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Professional Licenses and Certifications – Definitions, Distinctions, and Disclosures

Excerpt from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Licenses and certifications show that a person has the specific knowledge or skill needed to do a job. Typically, you earn these credentials after you’ve completed your education. Sometimes, you become licensed or certified after you’ve gained practical experience, such as through an internship, residency, or time on the job.

Earning a license or certification involves meeting standards, which often includes passing an exam. Licenses and certifications are usually valid for a limited term and must be renewed periodically. An employer may require either credential.

However, there are a few key differences in the way BLS uses these terms. As shown below, one of the biggest distinctions between these two credentials is that licenses are legally required by the government to work in an occupation; certifications are not.

License

Certification

Sometimes, these credentialing terms are used interchangeably. For example, some states may refer to the credentials teachers need as certifications while others refer to these certifications as “add-ons” to general state licenses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics would define them all as licenses because they are issued by a state government and are legally required for many specific teaching positions.

Professional Licensure Disclosures

A professional licensure program is an educational program that is 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.​

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers several programs and credentials that may lead to professional licensure within the State of Wisconsin. Other states vary in what professions they require to be licensed and how licensure functions. For example, some states require an individual to graduate from an approved program. Other states may require an individual to meet certification requirements of a national organization. A specific amount of training may also be required as well as passage of an exam based on a state-required exam score. Frequently, licensed professionals must complete continuing education on an annual basis.

As of July 1, 2024 UW-Stevens Point may not enroll prospective students located in states of localities where the UW-Stevens Point program curriculum does not meet the licensure requirements of that state or territory.

If a student is planning to apply for licensure in a state other than Wisconsin after completion of their program, the student should refer to the information below or contact the other state’s appropriate licensing board to determine whether the UW-Stevens Point program meets licensure requirements in that state.

Please note: licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, it is strongly recommended that prospective students inquire with the state board to confirm that they understand the requirements for licensure before enrolling in a program of choice.

The programs listed below represent select programs at UW-Stevens Point that are designed to provide the educational requirements for professional licensure in the State of Wisconsin. General information regarding all academic programs may be found in the course catalog and department program pages. For specific information about a program and disclosure of information regarding a program’s suitability for fulfilling licensure requirements in another state, use the link embedded in the program name listed below.

Education Programs Leading to Initial Licensure:

Communication Sciences and Disorders – Speech and Language Pathology (MS) – Speech Language Pathology Education Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Wyoming;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Early Childhood Education (BS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Elementary Education (BS)​

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Elementary Education Accelerated Teacher Licensure

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming; District of Columbia; U.S. Virgin Islands.

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

English: Education Option (BA)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Family and Consumer Sciences Add-on Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming; District of Columbia.

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Family and Consumer Sciences: Education Option (BS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

German: Education Option (BA)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, West Virginia;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

History and Social Studies Education (BA and BS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Mathematics: Education Option, (BS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Music Education (BM)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Natural Science Education (BS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Physical Education (BS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Spanish: Education Option (BA)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Special Education (BS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming; District of Columbia; U.S. Virgin Islands;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Special Education Accelerated Teacher Licensure Certification (MSE)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming; District of Columbia; U.S. Virgin Islands;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Additional Certification/Add-On Licensure Options in Education:

Adapted Physical Education Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Delaware, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

Bilingual-Bicultural Education Certificate Program

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Cross-Categorical Special Education Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia , Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Early Childhood Special Education Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Elementary and Middle School K-9 Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

English as a Second Language – Teaching Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Family and Consumer Sciences Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Gifted and Talented Education Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alaska, American Samoa, Connecticut, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Rhode Island, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Health Education Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Arizona, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Reading Specialist Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Mississippi, Montana, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands, Wyoming;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Reading Teacher Add-On Certification

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

American Samoa, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia;

Note: If you live in a state or territory that does not meet certification/licensure requirements, you may contact the School of Education for more information.

Health Sciences Degree Programs:

Athletic Training (MS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

This program either does not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories or the following states/territories do not license or regulate athletic training:

American Samoa, California, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands

Audiology (AuD)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories or the following states/territories do not license or regulate audiology:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech and Language Pathology) (MS)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories or the following states/territories do not license or regulate speech and language pathology practice:

American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands;

Dietetics (BS)

To be a certified dietitian in the state of Wisconsin you must complete a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, complete a master’s degree and a dietetics internship experience, and pass the registered dietitian exam.

