12 Professional Licenses Required by State and How to Start
State professional licenses control who can perform many important jobs and protect public health and safety. This guide walks through 12 common licenses you’ll meet when planning a career that requires state approval. For each entry, you’ll see a plain-language definition of the license, the typical steps to apply, common documentation boards ask for, and where to go next for official guidance. Requirements vary by state, but most boards ask for verified education, exam passage, identity checks, and continuing education for renewal. If you’re relocating or advising a student, note federal measures that help military families move licenses more easily, though each state still controls full practice rights. Use this list to identify the right state board to contact, gather transcripts and exam records early, and understand the order of steps—education, exam, application, then verification. Where specific rules differ, look up your state licensing board or the relevant professional association for the exact forms and fees. Keeping documents organized and starting early will save time when you submit an application. This article focuses on frequently regulated professions like health care, trades, teaching, and professional services, and it points you to the types of official sources that confirm final requirements.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
A registered nurse license allows you to provide nursing care, administer medications, and work in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. Most states require either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) plus successful passage of the NCLEX-RN exam. States check school transcripts, clinical completion documentation, and often require a criminal background check and fingerprinting before issuing a license. If you trained in another state or country, many boards offer endorsement pathways where your original license is verified and your credentials reviewed; some boards ask for additional coursework or testing. Renewal cycles vary—some states require renewal every one to two years with documented continuing education units (CEUs). Military spouses should look for portability options; federal guidance has improved transfer procedures but state verification still applies. To start, contact your state board of nursing for an application checklist, NCLEX registration details, and exact fee schedules. If you’re a student, ask your nursing program for help submitting required paperwork. If you hold an out-of-state RN license, request a verification letter from the issuing state so you can speed endorsement in your new state.
2. Physician / Medical Doctor (MD or DO)
State medical licenses let physicians diagnose patients, prescribe medication, and perform procedures within that state’s legal scope. Typical requirements include an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school, completion of an accredited residency, and passage of the USMLE (for MDs) or COMLEX (for DOs). State medical boards perform a primary source verification of medical school diplomas, residency training, and exam scores, and they usually require proof of malpractice insurance in many practice settings. Boards also review professional references and conduct background checks focused on disciplinary history. License renewal often requires demonstrating CME—continuing medical education—over a set cycle, which varies by state. Physicians who move between states should check interstate medical licensure compacts where available; these compacts simplify multi-state practice in participating states. For the most reliable steps, contact your state medical board for their specific application packet, required forms, and processing timelines.
3. Attorney / Lawyer
A state law license authorizes you to represent clients in that state’s courts and provide legal advice under state law. The usual route is law school graduation, passing the state bar exam, and a character and fitness review that looks at your background and honesty. Many states require a Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) in addition to the bar exam. Some states allow admission by reciprocity or motion when you have practiced for a set time elsewhere, but rules differ widely; a few require additional coursework or an ethics exam. Bar associations also set continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for ongoing practice. If you plan to move, check whether your destination state participates in reciprocal admission or grandfathering agreements. For exact steps—application forms, required affidavits, fingerprinting rules, and fee schedules—consult the state bar or the official state judicial licensing page.
4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
A CPA license allows you to perform public accounting work, including audits and attestation services that non-CPAs cannot do. States typically require a combination of college-level accounting hours (often 150 semester hours), successful completion of the Uniform CPA Exam, and a specified amount of supervised work experience under a licensed CPA. Each state board determines how they count education and experience, so the exact course or hour requirements vary. Many states also require an ethics exam or course before licensure. Once licensed, CPAs must meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements to renew. If you earned credentials in another state, most boards have mobility rules or reciprocal pathways; still, you’ll need to verify education and exam records with the original state board. Start by contacting your state board of accountancy for a checklist of accepted transcripts, exam score submission procedures, and whether online verification portals are available.
5. Teacher / K–12 Certification
A state teaching credential permits you to teach in public K–12 schools and is usually issued by the state department of education. Typical steps include completing a teacher preparation program or an approved alternative route, passing state certification tests (which may include subject-specific and basic skills exams), and submitting a transcript and background check. Some states require student teaching hours as part of preparation. Requirements and titles differ—one state’s “certified teacher” may be another’s “licensed teacher”—so verify your target state’s specific endorsements and grade-level rules. Many states have provisional or emergency certifications for teachers in shortage areas, but these often require completing full certification within a set timeframe. When relocating, look into interstate agreements and state reciprocity policies; some states grant certification based on an out-of-state certificate plus verification. For exact steps, contact your state department of education, and if you’re a candidate, ask your college’s education office to help with the transcript and testing process.
6. Pharmacist
A pharmacist license allows you to dispense medications, counsel patients, and oversee pharmacy operations in a state. Most boards require a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, completion of required internship or experiential hours, and passage of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). States often require a state-specific law exam or jurisprudence assessment as well. Boards verify degree credentials and experiential hours and typically require a criminal background check. Pharmacy licenses also require renewal with proof of continuing education units over each renewal cycle. If you completed training in another state, check the state board for endorsement rules and whether electronic verification of your NAPLEX scores and internship hours will be accepted. Contact your state board of pharmacy for the exact forms, fee schedule, and timelines to plan your pathway to licensure.
