State Authorizations & Professional Licensure

Rules and agreements with other U.S. States and Territories
In this Section

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Wisconsin is a member of SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) and is currently in compliance. UW-Stout is a SARA-approved institution, which allows it to operate distance education activity in states that are SARA members. 

SARA MEMBER STATES & TERRITORIES

At this time, the following 49 U.S. states are SARA members:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas*, 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

* See the Notes for Out-of-State Students for special information regarding Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington.

The remaining non-SARA state of California does not regulate online distance education programs; therefore, UW-Stout is authorized to offer distance education programs to residents in all 50 U.S. states.

In addition, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA.

As of 8/3/2015, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands does not have a licensure board. They will contact UW-Stout when one is created.

UW-Stout is in general compliance with the Republic of Palau, including programs with internships, field experience, co-ops, etc.

UW-Stout has requested authorization and is waiting for a response from the following: American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

 

Professional Licensure & Certification

General Disclosures to Prospective & Current Students

If a student plans to apply for licensure in a state other than Wisconsin after completion of their program, the student should refer to the information below.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers degree programs and certification programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification; however, licensure and certification requirements vary from one profession to another and from state to state. UW-Stout programs are designed to meet the education requirements of professional licensure and certification in Wisconsin. Our programs may also meet education requirements in other states; however, because state licensure and certification requirements are subject to change, we are unable to determine whether or not our curriculum will meet requirements in other states.

If a student intends to seek licensure or certification in a state other than Wisconsin, UW-Stout strongly encourages the student to contact that state's licensing board to ensure the UW-Stout program will meet the necessary educational requirements before beginning that program. The student should also discuss the question with the UW-Stout program director. Refer to the Professional Licensure Directories linked in the column at right to help connect with the appropriate licensing body in the state where the student intends to practice.

Additional Information on Licensure & Certification

States vary regarding the professions they require to be licensed and how licensure functions. Some states require an individual to graduate from an approved program. Others require an individual to meet certification requirements of a national organization. A specific amount of training can also be required, as can successful completion of an examination based on a state-requisite exam score. In some cases, licensed professionals must complete continuing education on an annual basis.

In addition, licensure requirements are always subject to change. We strongly recommend that you inquire with the state board to confirm you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before--and after--enrolling in your program of choice. Completion of a UW-Stout program does not guarantee employment or licensure in a given profession.

Also note that some state laws require a criminal background check, which may disqualify an individual from obtaining licensure. Field experience sites also generally require background checks before accepting students for a practicum or internship position. As such, it is your responsibility to determine if your own circumstances pose any barriers.

The contents of this page align with new federal requirements described in 34 CFR § 668.43 and outlined in UW System Administrative Policy 121 (SYS 121).

 

Licensure & Certification Determinations by State

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Visit Program Page

POSITIVE STATE LICENSURE DETERMINATIONS

As of October 2022, UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed in the table below.

AlaskaLouisianaNew HampshireTennessee
ArizonaMaineNew JerseyTexas
ArkansasMarylandNew MexicoVermont
ColoradoMassachusettsNew YorkVirginia
ConnecticutMichigan*North CarolinaWashington
DelawareMinnesotaNorth DakotaWest Virginia
GeorgiaMississippiOhioWisconsin
IdahoMissouriOregonWyoming
IowaMontanaPennsylvania 
KansasNebraskaSouth Carolina 
KentuckyNevadaSouth Dakota 

* The program meets the educational requirements for the state of Michigan; however, after graduation, supervision for aspiring LPCs must include at least 2 years of full-time or equivalent part-time supervision totaling a minimum of 3,000 hours. At least 1,000 must be in the immediate physical presence of the supervisor.

