Summer 2023
NSPE Now: Policy Perspectives
Why Professional Licensure Matters
You’re licensed, so you have made the decision to invest in your personal commitment to protecting the public health, safety, and welfare. Do you sometimes wonder how best to explain why licensing matters to other people, whether unlicensed engineers or nonengineers? NSPE has long participated in the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL). This is a coalition formed among the licensed (nonmedical) professions to provide an amplified voice to speak for the protection of the public through licensure.
ARPL recently released a set of four "explainer" videos about licensure. You are free to view, use, and share these videos to assist you in conversations in which you participate or which you initiate to discuss the importance and value of professional licensure. As professional licensure faces several types of opposition, it is important that licensees be prepared to answer questions and respond to challenges.
The Problem with Anti-Licensing
This video addresses anti-licensing, which undermines the vital role of licensing in safeguarding public welfare. Anti-licensing is the most common challenge. This explainer video covers the misconceptions, risks, and potential harm associated with anti-licensing.
The "Three E’s" Explained
The Three E’s – Education, Experience, and Examination – form the bedrock of professional licensing in the United States. These three essential components ensure practitioners possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to protect the public and the environment.
Universal Licensing: A Closer Look
This video addresses one subtle challenge to the effectiveness of state-specific licensing. Experts weigh in on the concept of universal licensing, which proposes that a license obtained in one jurisdiction should be valid in any other jurisdiction. While it may seem like a good idea on the surface, the implementation of this policy is complicated and could compromise public protection. State lawmakers should carefully consider the impact of universal licensing before implementing it.
Interstate Practice: Common Pitfalls & How to Get It Right
This video examines alternatives for achieving flexibility and mobility without sacrificing the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Interstate practice refers to the ability of professionals to practice across state lines. In this video, licensing experts share examples of how states can responsibly accomplish flexibility and mobility. Lawmakers should consider this guidance as they work to achieve interstate practice for a broader mix of professions and occupations.
The Business Community’s View on Licensing
And, if you wonder how businesses feel about requirements to use licensed professionals, take a look at the ARPL research summary, "US Businesses in Agreement: Lowering Licensing Standards Raises Business Risk." ARPL commissioned Benenson Strategy Group to survey 600 decision-makers for small- and mid-size businesses. The most dramatic takeaway from that research was the finding that 92% of business decision-makers emphasize importance of responsible professional licensing standards for complex, technical professions, confirming the understanding of the business community that licensing protects.
In recent years, several states and state governments have considered the weakening or elimination of licensing requirements to alleviate workforce challenges. While the proposals are often labeled as "pro-business," the research finds that many businesses have reservations. They express strong concern that the proposals will create business challenges and even increase public exposure to harm.
- 85% would have less confidence in the competence of professionals.
- 84% would be concerned about increased public exposure to physical and financial risks.
- 84% would worry about hiring unqualified professionals that would jeopardize their reputation.
- 82% would have increased difficulty finding and evaluating qualified professionals.
- 79% would experience increased insurance premiums associated with higher risks.
The research also finds that businesses value licensing standards and consider them critical for identifying and hiring qualified professionals, building a strong reputation, and keeping the public safe.
- 90% agreed that licensing protects and enhances their business reputation.
- 92% agreed that licensing plays a crucial role in accurately assessing qualifications and making confident hiring decisions.
- 92% agreed that licensing ensures professionals meet continuing education standards.
It’s clear that the research underscores that eliminating or weakening licensing requirements is not an effective solution for businesses or the public they serve.