cross-state licensing
every state has different licensing requirements for trade workers. see what you need — hours, exams, reciprocity, and fees — before you move.
every state has different licensing requirements for trade workers. see what you need — hours, exams, reciprocity, and fees — before you move.
select a trade and two states to see licensing requirements side by side.
which trades require a state license in which states? green = state license required. yellow = local/county only. gray = no license needed.
electricians face the most licensing complexity — some states (NY, IL, OH) don't have statewide licenses at all, leaving requirements fragmented across hundreds of municipalities. welders and carpenters are largely unregulated at the state level, relying instead on industry certifications (AWS, OSHA) that transfer nationwide. HVAC techs fall in between — some states require a license, others don't. reciprocity is rare — only WA and OR have meaningful reciprocity agreements, and even those require supplemental exams.
find apprenticeship programs and training schools in any state. hardhat connects you to the programs that match your trade, location, and eligibility — free.
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