4 Steps to PCS with Your Professional License
Being a military spouse is hard. Trying to have a career in this constantly-changing military family life is difficult. Throw in being employed in an occupational-licensed career field, and it’s difficult to maintain employment as we continue down our path as a military spouse.
I’m with you. Throughout most of my 16-year marriage, I’ve worked in the real estate industry, in both licensed and unlicensed positions. Our family has made tough decisions to keep my career on track.
This year, I was given the opportunity to work with a great team on a Department of Labor project focusing on the implementation of recent legislation, best practices for state licensing boards, and outreach to military spouses who work in occupational licensed careers.
Below, I want to share with you our four steps to PCS with your professional license.
Military families are 10 times more likely to move across state lines when compared to their civilian counterparts. This mobile lifestyle can create barriers to meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities. Between frequent relocations; striving to enter, re-enter, or remain in the workforce; maintaining the household; and supporting the community you live in, there’s no denying that military spouses live a unique life and make extreme sacrifices every day.
Thankfully, many states have recognized that the highly-mobile military lifestyle can create barriers to consistent employment for spouses in licensed occupations. There are laws in place that require or encourage licensing boards to grant military spouses expedited applications, temporary licenses, or even license reciprocity. Significant advances have been made across the country to ensure military spouses can pursue their careers no matter how many times they relocate.
Here are four steps to help licensed military spouses and spouses interested in licensed occupations move their careers with their families. More information about these steps can be found in the License Recognition for Military Spouses Resource Guide.
Step 1: Know Your Options
Learn about license recognition options by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor’s map at veterans.gov/MilSpouses. Hover over each state to learn about the specific laws and resources offered to military spouses who work in certain licensed occupations.
Step 2: Know You Occupation Guidance
Explore occupation-specific guidance by visiting Military OneSource. Many states have joined interstate reciprocity agreements for certain occupations. These agreements allow some licensees to practice in multiple states more easily.
Step 3: Find Your Licensing Board
Find your licensing board by visiting CareerOneStop License Finder. The CareerOneStop License Finder provides state-specific information about occupational licenses required, such as the license name, description, and issuing agency contact information.
Step 4: Contact the Board
Contact your licensing board. Start by following any specific instructions for military spouses that may be posted on the licensing board’s website. If you still have questions after visiting the website, contact the licensing board using the tips in the License Recognition for Military Spouses Resource Guide.
You’ve worked hard to earn your professional license and credentials. Understanding how to navigate these requirements and resources will ensure that you are set up for success prior to your next relocation.
To learn more about military spouse license recognition, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s military spouse website at veterans.gov/MilSpouses.
