“NIC is actively working to develop a National Database registry that includes the ability to receive uploads of licensee data by each participating Board or Agency. This data will include active licensees, expiration dates, license status, disciplinary action and any restrictions on licenses.”
It can be difficult for individuals who are licensed in one state and want to become licensed in another state. Licensing requirements are generally created on a state-by-state basis, and can vary significantly, requiring applicants to have additional education, training or testing to qualify to practice.
Generally, individuals are planning on starting work when they move, however obtaining a license in another state can be a slow and costly experience. This also has a big impact on military families as they are required to cross state lines frequently due to transfer orders of their spouses.
Several years ago, NIC recognized the licensing differences state to state and supported the concept of the development of a Uniform Model Act that could be available on the NIC website. The goal was to promote uniformity and standardization and provide a model for states to utilize when drafting legislation or seeking to streamline their existing laws and regulations. The NIC Executive Directors Committee developed the beginning stages of this document and continue the work to provide a model act that will promote uniformity and portability.
Along with the Uniform Model Act, NIC recognized the need for a National Database registry and National Credential for cosmetology and related professions, much like the national nursing database.
NIC is actively working to develop a National Database registry that includes the ability to receive uploads of licensee data by each participating Board or Agency. This data will include active licensees, expiration dates, license status, disciplinary action and any restrictions on licenses. The database will allow for states and licensees to access the system to request expedited verification of licensure to be submitted to another state or, for searching purposes, for Employers to seek out potential new employees.
The intent of the National Credential is to provide individuals with a certificate demonstrating proof of education, training and testing data as stored in the National Database or provided by states they are licensed with. Both new programs are being developed to increase opportunities for portability and expedite verifications of licensure.
In addition, we encourage individuals to sign up to take the national written and practical exams, as they are generally recognized by states for the exam requirement for licensure, which further promotes portability. You can learn about our national exam on our website at www.nictesting.org under the Testing tab.
There are many options to enhance license portability. Individual states have adopted initiatives to streamline licensing of military spouses and adopted universal licensing recognition. NIC’s goal is to partner with states to provide a secure platform to collect data on a national basis and allow for opportunities to expedite licensure and allow individuals to enter the workforce quicker when crossing state lines.
NIC is making every effort to move forward with the development of these exciting new programs and will be sending progress updates as we move forward. If you are interested in hearing more about these programs, please visit our website at www.nictesting.org and click on the “sign me up” button on our homepage.
We will be also hosting a virtual event at the end of April 2021, and will be providing status updates on all of these new programs. Watch our website for updates and sign up if you would like to receive notifications directly.
NIC looks forward to being a national partner to states and licensees, and continuing to provide options for portability of licensure for Cosmetology and related fields!
