Methods of Obtaining Credit for Licensure

(1) Credentials from outside Massachusetts. (a) Applicants seeking a Massachusetts license who hold a similar license in another state or country may submit to the Bureau a written request petitioning that such license, including experience or education obtained for said license, be considered for approval as being substantially equivalent to the experience and education requirements required in Massachusetts. (b) Unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with the relevant jurisdiction authorizing licensure without examination, all applicants will be required to pass the relevant examination for the license being sought. (c) The Bureau reserves the right to request additional information regarding qualifications and may choose not to grant or grant only in part a request for education or experience waivers. (d) Absent special Bureau approval, applicants shall not be granted credit for: 1. Work experience in a jurisdiction that does not require a license; or 2. Licenses from a jurisdiction that does not require formal education. (2) Massachusetts public secondary vocational technical programs (a) Applicants shall be granted credit for education and work experience obtained in Bureau approved vocational technical programs meeting the requirements of these regulations. (b) Education obtained in a vocational technical program under this section must adhere to the curriculums and other standards approved by the Bureau and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (c) Work experience may be obtained by students enrolled in a vocational technical program by the following methods: 1. In a "shop" or "laboratory" facility at the school where students are under the direct supervision of one or more licensees who meet the educator licensing requirements of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; 2. In a Bureau approved, off-campus construction and/or maintenance project overseen by the school; or After obtaining an apprentice license, in a school arranged co-op employment relationship with a licensee. To engage in this type of employment, students must meet the same apprenticeship and DAS requirements required of apprentice licenses per 528 CMR 11.00. (3) Credit for education and work experience obtained pursuant to another Massachusetts license. At its sole discretion, the Bureau may grant an applicant credit towards a Bureau issued license for education and/or work experienced obtained pursuant to a license issued by another Massachusetts board or agency which the Bureau finds is substantially equivalent to Bureau requirements. (4) Unlicensed practice. Other than work performed under a Vocational Technical School Program as described in these regulations, the Bureau shall not grant any work experience credit to an individual for any period in which they did not hold a valid license issued by the Bureau. This section shall not be construed as preventing the Bureau from taking additional disciplinary action against an individual for practicing without a license.