I am basing this on two sound sources: Marina Orellana, Glosario internacional del traductor, and Collins Unabridged Spanish-English Dictionary.

First, in Orellana's Glosario, she states that "licenciatura" is the equivalency of a Master's Degree in the U.S.

In Collins Unabridged Spanish and English Dictionary, there is an exlanatory note that states:

"licenciatura: Until recently most Spanish degree courses lasted five years. Students would be awarded a "diplomatura" (general Degree) if they completed three years of study, and they would be their "licenciatura" (honours degree) after another two years. Now, under new "planes de estudio," or curricula, "licenciaturas" take four years. The first two years are referred to as "primer ciclo" and the final two years as the Segundo Ciclo."

The first answer is based on the older system which was in effect until recently. The second answer is more general in nature, since according to your context, there was only a difference of a couple of months, possibly the professional license was awarded shortly after the degree by passing a professional licensing exam.

Mike :)

Mike :)

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Note added at 2 hrs (2009-02-07 04:32:21 GMT) Post-grading
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My pleasure, María Eugenia, glad I got one right. - Mike :)