The Office of the Professions (OP) continues to license nurses, doctors, physician assistants and other healthcare providers as expeditiously as possible. The State Education Department (SED) is working closely with the Governor and other state agencies as the COVID-19 emergency evolves. Guidance will be announced through these agencies and posted on this webpage. Below is information regarding COVID-19 and topics related to the professions.
Additional information is also available:
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
- Executive Orders
- NYSED's COVID-19 webpage
- NYDOH's COVID-19 webpage
- NYSED's Guidance for NYS Colleges and Universities
Due to the COVID-19 virus and the New York State of Emergency, staff in OP are not readily available to answer all phone calls. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please use the Contact Us Form to submit licensure and registration related questions to OP. Be advised that due to the volume of phone calls and emails received, there may be a delay before staff can provide you with an answer. Please review the OP website for answers to many frequently asked questions. COVID-19 related questions may be sent to NYSED’s COVID-19 mailbox at: COVID19@nysed.gov
Administering COVID-19 Vaccine
Electronic Notarization
OP will accept an electronic notarization on any application or form in accordance with Executive Orders, as long as specific criteria outlined here are met.
Continuing Education
Some regulations restrict licensees to a certain percentage of self-study for continuing education requirements. In response to the evolving situation with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and for those licensees whose registrations are due to renew March 1, 2020 – January 1, 2023, the Department will grant an adjustment to all licensees to complete up to 100% of the continuing education as self-study, provided that it is taken from a Department-approved provider and is in an acceptable subject area for the specific profession.
Additionally, the Department will grant an adjustment to all licensees, regardless of registration renewal date, to utilize self-study for any coursework taken during the period from March 1, 2020 – January 1, 2023, provided that it is taken from a Department-approved provider and is in an acceptable subject area for the specific profession. Coursework taken outside that timeframe must meet the continuing education requirements in each individual profession’s laws and regulations.
SED is working closely with other New York State agencies and the Governor’s Office to tackle issues relating to COVID-19. Please continue to monitor the Department’s website for updated guidance.
Exam Review Sessions
- Massage examination review sessions that are scheduled for 4/10 in Albany and 4/17 in New York City are postponed.
If you were signed up for these sessions you will be notified when they are rescheduled.
Examinations
COVID-19 is impacting the administration of examinations necessary to meet the qualifications for professional licensure in NYS. Please refer to the examination provider’s website for the latest information about your examination. There is a link to the examination provider and/or administrator on the Requirements page for your profession. At this time, the Massage Therapy examination administered by the Office of the Professions has not been cancelled.
Cancelled/Rescheduled examinations include:
- The New York State Geology examination scheduled for 3/20 has been cancelled.
- The New York State Land Surveying examination scheduled for 4/17 has been cancelled. The next scheduled New York State Land Surveying examination is currently scheduled for 10/23.
- The New York State Ophthalmic Dispensing Only examination scheduled for 4/27- 4/28 has been cancelled.
Renewal of Limited and Provisional Permits
Registrations
Please be advised that there will be delays in the printing and mailing of registration certificates and license parchments due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. OP's Online Registration Renewal will remain continuously available and licensees are encouraged to timely registered if possible. OP’s Verification Searches will remain up-to-date and is a primary source for license and registration verification.