(Washington, DC) – The DC Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is doing its part to make the District greener. 

The DCRA’s Occupational and Professional Licensing Division (OPLD) rolled out a new online system, dubbed PULSE, this week that will allow tens of thousands of licensed professionals in the District to apply for professional licenses, renew existing licenses, check on continuing education, or perform other tasks such as updating an address.

DCRA currently regulates the practice of approximately 72,000 individuals in 127 occupations and professional licensing categories as varied as plumbers, accountants and real estate agents.

While PULSE will save tons of paper annually, it will also streamline the licensing process, providing easier access to online resources and eliminate many redundant business practices.

“We are excited to offer this new online service to professionals in the District of Columbia,” said DCRA Director Linda K. Argo. “This is the latest in a series of improvements we are making agency-wide to provide as many services as we can from the comfort of your own desk or home. I always say the best trip to DCRA is the one you don’t have to make.”

PULSE provides beginning-to-end processing for professionals and streamlines DCRA’s examination, application, licensing, renewal, continuing education, enforcement, and compliance operations.

The system went live this week for the DC Board of Accountancy.  Other Boards will follow during their respective license renewal periods, to allow for a smooth transition for applicants.

“As the leader in computer-based testing, Pearson VUE’s license management system is a natural progression of our vision for technology, efficiency, and sustainability for our products and services,” said Robert Whelan, president of Pearson VUE. “We are pleased the Occupational and Professional Licensing Division has chosen PULSE to enhance its licensure process while reducing paper-waste at the same time.”

Working through 18 regulatory boards, DCRA reviews and processes applications, administers examinations, issues licenses, responds to certification requests by other jurisdictions, and maintains the District's official licensure records.  Pearson VUE is responsible for issuing new licenses and processing renewals on behalf of DCRA.

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs protects the health, safety, economic interests, and quality of life of residents, businesses, and visitors in the District of Columbia by issuing licenses and permits, conducting inspections, enforcing building, housing, and safety codes, regulating land use and development, and providing consumer education and advocacy services.