Occupational licensing · District of Columbia · burden rank #18 of 51
District of Columbia Occupational Licensing Requirements
District of Columbia'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.
District of Columbia sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#18 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: New York; Pennsylvania; Delaware; Texas. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #18 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,157
- Avg initial fee
- $188
District of Columbia 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.
44 Lower than most more restrictive than 63% 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: New York; Pennsylvania; Delaware; Texas. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In District of Columbia, Electrician lists 6,292 education hours with an exam and a $156 initial fee. Compare the same license in New York on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In District of Columbia, Elevator Installer lists 6,292 education hours with an exam and a $222 initial fee. Compare the same license in New York on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among District of Columbia's higher initial fees at $443 after 20 education hours. Open Pennsylvania for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among District of Columbia's higher initial fees at $329 after 5,146 education hours. Open Pennsylvania for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare District of Columbia against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia: 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 (#18 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Pennsylvania · burden #18/51
- Delaware · burden #19/51
- New York · burden #17/51
- Texas · burden #20/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($188 here).
- Pennsylvania · avg $187 initial fee
- New York · avg $193 initial fee
- Delaware · avg $182 initial fee
- Texas · avg $178 initial fee
Agriculture in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Animal Care in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 5,146 | Yes | $329 | $272 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 2,073 | Yes | $165 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
Construction in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 6,292 | Yes | $156 | $125 | 1 yr | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 6,292 | Yes | $222 | $193 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $319 | $261 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 4,292 | Yes | $125 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 23 | Yes | $125 | $111 | 3 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 6,292 | Yes | $185 | $156 | 1 yr | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Cosmetology in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,286 | Yes | $107 | $57 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,344 | Yes | $121 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 682 | Yes | $125 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 714 | Yes | $132 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Design in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $222 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $261 | $204 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Education in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 69 | No | $125 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $158 | $101 | 5 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $187 | $130 | 5 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $158 | $101 | 5 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
Engineering in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $319 | $261 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
Finance in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $308 | $251 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 54 | Yes | $152 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 20 | Yes | $443 | $299 | 1 yr | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Food & Hospitality in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 9 | Yes | $43 | $29 | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Healthcare in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 3,073 | Yes | $165 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 3,073 | Yes | $233 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 166 | Yes | $111 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,286 | Yes | $147 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 3,573 | Yes | $204 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 4,573 | Yes | $319 | $261 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,658 | Yes | $165 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 4,859 | Yes | $243 | $215 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 3,573 | Yes | $233 | $204 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 3,859 | Yes | $272 | $243 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 2,201 | Yes | $165 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $193 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 2,573 | Yes | $175 | $122 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,073 | Yes | $165 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 3,573 | Yes | $233 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
Legal & Security in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 49 | No | $154 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| 3,455 | Yes | $251 | $222 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 23 | No | $154 | $125 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Mental Health in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 3,573 | Yes | $175 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 3,073 | Yes | $169 | $140 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 3,073 | Yes | $204 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 6,146 | Yes | $329 | $272 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Miscellaneous in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 149 | Yes | $183 | $125 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Real Estate in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 120 | Yes | $185 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 180 | Yes | $251 | $208 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Transportation in District of Columbia
| DC profession | DC edu hrs | DC exam | DC initial $ | DC renew $ | DC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 23 | Yes | $94 | $66 | 4 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 252 | Yes | $123 | $66 | 4 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 86 | Yes | $94 | $66 | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
District of Columbia ranks #18 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
NCSL and state-board extracts for District of Columbia. Burden peers on this ladder include New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Texas; 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 District of Columbia 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.