Portability of Professional Licenses of Servicemembers and their Spouses
All individuals applying for certification through the Portability of Professional Licenses process must meet the following requirements at the time of application. Applicants seeking certification must pay all applicable fees and submit evidence to satisfy the certification requirements. Applicants seeking certification through Portability of Professional Licenses are not eligible for scholarships administered by CalMHSA.
H.R. 7939 (the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022) amends the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by adding a new section called “Portability of Professional Licenses of Servicemembers and their Spouses” which expands those who are exempt from licensing and certification requirements. The SCRA allows servicemembers and their spouses to use their professional licenses and certificates in certain circumstances when they must relocate due to military orders.
For a covered license or certificate to be considered valid in a new location, a servicemember or their spouse must satisfy the following criteria as set forth in 50 U.S. Code 4025a (a):
- Have moved to a location outside the jurisdiction of the licensing authority that issued the covered license or certificate because of orders for military service.
Provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction.
Have actively used the license or certificate during the two years immediately preceding the move.
- Remail in good standing with:.
- the licensing authority that issued the covered license or certificate; and
- every other licensing authority that issued to the servicemember or the spouse of a servicemember a license or certificate valid for a similar scope of practice and in the discipline applied for in the new jurisdiction.
Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer.
Be willing to share their experience of recovery to support other’s recovery.
Have a strong dedication to recovery.
Agree, in writing, to adhere to a code of ethics.
Submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements.
If these criteria are met, the servicemember or their spouse’s covered license or certificate shall be considered valid at a similar scope of practice and in the discipline applied for in the new jurisdiction for the duration of military orders.
Please note: Only electronic applications will be accepted through the CalMHSA Certification website. A complete application consists of the following:
- Submission of the online application,
- Payment of all applicable fees, and
- Submission of training and/or certification documentation, along with any other required supporting materials.
Renewal: Military Reciprocity granted to Peer Support Specialists will be subject to certification renewal requirements.