online by institution or provided in a sealed envelope Vermont Vermont Office of Professional Regulation  Dependent on profession: sent by national board, institution or uploaded by applicant Washington Audiologist Apply Online :: Washington State Department of Health  Sent by institution 

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by The Council of State Governments.

The Council of State Governments (CSG) joins the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) in celebrating the Month of the Military Child (MOTMC) during April.

MIC3 is an affiliate of CSG. MIC3 addresses key issues encountered by military families in relation to education: eligibility, enrollment, placement and graduation. Join CSG and MIC3 in celebrating the military child by wearing purple and learning more at mic3.net!

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by The Council of State Governments.

Las Vegas| Ceasar’s Palace | June 19-21

You’re invited! The National Occupational Licensing Meeting is the culmination of a four-year collaboration between The Council of State Governments and National Conference of State Legislatures to reduce barriers to licensed occupations. Join us as we share the research and lessons learned from our work with the states and feature new and emerging trends in this important workforce topic.

Specifically, you will learn about best practices in occupational licensing, from the firsthand experiences of states that have been working on this issue. The meeting also will provide updates on a variety of licensing topics, including interstate mobility schemes, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted licensing and regulation, and diversity and inclusion in regulation. Breakout sessions will focus on scope of practice, military family mobility and licensing for people with a criminal history.

You will leave the meeting with a better understanding of occupational licensing’s complexity, as well as the common pitfalls other states have faced in this policy area.

Assistance with travel expenses is available upon request. The deadline to register online is June 1, 2022. Click here to register.