Professionals who hold eligible certifications or licenses can transfer their credentials between jurisdictions using IC&RC products.
Boards can offer reciprocity to certified professionals in other jurisdictions and have the authority to set reciprocity requirements for entry to their jurisdiction. It is important that certified professionals investigate reciprocity prior to relocating to another jurisdiction, because it can be very complicated. It is recommended to reciprocate at least 3 months before a credential’s expiration.
Reciprocity process
- Professional contacts the IC&RC Member Board in the jurisdiction to which s/he wants to relocate to learn about the requirements to reciprocate credential.
- Professional contacts current IC&RC Member Board for Reciprocity Application.
- Professional completes the application and returns it to current board with the appropriate fee.
- Current board verifies application and sends it to IC&RC.
- IC&RC approves the application, notifies the professional, and sends it to board in new location.
- New board contacts professional when the process is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reciprocate my credential to any IC&RC member board?
Your credential is reciprocal only with boards that offer that same credential. For example, if you hold a Prevention Specialist credential from Pennsylvania and you want to reciprocate that credential to Nebraska, you would be unable to do so, because Nebraska, although a Member Board in IC&RC, does not offer the Prevention Specialist credential. Therefore, reciprocity works only if the new jurisdiction to which you are moving offers that credential.
When should I begin the reciprocity process – before or after moving?
It is best to start the process before moving into a new jurisdiction. There can be delays in processing reciprocity applications, so beginning early provides a better chance that your application will be completed before you begin work in your new jurisdiction. Waiting until after you move could result in a delay in starting new employment.
Can I maintain my credential in more than one jurisdiction?
Yes, you are permitted to maintain your credential in your original jurisdiction while holding it in your new jurisdiction, if you choose to do so. Maintaining credentials in more than one jurisdiction will require that you renew/recertify your credential in each jurisdiction.
If my credential has expired in my current jurisdiction, can I still reciprocate into a new jurisdiction?
No, your credential must be current and valid in order to reciprocate. If your credential has lapsed, you must successfully recertify prior to applying for reciprocity. In order to avoid credentials expiring during the reciprocity process, credentials must be valid for at least 30 days at the time of application.
When I reciprocate to a new jurisdiction, will my current expiration date on my credential change?
No, your new jurisdiction is required to provide you with the same expiration date that appears on your current certificate. In order to avoid credentials expiring during the reciprocity process, credentials must be valid for at least 30 days at the time of application.
Can I be denied reciprocity into a new jurisdiction?
IC&RC Member Boards have the right to require additional standards that must be met before accepting a credentialled professional from another jurisdiction. Sometimes these additional standards are minimal and can be met by most without difficulty. In others, additional standards could take additional time and cost to complete. It is critical that you check with the credentialing board in the jurisdiction to which you are relocating to determine what, if any, additional standards must be met.
How long will it take to hear about my reciprocity application after I send it my Member Board?
Typically, a Member Board will send your reciprocity materials to IC&RC 10-14 days after they are received. IC&RC will then approve the reciprocity, and you will be notified via email directly from IC&RC. If you have not heard from IC&RC within 4 weeks, contact your current Member Board first to inquire about the status of your reciprocity application. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your requested board to contact you after you receive notification of approval from IC&RC.