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Getting Your US Trade License
Step-by-step guides for various trades & professions across all 50 states.
Step-by-step guides for obtaining legal licenses for various trades and professions across the United States.
Getting a trade license in the United States is a critical step for anyone entering the skilled trades industry. Whether you want to work as an HVAC technician, licensed electrician, plumber, welder, or general contractor, understanding the trade license requirements in your state can save you months of delays and thousands of dollars in avoidable fees.
Each state in the US maintains its own licensing board and has unique rules governing the application process, required work experience, background checks, and approved examinations. For example, the Texas trade license process through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) differs significantly from the Florida contractor license process managed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
One of the most important factors to research before starting is the exam cost. Depending on your trade and state, licensing exam fees can range from $50 to over $450. Additionally, many states require applicants to have a minimum number of verified work hours under a licensed professional — typically between 2,000 and 8,000 hours depending on the trade classification.
Learning how to get a trade license starts with identifying the correct license category for your work. A state contractor license, for instance, may cover general construction, specialty trades, or both — and sub-classifications often determine what type of work you are legally permitted to perform and at what project value threshold.
At TradeLicenseUSA, we provide up-to-date, step-by-step guides for every major trade category across all 50 states. Our guides cover HVAC certification, electrical licensing, plumbing permits, welding certifications, CDL licensing, and contractor registration — giving you a clear roadmap from eligibility to approval.
Connect with top-rated vocational schools and training programs in your state.
Find Schools Near MeStep-by-step guides for various trades & professions across all 50 states.