Per the Department of Education (September 2020):
Regulated professions in the United States are generally licensed at the state level, and most licensed professions require some formal postsecondary education or training as a prerequisite for entry. The competent authority for recognizing professional qualifications is generally the appropriate state or territorial licensing authority in the jurisdiction where one intends to work.
Since professional licensure is generally regulated at the state level, it is usually necessary to obtain a separate license for each state in which one wishes to practice. In some instances, reciprocity agreements are in place to make it easier for someone who already holds a license in one state to obtain a license in another state. However, the degree to which such reciprocity exists can vary widely depending on the profession and the states involved.
The term “certification” generally refers to a function administered by a nongovernmental organization, which is intended to further recognize professional competence based on having met the quality standards of the organization.
Professional licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state. Federal Regulations 34 CFR §668.72(c)2 and 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v) require UAB to provide public or general disclosures on educational programs designed to meet educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification, that is required for employment in an occupation, or is advertised as meeting such requirements.
These disclosures are strictly limited to the program’s determination of whether its educational program, if successfully completed, would be sufficient to meet the educational licensure requirements in a particular state. This determination is based on the educational and curricular requirements of each state for licensure (excluding any special or temporary licensure that may be granted) and does not imply that other requirements for licensure do not exist or have been determined to have been met by this program or that any necessary approvals for clinical placements have been secured at the time of enrollment. UAB cannot provide verification of an individual’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. Such individual determinations are made by state licensing boards. These disclosures do not provide any guarantee that any particular state licensure or certification entity will approve or deny a student’s application.
UAB has made every effort to provide accurate information; however, state laws/regulations are subject to change at any time. Enrolled and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their state’s licensing body for information and guidance on licensure requirements for the state where they are located or where they plan to practice.
Please see the dashboard below for information on our programs that customarily lead to professional licensure or certification, for where you are located or the location you hope to practice in.
