Occupational licensing · Alaska · burden rank #42 of 51
Alaska Occupational Licensing Requirements
Alaska's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Alaska sits in the low-burden band (#42 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Veterinarian; Psychologist; Fire Sprinkler Installer. Nearest burden-rank peers: Kansas; Nebraska; Idaho; North Dakota. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #42 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,745
- Avg initial fee
- $85
Alaska vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
60 Among the freest more restrictive than 14% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Veterinarian; Psychologist; Fire Sprinkler Installer. Nearest burden-rank peers: Kansas; Nebraska; Idaho; North Dakota. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Alaska, Psychologist lists 5,297 education hours with an exam and a $159 initial fee. Compare the same license in Kansas on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Alaska, Electrician lists 4,595 education hours with an exam and a $63 initial fee. Compare the same license in Kansas on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among Alaska's higher initial fees at $200 . Open Nebraska for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Alaska's higher initial fees at $159 after 4,297 education hours. Open Nebraska for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Alaska against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Alaska already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Alaska: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#42 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Idaho · burden #43/51
- Nebraska · burden #41/51
- Kansas · burden #40/51
- North Dakota · burden #44/51
Agriculture in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Animal Care in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 4,297 | Yes | $159 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,649 | Yes | $80 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Construction in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 4,595 | Yes | $63 | $51 | 1 yr | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 4,595 | Yes | $95 | $87 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $138 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 2,595 | Yes | $51 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 6 | Yes | $51 | $47 | 3 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 4,595 | Yes | $70 | $63 | 1 yr | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Cosmetology in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,074 | Yes | $54 | $33 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,089 | Yes | $57 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 370 | Yes | $46 | $32 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| 430 | Yes | $64 | $40 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Design in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $123 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Education in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 18 | No | $51 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $67 | $52 | 5 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| - | Yes | $74 | $60 | 5 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $67 | $52 | 5 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Engineering in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $138 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Finance in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $117 | $102 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 29 | Yes | $54 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 20 | Yes | $137 | $100 | 1 yr | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
Food & Hospitality in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| 2 | Yes | $7 | $6 | 3 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
Healthcare in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 2,649 | Yes | $80 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 2,649 | Yes | $116 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 132 | Yes | $47 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,074 | Yes | $94 | $65 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 3,149 | Yes | $108 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 4,149 | Yes | $138 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,319 | Yes | $80 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 4,223 | Yes | $137 | $130 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 3,149 | Yes | $116 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 3,223 | Yes | $145 | $137 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,904 | Yes | $80 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $87 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 2,149 | Yes | $101 | $69 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,649 | Yes | $80 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 3,149 | Yes | $116 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Legal & Security in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 19 | No | $58 | $39 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 926 | Yes | $102 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Mental Health in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 3,149 | Yes | $101 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 2,649 | Yes | $88 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 2,649 | Yes | $108 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| 5,297 | Yes | $159 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
Miscellaneous in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
Real Estate in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 61 | Yes | $70 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 91 | Yes | $102 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Transportation in Alaska
| AK profession | AK edu hrs | AK exam | AK initial $ | AK renew $ | AK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 6 | Yes | $39 | $32 | 4 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 184 | Yes | $47 | $32 | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 52 | Yes | $39 | $32 | 4 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Alaska ranks #42 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Bottom quartile, lowest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Alaska directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Alaska
NCSL and state-board extracts for Alaska. Burden peers on this ladder include Kansas, Nebraska, Idaho, North Dakota; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Alaska render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.