Ohio

Ohio has a universal license recognition law. As a Tennessee-licensed professional, your license is generally recognized in Ohio, subject to meeting basic eligibility requirements. This is the strongest form of license portability available. Universal recognition enacted 2023; among first to go live with Counseling Compact.

Ohio is a member of 6 compacts: Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, Counseling Compact, Occupational Therapy Compact. You share 5 of these with Tennessee: Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, Counseling Compact.

Both Tennessee and Ohio are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate nursing license from Tennessee, you can practice in Ohio without obtaining a separate license.

Teaching license portability from Tennessee to Ohio: NASDTEC member; reciprocal certification available. Most states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, but specific requirements vary by state and endorsement area.

Ohio supports PE license comity through NCEES. Licensed Professional Engineers from Tennessee can apply for licensure by comity, which is a streamlined process using your NCEES Record. This typically requires verifying your education, exam passage, and experience meet Ohio's requirements.

Universal recognition covers military spouses; automatic recognition. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), updated December 2024, all states are now required to recognize valid professional licenses from other states for military personnel and their spouses.

Counseling Compact went live January 5, 2026 (Ohio was the third state to complete implementation, after Arizona and Minnesota in September 2025); OT Compact accepting applications January 12, 2026.

For the most current licensing requirements and compact participation details, visit the official Ohio licensing page at https://elicense.ohio.gov/. Requirements and compact memberships may change as new legislation is enacted.