Occupational licensing · Kentucky · burden rank #35 of 51
Kentucky Occupational Licensing Requirements
Kentucky'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.
Kentucky sits in the low-burden band (#35 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; Professional Geologist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Alabama; Mississippi; Utah; West Virginia. 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
- #35 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,772
- Avg initial fee
- $114
Kentucky 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.
55 Around the middle more restrictive than 27% 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; Professional Geologist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Alabama; Mississippi; Utah; West Virginia. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Kentucky, Psychologist lists 5,541 education hours with an exam and a $208 initial fee. Compare the same license in Alabama on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Kentucky, Electrician lists 5,081 education hours with an exam and a $89 initial fee. Compare the same license in Alabama on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Kentucky's higher initial fees at $225 after 20 education hours. Open Mississippi for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Kentucky's higher initial fees at $208 after 4,541 education hours. Open Mississippi for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Kentucky against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Kentucky 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 Kentucky: 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 (#35 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Arkansas · burden #36/51
- Mississippi · burden #34/51
- Utah · burden #34/51
- West Virginia · burden #34/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($114 here).
- Utah · avg $118 initial fee
- West Virginia · avg $118 initial fee
- Mississippi · avg $120 initial fee
- Arkansas · avg $107 initial fee
Agriculture in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Animal Care in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 4,541 | Yes | $208 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,770 | Yes | $104 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Construction in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 5,081 | Yes | $89 | $72 | 1 yr | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 5,081 | Yes | $131 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $190 | $163 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 3,081 | Yes | $72 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 11 | Yes | $72 | $66 | 3 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 5,081 | Yes | $103 | $89 | 1 yr | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Cosmetology in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,135 | Yes | $69 | $40 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 1,162 | Yes | $76 | $43 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Minnesota.
| 385 | Yes | $72 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Minnesota |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 460 | Yes | $63 | $39 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 511 | Yes | $83 | $49 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 299 | Yes | $57 | $34 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
Design in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $163 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Education in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 32 | No | $72 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $93 | $66 | 5 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $107 | $80 | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $93 | $66 | 5 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Engineering in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $190 | $163 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Finance in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $172 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 36 | Yes | $82 | $69 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 20 | Yes | $225 | $157 | 1 yr | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Food & Hospitality in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Healthcare in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,770 | Yes | $104 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 2,770 | Yes | $149 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 142 | Yes | $66 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,135 | Yes | $109 | $77 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 3,270 | Yes | $136 | $122 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 4,270 | Yes | $190 | $163 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,416 | Yes | $104 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 4,405 | Yes | $168 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 3,270 | Yes | $149 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 3,405 | Yes | $181 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,989 | Yes | $104 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $118 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 2,270 | Yes | $122 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,770 | Yes | $104 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 3,270 | Yes | $149 | $122 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Legal & Security in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 27 | No | $86 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,651 | Yes | $145 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Mental Health in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 3,270 | Yes | $122 | $109 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 2,770 | Yes | $111 | $98 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 2,770 | Yes | $136 | $122 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 5,541 | Yes | $208 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Miscellaneous in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 112 | Yes | $99 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Real Estate in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 83 | Yes | $145 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 78 | Yes | $103 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 117 | Yes | $145 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
Transportation in Kentucky
| KY profession | KY edu hrs | KY exam | KY initial $ | KY renew $ | KY cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 11 | Yes | $55 | $42 | 4 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 203 | Yes | $69 | $42 | 4 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Mississippi.
| 62 | Yes | $55 | $42 | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Mississippi |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Kentucky ranks #35 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Kentucky 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 Kentucky
NCSL and state-board extracts for Kentucky. Burden peers on this ladder include Alabama, Mississippi, Utah, West Virginia; 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 Kentucky 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.