Occupational licensing · Georgia · burden rank #25 of 51
Georgia Occupational Licensing Requirements
Georgia'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.
Georgia sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#25 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Michigan; North Carolina; Indiana. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #25 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,971
- Avg initial fee
- $159
Georgia 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.
48 Lower than most more restrictive than 51% 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: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Michigan; North Carolina; Indiana. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Georgia, Psychologist lists 5,919 education hours with an exam and a $284 initial fee. Compare the same license in Michigan on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Georgia, Electrician lists 5,838 education hours with an exam and a $131 initial fee. Compare the same license in Michigan on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Georgia's higher initial fees at $361 after 20 education hours. Open North Carolina for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Georgia's higher initial fees at $284 after 4,919 education hours. Open North Carolina for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Georgia against peer states
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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 Georgia: 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 (#25 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Michigan · burden #24/51
- North Carolina · burden #26/51
- Indiana · burden #27/51
- Ohio · burden #22/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($159 here).
- North Carolina · avg $158 initial fee
- Michigan · avg $163 initial fee
- Indiana · avg $152 initial fee
- Virginia · avg $148 initial fee
Agriculture in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Animal Care in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 4,919 | Yes | $284 | $238 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 1,959 | Yes | $142 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
Construction in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 5,838 | Yes | $131 | $105 | 1 yr | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 5,838 | Yes | $188 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $270 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 3,838 | Yes | $105 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 18 | Yes | $105 | $94 | 3 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 5,838 | Yes | $154 | $131 | 1 yr | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Cosmetology in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,230 | Yes | $92 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,276 | Yes | $104 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 570 | Yes | $105 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 600 | Yes | $89 | $48 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 638 | Yes | $114 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 403 | Yes | $80 | $43 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Design in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $224 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
Education in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 55 | No | $105 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $134 | $88 | 5 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $157 | $111 | 5 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $134 | $88 | 5 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
Engineering in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $270 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Finance in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $257 | $211 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 48 | Yes | $126 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 20 | Yes | $361 | $246 | 1 yr | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Food & Hospitality in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Healthcare in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 2,959 | Yes | $142 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 2,959 | Yes | $201 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 157 | Yes | $94 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,230 | Yes | $132 | $96 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 3,459 | Yes | $178 | $155 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 4,459 | Yes | $270 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,568 | Yes | $142 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 4,689 | Yes | $215 | $192 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 3,459 | Yes | $201 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 3,689 | Yes | $238 | $215 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 2,122 | Yes | $142 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $165 | $142 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 2,459 | Yes | $155 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,959 | Yes | $142 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 3,459 | Yes | $201 | $155 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Legal & Security in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 41 | No | $128 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 2,778 | Yes | $211 | $188 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Mental Health in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 3,459 | Yes | $155 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 2,959 | Yes | $147 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 2,959 | Yes | $178 | $155 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 5,919 | Yes | $284 | $238 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Miscellaneous in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 135 | Yes | $151 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Real Estate in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 114 | Yes | $211 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 104 | Yes | $154 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 156 | Yes | $211 | $176 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Transportation in Georgia
| GA profession | GA edu hrs | GA exam | GA initial $ | GA renew $ | GA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 18 | Yes | $80 | $57 | 4 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 234 | Yes | $103 | $57 | 4 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 77 | Yes | $80 | $57 | 4 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Georgia ranks #25 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Georgia 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 Georgia
NCSL and state-board extracts for Georgia. Burden peers on this ladder include Michigan, North Carolina, Indiana; 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 Georgia 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.