Occupational licensing · Kansas · burden rank #40 of 51
Kansas Occupational Licensing Requirements
Kansas'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.
Kansas sits in the low-burden band (#40 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Veterinarian; Psychologist; Mortgage Loan Originator. Nearest burden-rank peers: Oklahoma; Iowa; Nebraska; Alaska. 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
- #40 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,731
- Avg initial fee
- $92
Kansas 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.
59 Among the freest more restrictive than 18% 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; Mortgage Loan Originator. Nearest burden-rank peers: Oklahoma; Iowa; Nebraska; Alaska. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Kansas, Psychologist lists 5,351 education hours with an exam and a $170 initial fee. Compare the same license in Oklahoma on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Kansas, Electrician lists 4,703 education hours with an exam and a $69 initial fee. Compare the same license in Oklahoma on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among Kansas's higher initial fees at $200 . Open Iowa for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Kansas's higher initial fees at $170 after 4,351 education hours. Open Iowa for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Kansas against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Kansas 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 Kansas: 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 (#40 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
Agriculture in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Animal Care in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 4,351 | Yes | $170 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,676 | Yes | $85 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Construction in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 4,703 | Yes | $69 | $56 | 1 yr | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 4,703 | Yes | $103 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,703 | Yes | $56 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 7 | Yes | $56 | $51 | 3 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 4,703 | Yes | $77 | $69 | 1 yr | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Cosmetology in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,088 | Yes | $57 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,105 | Yes | $61 | $36 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 390 | Yes | $50 | $34 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 247 | Yes | $46 | $29 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Design in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $132 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Education in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 21 | No | $56 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $73 | $55 | 5 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $82 | $64 | 5 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $73 | $55 | 5 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Engineering in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Finance in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $129 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 31 | Yes | $60 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 20 | Yes | $156 | $113 | 1 yr | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Food & Hospitality in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Healthcare in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 2,676 | Yes | $85 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 2,676 | Yes | $123 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 134 | Yes | $51 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,088 | Yes | $97 | $68 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 3,176 | Yes | $115 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 4,176 | Yes | $150 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 1,341 | Yes | $85 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 4,264 | Yes | $144 | $135 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 3,176 | Yes | $123 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,264 | Yes | $153 | $144 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,923 | Yes | $85 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $94 | $85 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 2,176 | Yes | $106 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,676 | Yes | $85 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 3,176 | Yes | $123 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Legal & Security in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 21 | No | $65 | $43 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,087 | Yes | $111 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Mental Health in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 3,176 | Yes | $106 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 2,676 | Yes | $93 | $85 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 2,676 | Yes | $115 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 5,351 | Yes | $170 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Miscellaneous in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 101 | Yes | $73 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Real Estate in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 65 | Yes | $77 | $68 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 97 | Yes | $111 | $98 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Transportation in Kansas
| KS profession | KS edu hrs | KS exam | KS initial $ | KS renew $ | KS cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 7 | Yes | $43 | $34 | 4 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 188 | Yes | $52 | $34 | 4 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 54 | Yes | $43 | $34 | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Kansas ranks #40 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Bottom quartile, lowest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Kansas 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 Kansas
NCSL and state-board extracts for Kansas. Burden peers on this ladder include Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska, Alaska; 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 Kansas 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.