 
NEGATIVE LICENSURE  DETERMINATIONSADDITIONS NEEDED TO MEED EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
As of October 2022, UW-Stout determined our curriculum does not fully meet educational requirements for licensure in the states listed below.Please discuss state requirements with the Program Director. In most cases, modifying a student's program plan may enable the student to meet state educational requirements.
AlabamaAt least two and half hours per week of group supervision.  [Please consult the Program Director regarding this requirement. Your internship site will need to cover some of this supervision.]
CaliforniaThe degree must also include instruction in methods of service delivery in recovery-oriented practice environments and integrate an understanding of the various cultures found in California as well as the social and psychological implications of socioeconomic status.  [Please consult the Program Director regarding these requirements.] 
FloridaStudents should complete at least 1,000 hours of university-sponsored supervised clinical practicum, internship, or field experience. This does not include the post-masters experience required. This can be done while in the program but will require additional clinical hours. 
In addition to the master's program coursework, Florida LMHC licensure requires the completion of an 8-hour course on laws and rules, a 3-hour course on HIV and AIDs, a 2-hour course in domestic violence, and a 2-hour course on domestic violence within 6 months of licensure—all of which may be obtained from board-approved providers. [Please consult the Program Director regarding these requirements.]
HawaiiTraining must include at least 300 hours of supervised client contact and be completed under the clinical supervision of an LMHC, psychologist, clinical social worker, advanced practice registered nurse with a specialty in mental health, marriage and family therapist, or physician with a specialty in psychiatry. UW-Stout currently requires 240 hours, so additional 60 hours of direct contact will be needed during your clinical training. 
[Please consult the Program Director regarding this requirement.}
IllinoisCoursework must include Professional, Legal, and Ethical Responsibilities Relating to Professional Counseling, Including Illinois Law.  [Please consult the Program Director regarding this requirement.]  

In addition to a practicum/internship, LPC applicants in Illinois must complete a 1-year residency as part of their degree program. This residency requires interaction with faculty and other matriculated students and is defined as 24 semester hours on a full- or part-time basis throughout the course of study.  [Please consult the Program Director regarding this standard.]    
IndianaStudents must complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in a counseling setting. This includes at least 100 hours of practicum, 600 hours of internship, and 300 hours of advanced internship. (If no advanced internship is available, the remaining hours may be satisfied by practicum or standard internship). This can be completed in the program, but additional hours will need to be added.  [Please consult the Program Director regarding this requirement.]
MichiganThe program meets the educational requirements for the state of Michigan; however, supervision for aspiring LPCs must include at least 2 years of full-time or equivalent part-time supervision totaling a minimum of 3,000 hours. At least 1,000 must be in the immediate physical presence of the supervisor. This occurs after graduation. [Please consult the Program Director regarding this requirement.]
OklahomaTwo courses on appraisal/assessment techniques are required. The UW-Stout program currently requires one course, so an additional course is needed.  [Please consult the Program Director for additional coursework.]  
Rhode IslandLCMHC licensure in Rhode Island also requires the completion of a 12-semester-hour practicum and a 1-year internship of at least 20 hours per week. [Please consult the Program Director regarding this requirement.]
Rhode Island requires aspiring LCMHCs to complete two years of supervision with at least 2,000 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of direction from an approved supervisor.
UtahLCMHC licensure also requires the completion of an internship or practicum at least 4 semester hours in length. This must include a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training, of which at least 400 hours must be in providing mental health counseling directly to clients. The CMHC program at UW-Stout requires 750 hours of clinical training; therefore, an additional 250 is required to be eligible for licensure in Utah. [Please consult the Program Director regarding this requirement.]
Dietetics, B.S. or M.S.
Visit B.S. Dietetics Page    Visit M.S. Nutrition & Dietetics Page
POSITIVE LICENSURE DETERMINATIONS
As of October 4, 2022, UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in all 50 U.S. states--assuming the dietetics internship and master's degree are completed. 

Given that a graduate degree is now required for dietician licensure, the B.S. Dietetics is considered a pre-licensure program.
Interior Design, B.F.A.
Visit Program Page

The UW-Stout curriculum meets the educational requirements for voluntary licensure in Wisconsin and is believed to meet educational requirements in all other U.S. states and territories that offer licensure/certification/registration--although there may be additional requirements related to work experience, continuing education, and external examination. 

Employment as an interior designer does not require licensure--except in some locations (Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico where our program meets educational requirements for licensure) and circumstances (such as working in a code-based commercial environment in certain states). 


Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure or certification, UW-Stout strongly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. Identifying changes to requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Marriage & Family Therapy, M.S.
Visit Program Page
POSITIVE LICENSURE DETERMINATIONSADDITIONS NEEDED TO MEET STATE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, IF ANY
As of June 2024, UW-Stout has determined our curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure in the locations listed below--although some additional coursework or clinical hours may be required.Please discuss state requirements with the Program Director. In some cases, slightly modifying a student's program plan is required to meet state educational requirements.
Alabama 
Alaska 
Arizona 
Colorado 
Connecticut Additional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Delaware 
Florida 
GeorgiaAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Hawaii 
IdahoAdditional Coursework Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Illinois 
IndianaAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Iowa 
Kansas 
Kentucky 
LouisianaAdditional Coursework Needed;
Discuss with Program Director 
MaineAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
MarylandAdditional Coursework Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
MassachusettsAdditional Coursework Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
MichiganAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Minnesota 
Mississippi 
Missouri 
MontanaAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Nebraska 
New Hampshire 
New Jersey 
New Mexico 
New York 
North Carolina 
North DakotaAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
OhioAdditional Coursework Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Oklahoma 
Oregon 
Pennsylvania 
Rhode IslandAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
South Carolina 
South Dakota 
Tennessee 
Texas 
Utah 
VermontAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
VirginiaAdditional Clinic Hours Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
Washington 
Washinton D.C.Additional Coursework Needed;
Discuss with Program Director
West Virginia 
Wisconsin 
Wyoming 

    

NEGATIVE LICENSURE DETERMINATIONSADDITIONS NEEDED TO MEED EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
As of June 2024, UW-Stout determined our curriculum does not fully meet educational requirements for licensure in the states listed below.Please discuss state requirements with the Program Director. 
CaliforniaAdditional coursework required
NevadaAdditional coursework required

     

NO LICENSURE DETERMINATIONADDITIONS NEEDED TO MEED EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
As of June 2024, UW-Stout was unable to determine whether our curriculum fully meets educational requirements for licensure in the locations listed below.Please discuss local requirements with the Program Director.
ArkansasTo be determined
Puerto RicoTo be determined
US Virgin Islands and other US TerritoriesTo be determined

   

Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure or certification, UW-Stout strongly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. Identifying changes to requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.
Visit Program Page

The UW-Stout program makes students eligible for the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam and meets educational requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. It may also meet educational requirements for licensure in other states and territories. 

Note:  U.S. states and territories do not require licensure to work as a rehabilitation counselor; however, some positions and agencies require a CRC or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. 

Positive Licensure & Certification DeterminationsNegative Licensure & Certification DeterminationsNo Licensure & Certification Determinations
UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.UW-Stout has not made a determination that our curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.

Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not Applicable



 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

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
Wyoming
_______________________________

The programs may meet educational requirements leading to licensure in Minnesota and other states; however, the requirements are subject to change.

Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure or certification, UW-Stout strongly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. Identifying changes to requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Social Work Certificate
Visit On-Campus Program Page        Visit Online Program Page
Positive Licensure & Certification DeterminationsNegative Licensure & Certification DeterminationsNo Licensure & Certification Determinations
UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.UW-Stout has not made a determination that our curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.

Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not Applicable



 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

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
Wyoming
_______________________________

*
Programs may meet educational requirements leading to licensure in Minnesota and other states; however, the requirements are subject to change.

Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure or certification, UW-Stout strongly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. Identifying changes to requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Other Applicable Programs

Any program that is not specifically mentioned elsewhere on this page and that leads to state licensure or certification can be expected to lead to licensure or certification in Wisconsin. The following applies to such programs. Please contact parq@uwstout.edu for more information.

Positive Licensure & Certification DeterminationsNegative Licensure & Certification DeterminationsNo Licensure & Certification Determinations
UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.UW-Stout has determined that our curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.UW-Stout has not made a determination that our curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the states listed below.

Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not Applicable



 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

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
Wyoming
_______________________________

 

 

Education Licensure

Wisconsin Teacher & Related Services Licensure

Educators apply for Wisconsin Initial Licenses and Renewal Licenses in teaching, pupil services, administrator, and other license categories using the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system. ELO allows educators to provide the information, supporting materials, and payment needed for DPI to process their license applications. The system streamlines the application process and allows the applicant to manage their own licensing information, including printing a copy of their license certificate and renewing their licenses when applicable.

Educator Licensing Online (ELO)  https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/elo

  • If you completed your Wisconsin preparation program before 9/1/2004, please follow the directions at https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/elo/in-state/1031-tips.
  • If you completed your program between 9/1/2004 and 12/31/2013. Please email klandermanh@uwstout.edu with current legal name, previous name, date of birth and graduation month to request your information be submitted to DPI.

Please Review All Directions Carefully Before Beginning Your License Application.

