Occupational licensing · North Carolina · burden rank #26 of 51
North Carolina Occupational Licensing Requirements
North Carolina'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.
North Carolina sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#26 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; Georgia; Indiana; Virginia. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #26 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,957
- Avg initial fee
- $158
North Carolina 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.
49 Around the middle more restrictive than 49% 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; Georgia; Indiana; Virginia. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In North Carolina, Psychologist lists 5,892 education hours with an exam and a $278 initial fee. Compare the same license in Michigan on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In North Carolina, Electrician lists 5,784 education hours with an exam and a $128 initial fee. Compare the same license in Michigan on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among North Carolina's higher initial fees at $351 after 20 education hours. Open Georgia for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among North Carolina's higher initial fees at $278 after 4,892 education hours. Open Georgia for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare North Carolina against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with North Carolina 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 North Carolina: 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 (#26 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
Agriculture in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Animal Care in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 4,892 | Yes | $278 | $234 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,946 | Yes | $139 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
Construction in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 5,784 | Yes | $128 | $103 | 1 yr | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 5,784 | Yes | $184 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $265 | $220 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 3,784 | Yes | $103 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| 18 | Yes | $103 | $92 | 3 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 5,784 | Yes | $150 | $128 | 1 yr | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
Cosmetology in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,223 | Yes | $91 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,268 | Yes | $102 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 557 | Yes | $103 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 590 | Yes | $87 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 629 | Yes | $111 | $61 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| 395 | Yes | $79 | $42 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Design in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $184 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $220 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Education in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 54 | No | $103 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $131 | $86 | 5 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $153 | $109 | 5 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $131 | $86 | 5 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
Engineering in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $265 | $220 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Finance in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $251 | $206 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 47 | Yes | $123 | $100 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 20 | Yes | $351 | $240 | 1 yr | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Food & Hospitality in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Healthcare in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| 2,946 | Yes | $139 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 2,946 | Yes | $198 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 156 | Yes | $92 | $81 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,223 | Yes | $131 | $95 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 3,446 | Yes | $175 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 4,446 | Yes | $265 | $220 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,557 | Yes | $139 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 4,669 | Yes | $211 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 3,446 | Yes | $198 | $175 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 3,669 | Yes | $234 | $211 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,112 | Yes | $139 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $161 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 2,446 | Yes | $153 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,946 | Yes | $139 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| 3,446 | Yes | $198 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Legal & Security in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 40 | No | $125 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 2,698 | Yes | $206 | $184 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 18 | No | $125 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Mental Health in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 3,446 | Yes | $153 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 2,946 | Yes | $145 | $122 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
| 2,946 | Yes | $175 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Rhode Island |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 5,892 | Yes | $278 | $234 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Miscellaneous in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 134 | Yes | $148 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Real Estate in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 111 | Yes | $206 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 102 | Yes | $150 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 154 | Yes | $206 | $173 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Transportation in North Carolina
| NC profession | NC edu hrs | NC exam | NC initial $ | NC renew $ | NC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| 18 | Yes | $78 | $56 | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 231 | Yes | $100 | $56 | 4 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 76 | Yes | $78 | $56 | 4 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
North Carolina ranks #26 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare North Carolina 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 North Carolina
NCSL and state-board extracts for North Carolina. Burden peers on this ladder include Michigan, Georgia, Indiana, 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 North Carolina 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.