Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure | Stephen F. Austin State University

Notice to students pursuing programs that may lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

Licensing disclosure

The curriculum for programs customarily leading to licensure at SFA have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in Texas as well as preparing students to apply for licensure exams in the State of Texas.

The licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Students who intend to work in any state other than Texas need to review the professional licensure disclosures pertaining to their program and consult with the state professional licensing board. A specific amount of training also can be required as well as passage of an exam based on a state requisite exam score. Often, licensed professionals must complete continuing education on an annual basis.

Code of Federal Regulations: 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) and 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32)

State authorization

SFA is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, which allows the university to provide distance-learning programs (both online and in the form of supervised field experiences) and coursework to residents of states other than Texas. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt us from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Texas may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.

Relocation

Relocating while in the course of a program to another state may impact whether you'll meet the state licensure requirements and/or continue to receive financial aid funding. Prior to considering relocation, contact the agency where you desire licensure to discuss authorization, licensure eligibility requirements or whether you'll be eligible for reciprocity.

International students

Prospective students living and/or working outside of the United States should confirm with the appropriate certifying agency whether successful completion of any degree program at SFA will meet the credentialing requirements of the country in which they intend to seek employment.

Student responsibility

You should review the specific academic requirements for the program in which you're enrolling. This includes those related to practicum/internship and pre-qualifications for licensure such as the need for a criminal background check. We highly recommend that you contact the applicable licensure board(s) in your state of residence or in the state where you intend to obtain a license before beginning an academic program that results in licensure and prior to beginning any internship/practicum. Many licensure boards have additional requirements beyond successful degree completion to obtain a license.

State laws, regulations and policies may change at any time. Changes in requirements can impact the program's ability to meet educational requirements for licensure. It is your responsibility to check with the licensing board(s) in your state of residence or in the state in which you intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements. SFA shall not be held liable if you're unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction or cannot obtain a practicum/internship location.

HB 1508 Occupational License Notification

HB 1508, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2017, requires institutions offering programs that lead to occupational licensure to inform students that certain criminal convictions may affect their eligibility to obtain a professional license.

SFA offers programs that lead to an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001. Students in these programs should be aware of the consequences criminal offenses may have on licensure. Be advised that:

An individual who has been convicted of an offense may be ineligible for issuance of an occupational license upon completion of the educational program.
Each licensing authority that may issue an occupational license to an individual who completes an educational program must establish guidelines that state the reasons a particular crime is considered to relate to a particular license and any other criterion that affects the decisions of the licensing authority.
Local or county licensing authorities may issue additional guidelines related to criminal history. Applicants should contact their respective local or county licensing authority for more details.
A person may request a criminal history evaluation letter regarding the personal eligibility for a license issued by a licensing authority under Texas Occupation Code 53.102.

SFA programs leading to licensure or certification

The following programs may lead to an occupational or professional license or certification.

If you do not see your program, contact ctl@sfasu.edu.

States in which the academic program meets professional licensure requirements is noted. If your desired state is not listed alongside your program, a determination has not been made.

Educational Leadership, EdD