The requirements of the Bachelor’s in Dietetics program meet the bachelor’s degree requirement above, and combined with successful completion of the additional components listed above, may lead to certification/licensure in the following states:

Wisconsin

The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories or the following states/territories do not specifically license dietitians:

Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming;

Physical Therapy (DPT)

You must complete all of the required coursework in the DPT for successful completion of the program. Program endorsement is required for registration for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) licensing examination, and verification of graduation is required for physical therapy licensure in all states.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE DISCLOSURE (NC-SARA)

The United States Department of Education requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.  Specific licensure requirements vary state by state.  Requirements typically include earning a degree in physical therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, passing a national licensing examination, and passing a state jurisprudence assessment.

The UWSP Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, due to its professional accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), prepares graduates to meet the educational eligibility criteria for the national licensing examination which leads to licensure as a physical therapist in any state in the union in the United States including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming;

Individual states have additional jurisdictional requirements beyond the NPTE licensing examination.  The Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide available at: https://www.fsbpt.net/lrg/Home/LicensureByExamRequirement outlines the licensure requirements of each state.

This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories or the following states/territories do not license or regulate physical therapy:

Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Pre-Nursing (1+2+1 RN Program)

This program meets the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories*:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
This program does not meet the certification/licensure requirements in the following states/territories**:

Alaska, American Samoa, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands
* The UW-Stevens Point Pre-Nursing (1+2+1) curriculum fulfills the State of Wisconsin requirements for licensure. Additionally, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) permits licensed nurses to practice in participating states. More information on states that participate in the NLC may be found here: https://www.nursecompact.com/.

** Several states and territories in the “do not meet” list above have legislation and implementation pending to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Prospective students in any of these states should examine the status of the NLC agreements at: https://www.nursecompact.com/.

Social Work Programs:

Social Work (BS, BA)

Certification/licensing for bachelor’s level social workers across the U.S. requires a bachelor’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. UW-Stevens Point’s undergraduate social work programs are accredited by CSWE.

Since each state oversees its own certification/licensing requirements and process, students should visit the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Website to learn about state-specific requirements and other social work regulations.

This program meets the educational requirements for certification/licensure in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The following states/territories do not license or otherwise credential social workers at the bachelor’s level:

American Samoa, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Federated States of Micronesia, Florida, Georgia, New York, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Disclaimer: While the information provided here is based on recent review of state guidelines, state certification/licensure requirements change over time.  Students are strongly encouraged to visit the ASWB website and consult with their advisors to ensure they have up-to-date information.

 

Social Work (MSW)

Working as an advanced practice social worker in all states in the U.S. requires certification/licensure and a master’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. UW-Stevens Point’s MSW program is in candidacy with CSWE.  Students admitted to programs in the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status are recognized as graduates from CSWE accredited programs when the program attains initial accreditation.  Due to this accreditation, UW-Stevens Point’s MSW program meets the educational criteria for all 50 states and territories.

Most states have multiple levels of certification/licensure for MSW-prepared social workers, with some having specific educational requirements beyond the core MSW coursework. For instance, students aspiring to become clinical social workers are often required to take specific clinical social work courses as part of their MSW education. Students are advised to visit the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Website to learn about state-specific requirements for clinical social work licensure and other social work regulations. Additionally, some states are now adopting the Interstate Compact which allows licensure reciprocity between states who have codified the compact into law. The National Association of Social Workers is providing updates via their Interstate Licensure Compact page.

This program meets the educational requirements for standard MSW-level certification/licensure in the following states/territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida,  Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

This program does not meet the educational requirements for standard MSW-level certification/licensure in the following states, since they do not certify/license at the standard MSW-level and/or have specific coursework requirements that must be met:

American Samoa, California, Federated States of Micronesia, Florida, Michigan, New Hampshire, Republic of Palau, and Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Disclaimer: While the information provided here is based on recent review of state guidelines, state certification/licensure requirements change over time.  Students are strongly encouraged to visit the ASWB website and consult with their advisors to ensure they have up-to-date information.