Online Learning
Reciprocity and Determination Definitions
Below provides definitions for terms frequently used during Central Washington University's disclosure of out-of-state license and certificate recognition and reciprocity. Students interested in the process for their program or with more questions are encouraged to review the disclosure general information page.
License
- A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade. A number of CWU programs offer licenses, or pathways to licenses, related to specific trades including but not limited to work in counseling, teaching, and medical fields. Licenses are most often offered as a reward for completing a degrees' required coursework, exams, and work hours. These are typically referred to as "professional licenses or licensure", meaning that the work and the individual performing it is usually considered a professional in their field.
Certification
- Similar to licenses, certifications offer titles or rights associated with fieldwork and practice. In some cases, CWU offers certifications outside of the usual degree pathway. State education departments and authorities often treat the two interchangeably.
Protected Title
- A protected title is the specified job title or role that only licensed or certified individuals can perform in. For example, only those with recognized nutrition and dietitian degrees and work hours can practice under the title of "Registered Dietitian" or "Nutritionist" in a number of states and territories.
Reciprocity
- Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another. For students' licensing purposes, reciprocity is a legal practice wherein a state or territory outside of Washington will recognize CWU's coursework or degree as meeting the requirements for a license, certification, or title in theirs as well. Sometimes this is a direct transfer or authorization, other times more local steps such as paying license fees or submitting academic records are required.
Requirements
- For our purposes, requirements refer to the local legislature's (i.e. other state's) or professional authority's necessary conditions for recognition of license or practice. When a determination says CWU's program "meets" the requirements, it means for that state only. In specific cases of meeting requirements, minimalized next steps for the student such as informing the state's board of education or professionals that you intend to work or practice there are required.
When a determination says CWU's program "does not meet" requirements, it means that excessive additional or secondary steps, education, training, and examination may be required locally
Determination
- Determinations are the process by which CWU's decides whether or not an academic program, degree, or certification meets the requirements for license or practice in another state or territory.
This is done through legal review, consultation with other agencies, and accreditation. Determinations take the form of a "meets requirements" or "does not meet the requirements" for each program, state-by-state.
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