ences are analogous to the different state education and experience requirements for teachers.

There is a difference, however, between states’ licensure testing requirements for the seven professions and the licensure testing requirements for teaching. For each of the seven professions examined, the same test or series of tests are used by all states (although some states augment a national examination with additional state components). For six of these professions (all but social work), the passing standards on the test(s) are the same across states (Schmitt, 2000). The situation is very different in education where testing requirements differ by state, subject area, and grade level and the passing standards vary from state to state.

Table 3–1 also provides data on alternate paths into the seven professions. A number of the professions studied have varying degree requirements for alternate routes to licensing. Some accept experience in lieu of the education requirements. About half the states allow engineers to substitute experience for an engineering degree, although the experience requirement is substantial (e.g., over 10 years; National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, 2000). Prospective architects can also substitute experience for education. Over half the states allow architect candidates to be licensed with a bachelor’s degree or a high school diploma, in combination with experience/training (although typically candidates must have a combination of eight years’ experience and education <www.ncarb.org>. Several states accept various combinations of education and experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in order for prospective accountants to sit for the licensing exam (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, 1998). This is another area in which teaching is similar to the other professions studied.

Some of the seven professions allow individuals to practice without a license, but they place limitations on what unlicensed individuals are allowed to do. Unlicensed architects can design certain structures, although only licensed architects can seal a design. Unlicensed individuals can work as accountants, although they cannot use the CPA designation. In some jurisdictions, registered nurses and physical therapists who have completed the education requirements can receive temporary licenses prior to fulfilling the examination requirements (Schmitt, 2000). Teaching is similar to other professions in this regard. Unlicensed teachers can work in private schools in some states (National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, 2000b; U.S. Department of Education, 2000b). Also, many states allow unlicensed individuals to teach in public schools for a fixed period when there are too few licensed teachers to staff existing classes.

The teaching profession and individual states impose standards through program approval, teacher education admission and course requirements, testing, and initial licensure to promote quality practice.