Occupational licensing · Idaho · burden rank #43 of 51
Idaho Occupational Licensing Requirements
Idaho'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.
Idaho sits in the low-burden band (#43 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: Nebraska; Alaska; North Dakota; South 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
- #43 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,762
- Avg initial fee
- $84
Idaho 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 12% 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: Nebraska; Alaska; North Dakota; South Dakota. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Idaho, Psychologist lists 5,270 education hours with an exam and a $154 initial fee. Compare the same license in Nebraska on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Idaho, Electrician lists 4,541 education hours with an exam and a $60 initial fee. Compare the same license in Nebraska on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among Idaho's higher initial fees at $200 . Open Alaska for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Idaho's higher initial fees at $154 after 4,270 education hours. Open Alaska for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Idaho against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Idaho 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 Idaho: 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 (#43 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Alaska · burden #42/51
- North Dakota · burden #44/51
- Nebraska · burden #41/51
- South Dakota · burden #45/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($84 here).
- Alaska · avg $85 initial fee
- Nebraska · avg $91 initial fee
- North Dakota · avg $76 initial fee
- Kansas · avg $92 initial fee
Agriculture in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Animal Care in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 4,270 | Yes | $154 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,635 | Yes | $77 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Construction in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 4,541 | Yes | $60 | $49 | 1 yr | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 4,541 | Yes | $91 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $132 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,541 | Yes | $49 | $42 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 5 | Yes | $49 | $45 | 3 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 4,541 | Yes | $66 | $60 | 1 yr | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
Cosmetology in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,068 | Yes | $52 | $32 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 1,081 | Yes | $55 | $34 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 421 | Yes | $62 | $39 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
Design in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $119 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Education in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 16 | No | $49 | $42 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $64 | $51 | 5 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $71 | $57 | 5 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $64 | $51 | 5 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Engineering in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $132 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
Finance in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $111 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 28 | Yes | $51 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 20 | Yes | $127 | $94 | 1 yr | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
Food & Hospitality in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Healthcare in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 2,635 | Yes | $77 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,635 | Yes | $112 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 131 | Yes | $45 | $42 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,068 | Yes | $92 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 3,135 | Yes | $105 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 4,135 | Yes | $132 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,308 | Yes | $77 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 4,203 | Yes | $134 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 3,135 | Yes | $112 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 3,203 | Yes | $141 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,895 | Yes | $77 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $84 | $77 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 2,135 | Yes | $99 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,635 | Yes | $77 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 3,135 | Yes | $112 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Legal & Security in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 18 | No | $55 | $38 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 845 | Yes | $97 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Mental Health in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 3,135 | Yes | $99 | $92 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 2,635 | Yes | $86 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,635 | Yes | $105 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 5,270 | Yes | $154 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Miscellaneous in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Real Estate in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 59 | Yes | $66 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 88 | Yes | $97 | $87 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
Transportation in Idaho
| ID profession | ID edu hrs | ID exam | ID initial $ | ID renew $ | ID cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 5 | Yes | $38 | $31 | 4 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 182 | Yes | $44 | $31 | 4 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 51 | Yes | $38 | $31 | 4 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Idaho ranks #43 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Bottom quartile, lowest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Idaho 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 Idaho
NCSL and state-board extracts for Idaho. Burden peers on this ladder include Nebraska, Alaska, North Dakota, South 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 Idaho 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.