Occupational licensing · Oklahoma · burden rank #38 of 51
Oklahoma Occupational Licensing Requirements
Oklahoma'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.
Oklahoma sits in the low-burden band (#38 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: Arkansas; South Carolina; Iowa; Kansas. 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
- #38 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,729
- Avg initial fee
- $99
Oklahoma 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.
58 Among the freest more restrictive than 22% 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: Arkansas; South Carolina; Iowa; Kansas. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Oklahoma, Psychologist lists 5,405 education hours with an exam and a $181 initial fee. Compare the same license in Arkansas on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Oklahoma, Electrician lists 4,811 education hours with an exam and a $75 initial fee. Compare the same license in Arkansas on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among Oklahoma's higher initial fees at $200 . Open South Carolina for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Oklahoma's higher initial fees at $181 after 4,405 education hours. Open South Carolina for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Oklahoma against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma: 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 (#38 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Iowa · burden #39/51
- South Carolina · burden #37/51
- Arkansas · burden #36/51
- Kansas · burden #40/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($99 here).
- South Carolina · avg $101 initial fee
- Iowa · avg $94 initial fee
- Kansas · avg $92 initial fee
- Nebraska · avg $91 initial fee
Agriculture in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Animal Care in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 4,405 | Yes | $181 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,703 | Yes | $91 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Construction in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
| 4,811 | Yes | $75 | $60 | 1 yr | vs New Mexico · vs Rhode Island |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 4,811 | Yes | $111 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $161 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 2,811 | Yes | $60 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Rhode Island |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 8 | Yes | $60 | $55 | 3 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 4,811 | Yes | $85 | $75 | 1 yr | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Cosmetology in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,101 | Yes | $60 | $36 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,122 | Yes | $65 | $38 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 319 | Yes | $60 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 410 | Yes | $53 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 261 | Yes | $49 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Design in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $141 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
Education in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 24 | No | $60 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $79 | $58 | 5 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $89 | $68 | 5 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $79 | $58 | 5 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Engineering in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $161 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Finance in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $141 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 32 | Yes | $67 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| 20 | Yes | $176 | $125 | 1 yr | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
Food & Hospitality in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
Healthcare in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 2,703 | Yes | $91 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 2,703 | Yes | $131 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 136 | Yes | $55 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| 1,101 | Yes | $100 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 3,203 | Yes | $121 | $110 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 4,203 | Yes | $161 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,362 | Yes | $91 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 4,304 | Yes | $151 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,203 | Yes | $131 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 3,304 | Yes | $161 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,942 | Yes | $91 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $101 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 2,203 | Yes | $110 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,703 | Yes | $91 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 3,203 | Yes | $131 | $110 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Legal & Security in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 23 | No | $71 | $46 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,248 | Yes | $121 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Mental Health in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 3,203 | Yes | $110 | $100 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 2,703 | Yes | $99 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 2,703 | Yes | $121 | $110 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 5,405 | Yes | $181 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Miscellaneous in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 104 | Yes | $81 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs South Carolina |
Real Estate in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 72 | Yes | $121 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 68 | Yes | $85 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 103 | Yes | $121 | $106 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Transportation in Oklahoma
| OK profession | OK edu hrs | OK exam | OK initial $ | OK renew $ | OK cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 8 | Yes | $46 | $36 | 4 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 192 | Yes | $56 | $36 | 4 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 56 | Yes | $46 | $36 | 4 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Oklahoma ranks #38 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma
NCSL and state-board extracts for Oklahoma. Burden peers on this ladder include Arkansas, South Carolina, Iowa, Kansas; 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 Oklahoma 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.