October 28, 2021

Other licensing jurisdictions are exploring the use of digital credentials for professions and occupations. Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) launched an optional digital identification system for its regulated professions which include architects and engineers. Professions and occupations regulated by DPOR can obtain both a digital and physical certification. Florida is also exploring the use of digital credentials for medical professionals to streamline the licensing registration process and provide faster licensing checks.

The state-level consideration of digital credentials for professions and occupations is being done in tandem with a move towards digital state-issued IDs and drivers licenses. For example, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah are pursuing digital forms of identification. The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation is piloting a first in the nation credentialing system for CPAs. The pilot program is seeking 25 current CPAs who have a Real ID driver’s license and will obtain a credential in mobile format using blockchain distributed ledger technology.