Occupational Licensing & Credential Recognition

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING & CREDENTIAL RECOGNITION

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

Licensing should be required when it materially protects public health or safety, not merely to prevent competition. States should review licensing requirements for necessity, recognize substantially equivalent out-of-state credentials where appropriate, and provide a clear path for military spouses, veterans, and experienced workers to demonstrate competence.

Foreign Degrees and Professional Credentials

Foreign Credential Verification

Foreign educational credentials used for professional licensing or legal qualification in the United States should be authenticated and evaluated for equivalency.

Competency Testing

Where an occupation requires demonstrated professional competence, foreign-trained applicants should pass the same or equivalent U.S.-administered competency examination required of American-trained applicants.

The standard should be equal competence, not discrimination based on birthplace.

Credential Fraud

Fraudulent foreign degrees, diploma mills, fabricated transcripts, and intentional credential misrepresentation should carry meaningful penalties.

Related policies: Workers' Rights; Immigration; Education; Liberty, Equality & Opportunity.

Status: Proposed / Draft — not yet formally adopted.

Originally published: August 15, 2026.

Last updated: September 25, 2026.

Version: Draft 0.1.