Occupational licensing · Arizona · burden rank #6 of 51
Arizona Occupational Licensing Requirements
Arizona'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.
Arizona sits in the high-burden band (#6 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Nevada; Colorado; Washington; Hawaii. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Open a named profession or a peer state before treating rank as a career verdict.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #6 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,415
- Avg initial fee
- $252
Arizona 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.
34 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 88% 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: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Nevada; Colorado; Washington; Hawaii. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Arizona, Electrician lists 7,330 education hours with an exam and a $213 initial fee. Compare the same license in Nevada on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Arizona, Elevator Installer lists 7,330 education hours with an exam and a $300 initial fee. Compare the same license in Nevada on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Arizona's higher initial fees at $629 after 20 education hours. Open Colorado for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Arizona's higher initial fees at $433 after 5,665 education hours. Open Colorado for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Arizona against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Arizona 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 Arizona: 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 (#6 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Colorado · burden #5/51
- Washington · burden #7/51
- Hawaii · burden #8/51
- Nevada · burden #4/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($252 here).
- Colorado · avg $254 initial fee
- Washington · avg $247 initial fee
- Nevada · avg $266 initial fee
- New Mexico · avg $237 initial fee
Agriculture in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Animal Care in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arkansas.
| 5,665 | Yes | $433 | $350 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arkansas |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,332 | Yes | $216 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Construction in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 7,330 | Yes | $213 | $171 | 1 yr | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| 7,330 | Yes | $300 | $258 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $429 | $346 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 5,330 | Yes | $171 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 33 | Yes | $171 | $150 | 3 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 7,330 | Yes | $255 | $213 | 1 yr | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Cosmetology in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,416 | Yes | $139 | $71 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,499 | Yes | $160 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| 936 | Yes | $171 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 876 | Yes | $142 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 888 | Yes | $173 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 608 | Yes | $125 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Design in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $300 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $346 | $262 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Education in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 100 | No | $171 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $214 | $131 | 5 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $256 | $172 | 5 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $214 | $131 | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Engineering in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $429 | $346 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Finance in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $425 | $341 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 70 | Yes | $211 | $170 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 20 | Yes | $629 | $421 | 1 yr | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Food & Hospitality in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 13 | Yes | $42 | $33 | 3 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Healthcare in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 3,332 | Yes | $216 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 3,332 | Yes | $304 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 187 | Yes | $150 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,416 | Yes | $179 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| 3,832 | Yes | $262 | $221 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 4,832 | Yes | $429 | $346 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 1,866 | Yes | $216 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 5,249 | Yes | $308 | $266 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 3,832 | Yes | $304 | $262 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 4,249 | Yes | $350 | $308 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 2,383 | Yes | $216 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $258 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,832 | Yes | $221 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 2,332 | Yes | $216 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,832 | Yes | $304 | $221 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Legal & Security in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 68 | No | $212 | $128 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 5,001 | Yes | $341 | $300 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Mental Health in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,832 | Yes | $221 | $179 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,332 | Yes | $218 | $177 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 3,332 | Yes | $262 | $221 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 6,665 | Yes | $433 | $350 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Miscellaneous in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| 180 | Yes | $254 | $171 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Real Estate in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 173 | Yes | $341 | $258 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 157 | Yes | $255 | $209 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 235 | Yes | $341 | $279 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Transportation in Arizona
| AZ profession | AZ edu hrs | AZ exam | AZ initial $ | AZ renew $ | AZ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 33 | Yes | $128 | $87 | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 293 | Yes | $170 | $87 | 4 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 107 | Yes | $128 | $87 | 4 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Arizona ranks #6 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top quartile, highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Arizona 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 Arizona
NCSL and state-board extracts for Arizona. Burden peers on this ladder include Nevada, Colorado, Washington, Hawaii; 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 Arizona 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.