Trade Licensing Roadmap, State by State

Build My Licensing Path

What Is True in Every State

• Apprenticeship is the main road. Most electricians and plumbers qualify for a journeyman license through a registered apprenticeship of roughly 4 to 5 years (commonly around 8,000 on-the-job hours plus classroom instruction), earning wages the entire time.
• HVAC has one federal requirement everywhere: EPA Section 608 certification is required nationwide to handle refrigerants, on top of whatever your state requires.
• The ladder is the same shape: helper or apprentice, then journeyman, then master or contractor. Each step usually means documented hours plus an exam.
• Licenses live at different levels. Some states license trades statewide; in others, cities or counties issue licenses; contractor licenses are often separate from trade licenses.
• Reciprocity exists but is never automatic. Many states honor hours or licenses from certain other states; always confirm before you move.

Your Six Steps to Licensed

• 1. Confirm your state's rules with the official licensing board for your trade (search your state name plus your trade plus "licensing board", it is always a government site).
• 2. Enter a registered apprenticeship or approved program.
  Apprenticeship DirectoryRegistered programs near you

  Save
• 3. Log your hours. Keep every pay stub and training record; your hours are your currency at exam time.
• 4. Take required classroom training.
  Find Training Programs905+ institutions searchable by trade and state

  Save
• 5. Pass your journeyman exam. Code knowledge plus trade practice; exam prep matters.
• 6. Keep it current. Renewals and continuing education vary by state; put the renewal date in your phone the day you pass.