Student Attestation for Professional Licensure and State Certification Programs
Some programs at VCU are designed to prepare you for professional licensure or state certification. However, these programs may not meet licensure requirements in all states or territories due to varying state standards. Additionally, federal regulations require VCU to determine a student's location and ensure that the program they wish to enroll in meets the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in that state. If the program does not meet the requirements for the state in which the student is located but intends to seek employment in a state for which the program satisfies the requirements, the regulations allow VCU to enroll them. To ensure compliance, VCU requires you to confirm your intended work location and complete an attestation process if you are in a state where the program does not meet licensure requirements. The attestation process is designed to help you make informed decisions about your education and career. The attestation also serves as a crucial tool to ensure that you engage in the decision-making process with full awareness and consent.
To view a list of VCU’s professional licensure programs and details about the states and territories where these programs meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification, please visit the Professional Licensure and State Certification page.
Do these attestation instructions apply to me?
These instructions apply if you are:
- A prospective student seeking to enroll in a professional licensure or state certification program on or after July 1, 2024,
- Located outside Virginia (and not moving to Virginia for classes),
- Enrolling in a program that does not meet licensure requirements in your current state, but
- You intend to work in a state where the program does meet licensure requirements.
Why is completing an attestation necessary?
You must complete an attestation to:
- Identify the state or territory where you plan to work after graduation.
- Acknowledge that your program may not meet the licensure or certification requirements in your state.
- Confirm your intention to pursue employment in a state or territory where the program meets the licensure or certification requirements.
- Acknowledge that VCU has provided guidance on licensure or certification requirements.
Instructions for Students on Completing the Attestation
The information below provides instructions for students on how to complete the attestation process for professional licensure and state certification programs.
Step 1: Understand state licensure requirements
- At enrollment, your program will inform you of the licensure requirements in the state or territory where you plan to work. It will be explicitly stated if the program does not fulfill the requirements for licensure or certification in that state or territory.
- Carefully review the provided information to understand the licensure requirements for your intended state or territory after graduation. Please note that this information does not account for changes in state laws or regulations related to licensure or certification that occur after this disclosure has been made. Continue to stay abreast of information by regularly reviewing the Professional Licensure and State Certification page.
Step 2: Get Assistance
- Program staff are available to help you understand the licensure requirements for your state to help you explore alternatives. If you have questions, reach out to the program contact listed on the program website.
Step 3: Complete the Student Attestation form
- Complete the Student Attestation: Professional Licensure Programs Form to confirm your understanding of the program’s licensure limitations and outline your plan for obtaining licensure or certification after graduation.
Student Attestation Process
VCU is committed to federal compliance and transparency. The university has established a robust student attestation process to ensure that students are fully informed about how the university's professional licensure and certification programs align with the educational standards of a state or territory, empowering them to make informed decisions about their education and future career paths.
Programs should follow the VCU Student Attestation Process for Professional Licensure to obtain attestations from distance education students in licensure programs that do not meet the educational requirements of their state or territory.