OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING AND CRIMINAL RECORDS

Many jobs require an occupational license.  In Georgia, 1 in 6 jobs overall, and 1 in 4 high demand jobs, require a license.  If you have an arrest or conviction record you likely have concerns about whether you can become licensed in your chosen field.  While the criteria and the process differ between licensing boards and licenses, the good news is that many people who have a record are licensed. Georgia Justice Project is working to reduce legal barriers to occupational licensing for people with a record and you can read more about that on our policy page.  In the meantime, hopefully, the materials below will be helpful as you consider a new career, complete your education and prepare to enter a new field, or navigate the licensing process. 

remove barriers georgia occupational licensing

Preparing to Apply for an Occupational License with a Criminal Record

If you are eligible, there are a few steps that you should take before applying:

  1. Prepare before you start your training or education for the job requiring a license.
  2. See if you can get a preliminary decision from the licensing board.
  3. Gather your documents months before you apply.
  4. Fill out the application honestly.
  5. Explain your record to the licensing board.
  6. Be ready to appeal if it is denied.

Need additional help?

If you would like more information about applying for an occupational license with a criminal record, how to explain your record to an occupational licensing board, or working in a child care or elder care facility, go to the occupational licensing section of our resources page.

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