Homepage | Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing

Protections for the Public

Licensing systems are about more than entry into a profession. Good licensing systems should also protect the public from unqualified practitioners by providing a means to enforce qualifications and to act on the public’s behalf to investigate and sanction bad actors.

High, Consistent Standards

Professional licensing conveys to the public that professionals have a baseline of minimum qualifications upon which the public can depend. Regardless of where the professional practices, there is a consistent standard of education, examination, and experience. The license also conveys a commitment to ongoing education, professional development, and a code of ethics.

Uniformity Within Professions

Responsible licensing means professionals know what qualifications are required of them regardless of where they enter the profession or where they currently practice. Substantially uniform standards within each profession’s licensure system are critical for mobility, for ensuring people enter a profession with the same qualifications, and for allowing a clear career path.

Mobility & Reciprocity

A well-designed licensing system allows people to move state to state secure in the knowledge their licenses will be recognized. Moving to a new state does not mean a person forgets how to do their job. We need systems that allow professionals to have the freedom to move while still being able to practice their profession and without unnecessary and burdensome re-schooling and re-testing.