Professional Licensure

Licensure Research

Each state vests licensing authority in a specific group or agency such as a “Board” or in the case of education related licenses, the “Department of Education” (DOE). The “Board” or “DOE” then creates rules or regulations that provide the specific details governing the profession, including licensing requirements. Licensing requirements generally include specific educational components, fitness to practice, clinical field work experience, examination(s) and fees.

Licensure Research Steps

1. Find your state requirements

   Every state has different licensing requirements. The best starting place is the state board that licenses your professional area (LPC, LMFT, Addiction, Psychologist) or Department of Education (School Counselor, School Psychologist) website.

   Capella has created a map with a link to all state licensing websites.

   Review all of the information on the website, particularly:

   • Application for licensure
   • Statutes and regulations/rules (these contain the specific license requirements)
   • Find common professional licensure terms in the Word Up document.
   • Review the Lost in Translation document to help you read and understand statutes, regulations and rules.

2. Compare requirements to degree program

   Compare license requirements found in state statutes and regulations/rules with the degree program.

   • Find program information in the University Catalog. Or if you are an existing Capella learner view archived catalogs within iGuide
   • Accreditation and state-approval information can be found on the Awards & Recognitions page.
   • Use the Research Worksheet to be sure you locate and understand all of the necessary information.

3. Consult with licensing authority and/or Capella University Licensing Specialists

   AFTER comparing the licensure and program requirements by completing the Research Worksheet, it is essential that you personally contact the state board to clarify any questions or concerns.

   • Find pointers for communicating with licensing authorities in the Talking the Talk document.

• Remember that licensure requirements are more than a degree.

  Be sure you clearly understand the fitness to practice, clinical field work experience, examination and fee requirements in your state.

• Contact your Enrollment Counselor or Academic Advisor if you have questions after talking to the licensing authority. They can connect you to a Licensing Specialist.