Professional and occupational licenses are government-issued permits required to practice certain professions. In the United States, these are primarily regulated at the state level, meaning each state sets its own requirements for education, examination, and experience.
42 steps across 11 sections
1. Healthcare
- Physicians/Surgeons — medical school (4 years), residency (3-7 years), board exams (USMLE), state medical board license
- Nurses (RN/LPN) — nursing degree, NCLEX exam, state board of nursing license
- Dentists — dental school, NBDE exams, state dental board license
- Pharmacists — PharmD degree, NAPLEX exam, state pharmacy board license
- Physical/Occupational Therapists — graduate degree, national exam, state license
- Psychologists — doctoral degree, supervised hours, EPPP exam, state psychology board
- Chiropractors — chiropractic college, NBCE exams, state board license
2. Legal and Financial
- Attorneys — law degree (JD), bar exam, state bar admission
- Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) — 150 credit hours, CPA exam, experience, state board of accountancy
- Financial Advisors — FINRA licensing (Series 7, Series 66, etc.) — federal, not state
- Insurance Agents — state-specific exam, continuing education
3. Engineering and Architecture
- Engineers (PE license) — engineering degree, FE exam, 4 years experience, PE exam, state board
- Architects — professional degree, ARE exam, NCARB certification, state board
- Surveyors — degree, FS exam, experience, PS exam, state board
4. Trades
- Electricians — apprenticeship (4-5 years), journeyman/master exam, state or local license
- Plumbers — apprenticeship (4-5 years), journeyman/master exam, state or local license
- HVAC Technicians — training/apprenticeship, EPA Section 608 certification (federal), state license varies
- General Contractors — experience, exam, state license (requirements vary widely)
5. Personal Services
- Barbers/Cosmetologists — state-approved program (1,000-2,100 hours), practical and written exams, state board
- Massage Therapists — accredited program (500-1,000 hours), MBLEx exam, state license (most states)
- Estheticians — state-approved program, exam, state board
6. Education
- Teachers (K-12) — bachelor's degree, teacher preparation program, Praxis or state exams, state teaching certificate
- School Counselors — master's degree, supervised hours, state credential
7. Real Estate
- Real Estate Agents/Brokers — pre-licensing education (60-180 hours varies by state), state exam, broker supervision (agents)
- Appraisers — education, experience, national exam, state license/certification
8. Other
- Commercial Pilots — FAA licensing (federal, not state)
- Pest Control Operators — state-specific training and exam
- Funeral Directors/Embalmers — degree, apprenticeship, national/state exam
- Social Workers (LCSW) — master's degree, supervised hours, ASWB exam, state license
9. Interstate Compacts
- Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) — 41 member states; one multistate license allows practice in all compact states
- Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) — allows telepsychology across member states
- Physical Therapy Compact — 30+ member states
- EMS Compact — allows EMS personnel to practice across state lines
- Medical Licensure Compact — expedited licensing for physicians in member states
- Counseling Compact — growing membership for licensed professional counselors
10. Reciprocity Agreements
- Some states have bilateral or multilateral agreements for specific professions
- Often require the applicant to hold a license in good standing in their home state
- May require additional state-specific exams or continuing education
- Contact the licensing board in the target state to confirm specific reciprocity arrangements
11. Universal License Recognition
- Several states have passed universal license recognition laws (Arizona was the first in 2019)
- These laws allow the state to recognize occupational licenses from other states if the applicant meets certain criteria
- Does not apply to all professions and has various conditions