Independent licensing research
Trade License Atlas helps skilled-trade professionals find and understand occupational-license requirements across the United States.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
Why this site exists
Licensing information is often spread across agency pages, statutes, administrative rules, application forms, testing vendors and local authorities. The correct route can change according to the trade, state, license level and exact work performed. Trade License Atlas organizes those moving parts into practical guides without hiding the official source behind the summary.
Our goal is to help apprentices, employees, contractors and business owners identify the questions they need to answer before applying, paying a fee, scheduling an exam or accepting work in a new jurisdiction.
What we publish
- State-by-state license guides for selected skilled trades.
- Comparisons of apprentice, journeyman, master, technician and contractor routes.
- Application, examination, experience, fee and renewal information.
- Reciprocity and endorsement routes when an authority publishes them.
- Warnings when licensing is local, split among several agencies or dependent on the work performed.
- Direct links to government agencies, licensing boards, statutes, rules and application materials.
How our research works
Each licensing guide starts with the authority responsible for the credential. We then compare the agency’s program page, application instructions, rules, examination information, renewal requirements and other primary materials. Published records display an official-source review date and links readers can use to verify the current rule.
When statewide licensing does not exist, we say so and identify local regulation where reliable official material supports that conclusion. We do not infer reciprocity from similar license names, and we do not treat a commercial training provider as the final authority.
Read the complete Editorial Policy for our source hierarchy, review process and correction standards.
Independence and funding
Trade License Atlas is an independent information website. It is not a government agency, licensing board, law firm, training school or insurance provider. We do not issue licenses, approve applications or speak for an authority.
The site may earn revenue from advertising and, in the future, clearly identified referral or affiliate relationships. Commercial relationships do not determine whether a license requirement is included or how an official rule is described. Sponsored placement will be labeled, and payment does not guarantee favorable editorial treatment.
Who writes the guides
Guides are published by the Trade License Atlas Editorial Team. The byline represents our documented research and review process rather than a claim that the author is a regulator, attorney or licensed professional in every trade covered.
Help us keep the Atlas current
Licensing rules change. If you find an outdated fee, broken government link or requirement that differs from the current official material, please send a correction. Include the guide URL and the official source supporting the change so we can investigate efficiently.