Occupational licensing · California · burden rank #1 of 51
California Occupational Licensing Requirements
California'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.
California sits in the high-burden band (#1 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: Oregon; Illinois. 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
- #1 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,526
- Avg initial fee
- $289
California 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.
29 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 98% 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: Oregon; Illinois. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In California, Electrician lists 7,946 education hours with an exam and a $247 initial fee. Compare the same license in Oregon on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In California, Elevator Installer lists 7,946 education hours with an exam and a $346 initial fee. Compare the same license in Oregon on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among California's higher initial fees at $740 after 20 education hours. Open Illinois for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among California's higher initial fees at $495 after 5,973 education hours. Open Illinois for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare California against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with California 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 California: 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 (#1 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
Agriculture in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Animal Care in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 5,973 | Yes | $495 | $396 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 2,486 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Construction in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 7,946 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 1 yr | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 7,946 | Yes | $346 | $297 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $494 | $396 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 5,946 | Yes | $198 | $148 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 39 | Yes | $198 | $173 | 3 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 7,946 | Yes | $296 | $247 | 1 yr | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Cosmetology in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,493 | Yes | $158 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| 1,592 | Yes | $183 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,087 | Yes | $198 | $148 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 990 | Yes | $163 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 991 | Yes | $198 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 693 | Yes | $143 | $69 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
Design in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $346 | $247 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $396 | $297 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Education in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| 118 | No | $198 | $148 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $247 | $148 | 5 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $296 | $198 | 5 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $247 | $148 | 5 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Engineering in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $494 | $396 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
Finance in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $494 | $395 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 79 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 20 | Yes | $740 | $494 | 1 yr | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Food & Hospitality in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| 16 | Yes | $74 | $49 | 3 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 16 | Yes | $49 | $39 | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Healthcare in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 3,486 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,486 | Yes | $346 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 199 | Yes | $173 | $148 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,493 | Yes | $198 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 3,986 | Yes | $297 | $248 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 4,986 | Yes | $494 | $396 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,989 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 5,480 | Yes | $347 | $297 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 3,986 | Yes | $346 | $297 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 4,480 | Yes | $396 | $347 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 2,491 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $297 | $247 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 2,986 | Yes | $248 | $173 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 2,486 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 3,986 | Yes | $346 | $248 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Legal & Security in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 79 | No | $247 | $148 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 5,919 | Yes | $395 | $346 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 39 | No | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Mental Health in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 3,986 | Yes | $248 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 3,486 | Yes | $247 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,486 | Yes | $297 | $248 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 6,973 | Yes | $495 | $396 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Miscellaneous in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 198 | Yes | $296 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Real Estate in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 198 | Yes | $395 | $297 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 178 | Yes | $296 | $242 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 267 | Yes | $395 | $321 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
Transportation in California
| CA profession | CA edu hrs | CA exam | CA initial $ | CA renew $ | CA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 39 | Yes | $148 | $99 | 4 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 318 | Yes | $198 | $99 | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 119 | Yes | $148 | $99 | 4 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
California ranks #1 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top 10% highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare California 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 California
NCSL and state-board extracts for California. Burden peers on this ladder include Oregon, Illinois; 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 California 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.