Legal restrictions on professional licenses

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

    What professional and occupational licenses are and what they requireHow your criminal record may affect your ability to get a professional or occupational licenseWhat information a licensing board can consider about your criminal recordWhen a licensing board can deny you a license based on your criminal recordWhat to do if a licensing board denies your application for a license because of your criminal recordWhat to do if you used to have a professional or occupational license, but lost it due to a criminal convictionOther groups you can contact for assistance or additional information about professional and occupational licenses

Many people with criminal records CAN and DO get professional and occupational licenses to work in the jobs of their choice. If you want to work in a job that requires a license, don’t be discouraged! Although it can be harder to get a license with a criminal record, this section will help you to understand your rights and how to increase your chances of getting the license you want!

HELPFUL HINT for occupational licenses:

If you are thinking of applying for a professional/occupational license, you should talk to an attorney or reentry program counselor for advice and assistance. They can help you to better understand the specific barriers and opportunities you may have, depending on your record and the type of license you want.

  1. What are professional and occupational licenses and what do they require?

  2. What kinds of jobs require a professional or occupational license?

  3. Can I get a professional or occupational license with a record?

  4. What criminal history information can a licensing board consider about me?

  5. Can a licensing board deny me a license based on my record?

  6. Can I apply for a license while I’m still incarcerated?

  7. Can I apply for a probationary license before I get a full license?

  8. What can I do if the board denies my application for a license?

  9. What can I do if I used to have a license, but lost it due to a criminal conviction?

  10. Who can help me if my license has been denied or taken away due to a criminal conviction?

  11. Where can I go to learn more about professional licenses?