Trade Licensing Requirements by State
Complete guide to licensing requirements for skilled trades across all 50 states. Find required hours, exams, fees, and reciprocity information.
299 Licensing Requirements AvailableBrowse by Trade
Select a trade to see licensing requirements across all states
46 states require license
46 requirements available
46 states require license
46 requirements available
27 states require license
27 requirements available
6 states require license
6 requirements available
51 states require license
51 requirements available
36 states require license
36 requirements available
View requirements
View requirements
Licensing Overview
Understanding Trade Licensing
Trade licenses protect public safety by ensuring workers meet minimum standards for:
- Technical knowledge and skills
- Safety practices and procedures
- Building and electrical codes
- Professional standards and ethics
Most licensed trades require:
- Completion of approved training program
- Required hours of work experience
- Passing score on state licensing exam
- Background check and application fees
- Continuing education for renewal
Common License Types
Minimal requirements, must work under licensed professional. Typical duration: 1-4 years.
Requires completion of apprenticeship and passing exam. Can work independently but may have limitations on complex projects.
Requires extensive experience and advanced exam. Can supervise others, bid on contracts, and run a business.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, licensing requirements vary by state and trade. Some trades like electrician and plumber are regulated in most states, while others may have no state-level licensing requirements.
Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow license transfer. Requirements vary by trade and state. Check the specific trade and state pages for reciprocity details.
Time varies by trade and state, typically ranging from several months to 4+ years depending on required training hours, apprenticeship requirements, and exam scheduling.
Costs include training program fees ($5,000-$33,000), exam fees ($50-$500), application fees ($50-$200), and potentially background check fees. Total costs vary significantly by trade and state.