Occupational licensing · New Jersey · burden rank #13 of 51
New Jersey Occupational Licensing Requirements
New Jersey'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.
New Jersey sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#13 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Louisiana; Connecticut; Rhode Island; Maryland. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #13 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,170
- Avg initial fee
- $204
New Jersey 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.
41 Lower than most more restrictive than 71% 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: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Louisiana; Connecticut; Rhode Island; Maryland. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In New Jersey, Electrician lists 6,595 education hours with an exam and a $173 initial fee. Compare the same license in Louisiana on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In New Jersey, Elevator Installer lists 6,595 education hours with an exam and a $245 initial fee. Compare the same license in Louisiana on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among New Jersey's higher initial fees at $497 after 20 education hours. Open Connecticut for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among New Jersey's higher initial fees at $359 after 5,297 education hours. Open Connecticut for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare New Jersey against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with New Jersey 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 New Jersey: 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 (#13 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Maryland · burden #13/51
- Connecticut · burden #12/51
- Massachusetts · burden #14/51
- Rhode Island · burden #12/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($204 here).
- Massachusetts · avg $201 initial fee
- Florida · avg $200 initial fee
- Maryland · avg $211 initial fee
- Connecticut · avg $213 initial fee
Agriculture in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
Animal Care in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 5,297 | Yes | $359 | $295 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 2,149 | Yes | $180 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Construction in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 6,595 | Yes | $173 | $139 | 1 yr | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 6,595 | Yes | $245 | $212 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $351 | $286 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| 4,595 | Yes | $139 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 26 | Yes | $139 | $122 | 3 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 6,595 | Yes | $205 | $173 | 1 yr | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
Cosmetology in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| 1,324 | Yes | $116 | $61 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,389 | Yes | $132 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 756 | Yes | $139 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 740 | Yes | $116 | $57 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 765 | Yes | $144 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 507 | Yes | $103 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Design in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $286 | $221 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Education in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 78 | No | $139 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $174 | $110 | 5 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $207 | $142 | 5 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $174 | $110 | 5 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Engineering in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| - | Yes | $351 | $286 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Finance in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $342 | $277 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 59 | Yes | $169 | $137 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 20 | Yes | $497 | $335 | 1 yr | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Food & Hospitality in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Healthcare in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 3,149 | Yes | $180 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 3,149 | Yes | $253 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 172 | Yes | $122 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,324 | Yes | $156 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 3,649 | Yes | $221 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| 4,649 | Yes | $351 | $286 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,719 | Yes | $180 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 4,973 | Yes | $262 | $230 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| 3,649 | Yes | $253 | $221 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 3,973 | Yes | $295 | $262 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 2,254 | Yes | $180 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $212 | $180 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 2,649 | Yes | $189 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 2,149 | Yes | $180 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 3,649 | Yes | $253 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
Legal & Security in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 55 | No | $171 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| 3,906 | Yes | $277 | $245 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Mental Health in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| 3,649 | Yes | $189 | $156 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 3,149 | Yes | $183 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 3,149 | Yes | $221 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 6,297 | Yes | $359 | $295 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Miscellaneous in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 158 | Yes | $203 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Real Estate in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 144 | Yes | $277 | $212 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 131 | Yes | $205 | $169 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 196 | Yes | $277 | $228 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Transportation in New Jersey
| NJ profession | NJ edu hrs | NJ exam | NJ initial $ | NJ renew $ | NJ cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 26 | Yes | $104 | $72 | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 264 | Yes | $137 | $72 | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 92 | Yes | $104 | $72 | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
New Jersey ranks #13 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare New Jersey 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 New Jersey
NCSL and state-board extracts for New Jersey. Burden peers on this ladder include Louisiana, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland; 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 New Jersey 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.