How Utah Just Made Licensing Easier for Professionals

The people we hire should know what they are doing. But the government creating redundant requirements of those applying for licenses is an inefficiency.

Requiring an accredited bachelor’s degree and a licensing exam is unnecessary. In the case of architecture, it was incredibly difficult because no university offered an accredited bachelor’s degree. Instead, the universities accredited their master’s degrees, requiring students to spend even more money at the school.

Luckily, Representative Stephanie Gricius reduced unnecessary requirements on those applying for architecture, environmental health science, land surveyors, substance abuse counselors, and geologists. 

Her bill removed the accreditation requirement from these occupations, or created pathways outside of the college environment. 

The most exciting development from this bill was the creation of a non-bachelor’s degree license for architects. Prior to this bill, architects had a legal path to licensure that did not require a bachelor’s degree, but it was little used or understood. Rep. Gricius added this pathway to law, preserving it for future architects. 

Government oversight of licensure often creates inefficiencies for applicants. Removing requirements allows motivated individuals to pursue their careers faster. 

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About the author

Jon England

Jon is the Education Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute. He is a fourteen-year veteran of public schools. He taught both fifth and sixth grades, receiving Weber District’s E+ Team Award. He proudly homeschools his children with his wife. Jon received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. He spent time in the Marine Corps and separated as a sergeant in 2006. During his time in public schools, Jon increasingly understood the importance of parental empowerment in education. This increased understanding led him to join Libertas to provide educational freedom for families. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and five children traveling, skiing, and playing games.

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