7. Cosmetologist / Barber
Cosmetology licenses cover beauty services such as hair cutting, styling, skin treatments, and nail care and are regulated state by state through cosmetology or barber boards. Typical requirements include completing a state-approved training program with a specified number of practical hours, passing a practical skills test, and completing a written exam. Some states separate barbering and cosmetology into distinct licenses with different hour requirements and tests. Boards may require proof of attendance, practical exam demonstrations, and identity verification. Costs include program tuition and application or exam fees; training programs can vary widely in price and length depending on the state and school. Renewal usually involves a fee and may require continuing education in areas like sanitation or new techniques. Because states differ on hours and reciprocity, check the state cosmetology board for transfer rules, exam registration, and licensing timelines.
8. Electrician
An electrician license lets you work on electrical systems, installations, and repairs. States and many local jurisdictions use a tiered system—apprentice, journeyman, and master electrician—each with different experience hours and testing requirements. Generally, you’ll complete an apprenticeship or trade school program that combines classroom hours with thousands of supervised on-the-job hours, then sit for a journeyman exam. To become a master electrician, additional experience and another exam are usually required; some states also require business licensing and a contractor’s bond for those who run an electrical contracting business. Continuing education may be required for code updates. Since rules vary significantly by state and municipality, reach out to your state electrician licensing board or the local building department to confirm apprenticeship registration, exam schedules, and whether reciprocity is offered for out-of-state license holders.
9. Plumber
Plumbing is another trade regulated through state or local licensing boards, typically using apprentice, journeyman, and master levels. You’ll often enter an apprenticeship program that combines classroom coursework with supervised fieldwork, accumulate required work hours, and pass a trade exam for journeyman status. Master-level licensure, which allows you to run jobs and pull permits, usually requires extra years of experience plus a specialized exam and sometimes proof of business insurance or bonding. Some states require continuing education on code changes for license renewal. If you plan to work in several states, check if any reciprocal agreements exist, though local permits and contractor registration rules may still apply. For accurate steps, contact the state plumbing board or your local building department and get the detailed checklist for apprenticeships, exams, and fees.
10. General Contractor / Construction Contractor
General contractor licenses regulate individuals or firms that manage construction projects and hire subcontractors. Requirements often include proof of experience in construction management, passing a business and trade exam, and meeting financial or insurance standards like bonding and liability coverage. Many states set separate class levels by project value or trade specialty and require registrations at the state or local level, plus local building permits for individual jobs. If you operate a business, you’ll also register your business entity with state authorities and may need contractor-specific insurance and a surety bond. Renewal usually includes a fee and may require continuing education on laws or safety standards. Because the mix of state and municipal rules varies, contact your state contractor licensing board and local permitting office before bidding on a project to confirm credential and insurance requirements.
11. Real Estate Agent / Broker
Real estate licensing allows you to act as an agent or broker in buying, selling, or leasing property. The path typically starts with pre-licensing coursework, followed by a state licensing exam for sales agents. After gaining experience under a licensed broker, agents can pursue a broker license, which often requires additional education and an exam. Boards require background checks and completion of fingerprinting, and many states have post-license education requirements in the first renewal cycle. License renewal cycles vary, and continuing education is usually required to maintain active status. Rules for transferring or recognizing out-of-state licenses differ; some states offer reciprocity or easier pathways for licensed agents from nearby states. For current steps, check your state real estate commission’s website for approved course providers, exam schedules, and application guidelines.
12. Licensed Social Worker (LMSW / LCSW)
Social work licensure covers clinical and nonclinical practice, child welfare, and counseling services dependent on your level of credential. Common tracks include a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), each with different education and supervised practice hours requirements. Most states require a Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program for clinical licensure, a set number of post-degree supervised clinical hours, and passage of the appropriate ASWB licensure exam. Boards review transcripts, supervision verification, and criminal background checks before issuing a license. Renewal typically requires continuing education focused on ethics and clinical practice. If you’re moving, verify reciprocity or endorsement provisions with the destination state’s social work board and arrange for official verification of exam scores and supervision records to avoid delays.
Wrapping Up: Where to Go Next
Getting a state professional license is a process you can plan for and manage. Start by identifying the exact license name your state uses and the official licensing board that handles applications. Gather key documents—school transcripts, exam scores, identification, proof of supervised hours, and any letters of good standing from prior licensing boards—so you can submit a complete application. If you are relocating, request verification letters from your current state early, and check whether your profession participates in interstate compacts or has formal reciprocity. Military families should review federal guidance that helps portability for service members and spouses, but still confirm state steps since full practice rights are controlled locally. Keep a checklist of deadlines, fee payments, and required continuing education to avoid lapses. When in doubt, contact the state board directly; their application checklist and staff are the most reliable source for current rules. Use official .gov pages and recognized professional associations for guidance, and treat this article as a practical starting point to find the exact state forms and timelines you’ll need to move forward with confidence.