Before you begin your license application, the Certification Officer is required to submit your license information to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). If you are a current student this will be completed once you finish all requirements in your program. Please follow the following steps when applying for any type of license in ELO:

  1. Create a WAMS account (Wisconsin Access Management System) - https://on.wisconsin.gov/WAMS/FAQ
  2. If you have ever applied for and/or been issued a license by DPI, successfully "onboard" into the ELO system by connecting your WAMS account to an existing account
  3. Determine whether you need to get fingerprinted. - https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/licensing/fingerprint#Tree
  4. Preview the Conduct and Competency questions you will be answering in ELO - https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/tepdl/pdf/Preview_CC_09-18-2017.pdf
    IF there is some type of misconduct that needs to be reported, prepare and attach a written explanation of what happened. You must also provide complete electronic (scanned) copies of documents associated with the matter that can corroborate/illuminate your explanation of the incident. These may include the criminal complaint, judgment of conviction, police reports, disciplinary letters/findings, correspondence, etc., as applicable. (Note: Court history information printed from the CCAP web site is NOT sufficient.)
  5. Have your credit card ready
  6. Log in to ELO System to apply

License Types/Levels

Initial License Requests

First-time teachers, adding a new field of teaching, administrator, school psychologists and school counselors.

Other Licensing Related Links

  • ELO Public Search for Wisconsin Licensed Educators - https://elo.wieducatorlicensing.org/datamart/publicSearchMenu.do
  • Setting up a WAMS account (YouTube) https://youtu.be/KBti-W3itvM
  • Electronic Fingerprint Submission for Wisconsin Licensing through Fieldprint - https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/licensing/fingerprint/electronic-submission
  • If you completed your first license prior to Sept. 1, 2004, but are just now applying for that Wisconsin license for the first time, you will need a paper PI 1612 form completed and signed by UW-Stout that you will then upload into the Department of Public Instruction's Educator Licensing Online (ELO) when applying. This PI 1612 form is available for download from DPI's ELO web page (https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/elo/supplementary-forms).
  • New requirement for applicants who complete their online license application after January 30, 2014: If you are seeking a license in a field that now requires the Foundation of Reading Test for Wisconsin, you will need to include your score report along with the PI 1612 form mentioned above.
Minnesota Teacher & Related Services Licensure

Read all directions carefully before beginning the online application.

  • Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board Applications.
  • Submit the “Minnesota Verification of Completion” Form to the UW-Stout Certification Office either PDF or via US Postal Service. Please provide the address the Verification of Completion Form should be sent back to.
  • Certification Officer will obtain official transcripts for your Minnesota license application.
  • Request a Minnesota fingerprint card either from the UW-Stout Certification Officer or from Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
  • Minnesota requires all license application materials to be sent together and the UW-Stout Certification Officer can do that. Please submit all required documentation together to the Certification Officer with the Minnesota Verification of Completion form and fingerprint card if the Certification Officer mails material. 

Instructions on applying to add an additional license to an existing Minnesota license

Once you have completed your program:

  • Complete the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board Applications.
  • Submit the completed Application form to the UW-Stout Certification Officer either PDF or via US Postal Service to the address listed below.
  • UW-Stout Certification Officer will obtain official transcripts for your add a field to an existing Minnesota license application.
  • Minnesota requires all license application materials to be sent together and the Certification Officer can do that. Please submit all required documentation together to the Certification Officer with the Minnesota Verification of Completion form.

Helpful Minnesota Licensing Links

Education Licensure in Other States & Territories

As of June 2024, the UW-Stout education programs meet initial licensure requirements in all states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia; however, in some locations, graduates may be required to pass specific exams prior to employment and/or be required to complete additional coursework after being hired to remain licensed/employed.

As of June 2024, the UW-Stout education programs do not meet licensure requirements in the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands. 

States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements. Please check with the specific state’s licensing agency (see links below) for information about their licensing requirements and discuss requirements with the UW-Stout Program Director.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction also provides information about License Portability, including a link to a comparison of state policy on teacher license requirements. 

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansas
CaliforniaColoradoConnecticutD.C.
DelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaii
IdahoIllinoisIndianaIowa
KansasKentuckyLouisianaMaine
MarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesota
MississippiMissouriMontanaNebraska
NevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew Mexico
New YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhio
OklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode Island
South CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexas
UtahVermontVirginiaWashington
West VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto Rico