Licensing + Certification
Relicensing Is a Barrier for Working Military Spouses
Most military families will move every three years. The result for working military spouses? Time gaps and employment lapses on their resumes. Of the many military spouses in the workforce, more than 30% are in careers that require a state-based professional license or certification to practice.
And these credentials are rarely transferable when a military spouse moves to a new state. Despite many legislative and grassroots efforts, time-consuming and expensive upkeep of licenses and certifications remains a barrier for working military spouses everywhere.
Why Relicensing Is a Problem
Interstate Compacts Provide Relief
Occupational interstate compacts are agreements between professional associations, occupational licensing boards, and other state boards designed to ease the burden on transient professionals, like military spouses, who want to stay employed even after a required military move across state lines.
Interstate compacts allow a military spouse with an occupational license or certification in one compact state to practice in another participating state through “privilege to practice” policies. States can voluntarily sign onto each compact to allow spouses to take advantage of the state-to-state reciprocity.
Current Occupational Interstate Compacts
Toolkits – Help Change the License and Certification Game
For Military Spouses
Making the Most of Your Professional Licenses and Certifications
Are you a military spouse ready to take action and make the process work for you? This toolkit has you covered with some key steps and resources to help you become your best advocate and take charge of your professional career.
For Policy Makers
Help Military Spouse Professionals Succeed in Your Community
Military life is hard enough. Having a meaningful career shouldn’t have to be. This toolkit just for policymakers, licensing boards, and other changemakers introduces the issues and how to effectively help change the game for military spouses in communities around the country.
Licensing + Certification Resources
More than 30% of military spouses are in an occupation requiring a license or certification. Here are some resources to help along your career path.
Take Action Guide
Military spouses are no strangers to being their own best advocates. Licensing and certification is no different. Our Take Action Guide provides a step-by-step process for how to get involved.
Military Spouse by the Numbers
Income lost per year by spouses trying to relicense or find work in a new state
%
Have jobs requiring a license or certification
%
Are female
%
Have a four-year degree
%
Are unemployed, compared to 3.6% nationwide pre-pandemic
