CHARACTER REFERENCE LETTER FOR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE WRITER

Purpose

This letter provides a character reference for an individual seeking:
☐ Initial professional licensure
☐ License reinstatement
☐ Response to disciplinary proceeding
☐ Fitness determination
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Requirements for Reference Writers

• Must have known the applicant/licensee for a sufficient period (typically 1-5 years)
• Should have personal knowledge of the individual's character
• Should NOT be an immediate family member or domestic partner
• Should be willing to be contacted by the licensing board
• Must provide truthful and accurate information

What to Include

• How you know the applicant and for how long
• Your observations of their character and integrity
• Specific examples demonstrating good moral character
• Your assessment of their fitness to hold a professional license
• Any knowledge of their rehabilitation (if applicable)

REFERENCE LETTER TEMPLATE

[__/__/____]

[Licensing Board Name]
[Board Address]
[City, State, ZIP]

RE: Character Reference for [________________________________]
Applicant/Licensee License Number (if applicable): [________________________________]
Case/Reference Number (if applicable): [________________________________]

Dear Members of the Board:

INTRODUCTION

I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant's Full Name] in support of their [application for licensure / petition for reinstatement / response to disciplinary matter / fitness determination]. I understand that the Board is evaluating [Applicant's Name]'s qualifications, and I am pleased to offer my perspective on their character and fitness to hold a professional license.

ABOUT THE REFERENCE WRITER

My name is [________________________________]

My occupation/profession is [________________________________]

My current employer/affiliation is [________________________________]

My professional credentials include:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

I can be reached at:
- Address: [________________________________]
- Phone: [________________________________]
- Email: [________________________________]

RELATIONSHIP TO APPLICANT/LICENSEE

I have known [Applicant's Name] for approximately [____] years, since [year or approximate date].

The nature of our relationship is:
☐ Professional colleague
☐ Supervisor/Manager
☐ Business associate
☐ Personal friend
☐ Community member
☐ Religious/faith community member
☐ Volunteer organization colleague
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Context of our relationship:
[Describe how you met and the circumstances under which you have interacted with the applicant]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

CHARACTER OBSERVATIONS

Integrity and Honesty:

[Describe your observations of the applicant's integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Professional Competence and Responsibility:

[Describe your observations of the applicant's professional capabilities, work ethic, and sense of responsibility]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Judgment and Decision-Making:

[Describe your observations of the applicant's judgment and ability to make sound decisions]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Interpersonal Skills and Relationships:

[Describe how the applicant interacts with others, including clients, colleagues, and the community]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES

[Provide 2-3 specific examples that demonstrate the applicant's good character. Be as specific as possible with dates and circumstances.]

Example 1:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Example 2:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Example 3:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

KNOWLEDGE OF PRIOR CONDUCT (If Applicable)

☐ I have no knowledge of any conduct that would reflect negatively on the applicant's character.

☐ I am aware of the circumstances that led to the [disciplinary action / fitness inquiry / application concern], and I offer the following observations:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

REHABILITATION OBSERVATIONS (If Applicable)

[If the applicant has prior disciplinary history or is seeking reinstatement, describe your observations of their rehabilitation and changed behavior]

☐ I have observed that [Applicant's Name] has demonstrated genuine rehabilitation through:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

☐ I believe [Applicant's Name] has learned from past experiences because:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

☐ I have observed the following positive changes:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

FITNESS TO PRACTICE

Based on my personal knowledge of [Applicant's Name] over the past [____] years, I believe they possess the good moral character and fitness necessary to:

☐ Be granted a professional license
☐ Have their license reinstated
☐ Continue practicing in their profession
☐ Other: [________________________________]

My confidence in this assessment is based on:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

RECOMMENDATION

☐ I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant's Name] for [licensure/reinstatement/continued practice].

☐ I recommend [Applicant's Name] with the following observations: [________________________________]

I am confident that [Applicant's Name] will uphold the standards of the [profession] and serve the public with integrity.

AVAILABILITY FOR CONTACT

☐ I am willing to be contacted by the Board to discuss this reference.
☐ I am willing to provide additional information if requested.
☐ I am willing to appear at a hearing if necessary.

Preferred method of contact: ☐ Phone ☐ Email ☐ Written correspondence

CLOSING

I appreciate the opportunity to provide this reference for [Applicant's Name]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________
Signature

_________________________________
Printed Name

_________________________________
Title/Profession

_________________________________
Date

VERIFICATION (Optional - Include if Required by Board)

STATE OF [________________________________]
COUNTY OF [________________________________]

I, [________________________________], being duly sworn, state that:

1. I have personal knowledge of the facts stated in this letter.
2. The statements made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
3. I have not been promised or received any compensation for providing this reference.

_________________________________
Signature

Subscribed and sworn to before me this [____] day of [________________], 20[____].

_________________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: [__/__/____]

ALTERNATIVE FORMAT: STRUCTURED REFERENCE FORM

Section A: Reference Writer Information

Section B: Relationship to Applicant

Section C: Character Assessment

Please rate the applicant on the following characteristics (1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent):

Section D: Specific Questions

1. Do you have any knowledge of conduct by the applicant that would reflect adversely on their fitness to hold a professional license?

☐ No
☐ Yes (please explain): [________________________________]

2. Are you aware of any substance abuse issues?

☐ No
☐ Yes (please explain): [________________________________]

3. Are you aware of any criminal history?

☐ No
☐ Yes (please explain): [________________________________]

4. Would you trust this individual to provide professional services to your family members?

☐ Yes, without reservation
☐ Yes, with some reservations: [________________________________]
☐ No: [________________________________]

Section E: Overall Recommendation

☐ Strongly Recommend
☐ Recommend
☐ Recommend with Reservations
☐ Do Not Recommend

Additional Comments:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Section F: Certification

I certify that the information provided in this reference is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false information may have legal consequences.

_________________________________
Signature

_________________________________
Date

GUIDANCE FOR SPECIFIC SITUATIONS

For Initial License Applications

Focus on:
- Educational background and achievements
- Work history and professional development
- Community involvement
- General character and integrity
- Fitness to serve the public

For License Reinstatement After Discipline

Focus on:
- Observations of rehabilitation
- Changed behavior and attitudes
- Steps taken to address prior issues
- Current fitness to practice
- Support systems in place

For Response to Disciplinary Proceedings

Focus on:
- Overall character assessment
- Context for any alleged conduct
- Prior exemplary conduct
- Impact on family, community if license is lost
- Reasons for leniency

For Fitness Determination (Prior Criminal History)

Focus on:
- Knowledge of rehabilitation
- Changed circumstances
- Current character and behavior
- Community support
- Reasons why past conduct should not disqualify

TIPS FOR REFERENCE WRITERS

Do:

• Be specific with examples and dates
• Be honest and accurate
• Only attest to facts within your personal knowledge
• Describe the context of your relationship
• Proofread carefully before signing

Do Not:

• Exaggerate or embellish
• Make statements you cannot support
• Provide false or misleading information
• Include hearsay or speculation
• Write a generic or vague letter

Length and Format:

• Typically 1-2 pages
• Typed on letterhead if available
• Professional tone and appearance
• Clear organization
• Proper grammar and spelling

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• State Professional Licensing Board Requirements
• NCEES Professional Reference Guidelines (Engineers)
• Pennsylvania Moral Character Reference Form (CPAs)
• Texas Real Estate Commission Character Reference Guidelines
• State Bar Character and Fitness Requirements (Attorneys)

This template is intended to assist individuals providing character references for professional licensing matters. Requirements vary by profession and jurisdiction. Reference writers should verify any specific requirements with the applicant or licensing board.