Military Veteran Occupational Credentials

The act requires each state agency that regulates a profession or occupation to evaluate and provide appropriate credit toward licensing and certification for military experience. Specifically, each agency must:

• Evaluate the extent to which military training meets state requirements;
• Identify reciprocity mechanisms with other states;
• Determine if an occupational exam is available to authorize a veteran to practice an occupation;
• Document the results and publish a summary of pathways available to a veteran to obtain authorization to practice an occupation;
• Identify, where appropriate, those professions or occupations whose licencing and credentials are based on passing an exam;
• Consult with community colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions with regard to bridge programs to cover educational gaps and refresher courses for lapsed credentials; and
• Consider adopting a national credentialing exam.

Each state agency may consult with any military official, state agency, or post-secondary educational institution.

$73,551 is appropriated to the department of regulatory agencies from the division of professions and occupations cash fund to implement the act.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)