Professional Licensure and State Authorization Process Guide

CFR 668.43(c)(3)(iii) and CFR 600.9(c)(2)(ii) An institution must develop a defensible policy and process for determining the location of the student, including at the time of initial enrollment in a program and when there is any change of location as indicated by the formal receipt of information from the student. For examples of student location policies, please refer to Appendix H. Student Location Key Points • The institution must have a policy for determining student location. • The institution must have a policy for being notified when a student has relocated. • The data needs to be accessible for compliance reporting. • Practice across the institution MUST match the policy. • Institutions not knowing where the students are located is not an option. Responsibility of Students Colleges should encourage students to review the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolling. This includes, but is not limited to, requirements related to practicum/internship as well as pre-qualifications for licensure such as the need for a criminal background check. Colleges should recommend that students contact the applicable licensure board(s) in their state of residence or in the state where they intend to obtain a license before beginning a program that results in licensure and prior to beginning any internship/practicum. Many licensure boards require more than successful degree completion to obtain a license. Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time. Changes in requirements can impact the program's ability to meet educational requirements for licensure. After the community college has made all reasonable efforts to determine whether a program will meet state professional licensure requirements, it is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or in the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most current information and requirements. University Transfer Programs Many students attend a community college with the intent to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their education. Although no licensure is required upon earning one of these degrees from a community college, some of the professions associated with these fields of study can require licensure once the student has earned a higher-level degree at the institution to which he/she has transferred. Such programs include, but are not limited to, accounting, education, and engineering. Colleges should encourage students to check with the four-year college or university about professional licensure for these university transfer programs.

5

Professional Licensure & State Authorization Process Guide