Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure

In accordance with federal regulations, Iḷisaġvik College is committed to informing both prospective and enrolled students whether our academic and CTE programs meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in the states where students reside or intend to work.

This transparency is especially important for programs that are designed to prepare students for licensure in regulated professions—such as healthcare or technical trades. The purpose of these disclosures is to support students in making well-informed decisions about their education and career goals by identifying whether a program fulfills state-specific academic criteria for licensure or certification.

Students participating in a licensure- or certification-related program at Iḷisaġvik College can reference the list below to see which states our program outcomes currently align with. Because licensure and certification criteria vary from state to state, we strongly encourage students to consult directly with the licensing agency in the state where they plan to seek employment or practice professionally.

Iḷisaġvik College offers academic programs that fulfill the educational requirements for licensure and/or certification in the following states:

Dental Health Aide Therapy (Alaska Dental Therapy Educational Program)

Satisfies Educational Requirements in: Alaska (tribal settings), Arizona (tribal settings), Colorado, Idaho (tribal settings), Michigan, New Mexico (tribal settings), Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin

Commercial Driver’s Licensure and Heavy Equipment Operator

Type: Restricted 7 CDL – Off‑Highway CDL (Alaska)

The Restricted 7 Commercial Driver’s License is issued only in remote Alaska communities not connected to the public road system, where road skills testing is unavailable. To qualify, applicants must pass a written knowledge test proctored by a certified CDL written test proctor—course instructors cannot test their own students. No road skills test or Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required. Applicants must provide original documents verifying name, date of birth, Social Security number, and residence address, along with a DOT medical certificate and, if applicable, a 413 self-certifying form.

Satisfies Driving Requirements:  Atqasuk (ATQ), Anaktuvuk Pass (AKP), Kaktovik (KAK), Nuiqsut (NUI), Wainwright (AIN), Point Hope (PHO), and Point Lay (PIZ).

Type: Restricted 8 CDL – Waiver Community CDL (Alaska)

Effective December 30, 2024, through December 30, 2029, the Restricted 8 Commercial Driver’s License is available only in designated waiver communities. To qualify, applicants must pass a written knowledge test proctored by a certified CDL examiner, DMV representative, or PSO. The course instructors cannot test their own students. Applicants must provide original legal documents verifying name, date of birth, Social Security number, and residence address, along with a DOT medical certificate, 413 self-certifying form, and proof of a DOT drug test. No Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required.

License Applies to Waiver Communities: Bethel, Prince of Wales Island, Haines, Ketchikan, King Salmon, Kodiak Island, Kotzebue, Nome, Mitkof Island, Sitka, Skagway, Unalaska Island, Utqiavik, and Wrangell Island.

Type: Unrestricted CDL – Full Commercial Driver’s License (Alaska)

The Unrestricted Commercial Driver’s License allows for full commercial vehicle operation within Alaska and across state lines, depending on the endorsement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving or hazardous materials endorsement), be domiciled in Alaska, and hold a valid Alaska Commercial Learner’s Permit for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. They must provide proof of lawful status (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or COFA citizen), a valid Social Security number, and current Alaska residency. A DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and DOT drug test are required, and the applicant must not be suspended or disqualified from CDL privileges in any state. All applicable Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) must be completed prior to testing. Applicants must pass the appropriate skills tests in a representative vehicle for the license class, complete the necessary forms, and pay all required fees.

License Applies to: All communities in Alaska 

Type: Unrestricted CDL – Full Commercial Driver’s License (Interstate)

To operate interstate, drivers must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid DOT medical certificate, and have completed the required ELDT and passed all applicable knowledge and skills tests. To remove the “K” restriction, which limits CDL operation to intrastate only, drivers must submit their DOT medical exam to the Alaska DMV and update their license status.

Interstate License Applies to: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

Type: Forklift Operator 

Certifies an individual to safely operate powered industrial trucks, including forklifts, in Alaska and, depending on employer and state regulations, may be recognized across other U.S. states. While Alaska does not issue a state-specific forklift license, employers are required under federal law to ensure that operators are trained and certified according to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.178. To become certified, applicants must complete an OSHA-compliant training program that includes formal instruction, hands-on evaluation, and a performance test specific to the type of forklift used. Operators must be at least 18 years old to work in non-agricultural industries. Certification is typically valid for three years, after which re-evaluation is required. Although the certification is generally accepted nationwide, some states or employers may require additional training to meet local or site-specific requirements.

Certification Applies to: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.