License requirements, state by state.

What it takes to become an electrician in Texas, an RN in Ohio, or a real estate agent in Florida. Education hours, exams, fees, renewal rules, and the official board that issues your license.

Prefer to browse? All 20 professions are listed below.

Healthcare

Registered Nurse

An accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN) and the national NCLEX-RN exam, licensed by your state board of nursing.

Licensed Practical Nurse

A practical nursing program (about 1 year) and the national NCLEX-PN exam, licensed by your state board of nursing.

EMT

A ~150-200 hour course plus the national NREMT exam, then state certification.

Pharmacy Technician

A national exam (PTCE or ExCPT) and, in many states, registration or licensure through the state board of pharmacy.

Massage Therapist

500-1,000 hours of approved massage education plus the national MBLEx exam in most states.

Dental Hygienist

An accredited dental hygiene program, the national NBDHE written exam, plus a regional or state clinical exam.

Phlebotomist

Certification (NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, or similar) with a few states adding a state credential.

Skilled trades

Electrician

Apprentice hours (typically 4,000-8,000), trade school coursework, and a journeyman exam in most states.

Plumber

Apprentice and journeyman hours (often 4,000-10,000) plus a plumbing code exam in most states.

General Contractor

State licensing with experience requirements and a business-and-law exam; some states require bonding.

HVAC Technician

Federally, an EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants; many states add contractor or journeyman licensing.

Personal care

Cosmetologist

1,000-1,600 hours of cosmetology school plus a written and practical state exam.

Barber

1,000-1,500 training hours plus a written and practical exam administered by the state barber board.

Real estate & finance

Real Estate Agent

Pre-license coursework (60-180 hours), a state + national exam, and licensure through your state real estate commission.

Real Estate Broker

The next step above agent: additional experience, more education, and a tougher state + national exam.

Insurance Agent

Pre-licensing coursework (20-40 hours per line), a state exam, and a background check for each line of authority.

Certified Public Accountant

150 credit hours, a qualifying accounting curriculum, and the four-part national CPA Exam via NASBA.

Notary Public

The easiest credential on this list: an application, a small filing fee, and in many states a short exam or course.

Public service & education

Teacher

A bachelor's degree, an approved educator preparation program, and a state teacher certification exam (Praxis in many states).

Commercial Driver

A medical certificate, knowledge + skills tests, and a CDL issued by your state DMV or DOT, under national federal standards.

How it works

Step 1
Pick a profession
20 professions, from electrician to RN to real estate agent.
Step 2
Pick your state
Every state licenses differently. See the exact hours, fees, and exams where you live.
Step 3
Confirm with the board
Every page links to the official state board. Rules change, so confirm before you apply.

About the data

Every number on this site points back to the official state board that publishes it, not third-party aggregators, so you can confirm the current rule yourself. See our methodology and disclaimer. This is informational content, not legal advice.