Occupational licensing · Virginia · burden rank #28 of 51
Virginia Occupational Licensing Requirements
Virginia'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.
Virginia sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#28 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: North Carolina; Indiana; Tennessee; Minnesota. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #28 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,957
- Avg initial fee
- $148
Virginia 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.
50 Around the middle more restrictive than 45% 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: North Carolina; Indiana; Tennessee; Minnesota. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Virginia, Psychologist lists 5,811 education hours with an exam and a $262 initial fee. Compare the same license in North Carolina on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Virginia, Electrician lists 5,622 education hours with an exam and a $119 initial fee. Compare the same license in North Carolina on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Virginia's higher initial fees at $322 after 20 education hours. Open Indiana for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Virginia's higher initial fees at $262 after 4,811 education hours. Open Indiana for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Virginia against peer states
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Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Virginia: 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 (#28 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Indiana · burden #27/51
- Tennessee · burden #29/51
- Minnesota · burden #30/51
- North Carolina · burden #26/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($148 here).
- Indiana · avg $152 initial fee
- Tennessee · avg $140 initial fee
- North Carolina · avg $158 initial fee
- Georgia · avg $159 initial fee
Agriculture in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Animal Care in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 4,811 | Yes | $262 | $222 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,905 | Yes | $131 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Construction in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 5,622 | Yes | $119 | $96 | 1 yr | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 5,622 | Yes | $172 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $247 | $207 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 3,622 | Yes | $96 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 16 | Yes | $96 | $86 | 3 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 5,622 | Yes | $139 | $119 | 1 yr | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Cosmetology in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,203 | Yes | $86 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,243 | Yes | $96 | $51 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 517 | Yes | $96 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 560 | Yes | $82 | $45 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 602 | Yes | $105 | $58 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 373 | Yes | $74 | $40 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
Design in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $172 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| - | Yes | $207 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
Education in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 49 | No | $96 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $122 | $82 | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $142 | $102 | 5 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $122 | $82 | 5 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Engineering in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $247 | $207 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Finance in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $232 | $192 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 44 | Yes | $113 | $93 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 20 | Yes | $322 | $221 | 1 yr | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
Food & Hospitality in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| 6 | Yes | $20 | $16 | 3 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
Healthcare in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 2,905 | Yes | $131 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| 2,905 | Yes | $186 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 152 | Yes | $86 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| 1,203 | Yes | $126 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,405 | Yes | $166 | $146 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 4,405 | Yes | $247 | $207 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,524 | Yes | $131 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 4,608 | Yes | $201 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,405 | Yes | $186 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 3,608 | Yes | $222 | $201 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 2,084 | Yes | $131 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $151 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 2,405 | Yes | $146 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,905 | Yes | $131 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 3,405 | Yes | $186 | $146 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Legal & Security in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 37 | No | $116 | $73 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 2,456 | Yes | $192 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Mental Health in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,405 | Yes | $146 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,905 | Yes | $137 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 2,905 | Yes | $166 | $146 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 5,811 | Yes | $262 | $222 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Miscellaneous in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 129 | Yes | $136 | $96 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
Real Estate in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 105 | Yes | $192 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Arizona.
| 97 | Yes | $139 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Arizona |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 145 | Yes | $192 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
Transportation in Virginia
| VA profession | VA edu hrs | VA exam | VA initial $ | VA renew $ | VA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 16 | Yes | $73 | $52 | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 225 | Yes | $93 | $52 | 4 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 72 | Yes | $73 | $52 | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related for Virginia
NCSL and state-board extracts for Virginia. Burden peers on this ladder include North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Minnesota; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the August 2026 PlainCredential state file 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 Virginia 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.