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What each state page covers
Every state page includes licensing requirements for the 10 trades we cover: plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, roofer, painter, landscaper, carpenter, handyman, general contractor, and house cleaner. For each trade in that state:
- Whether the trade requires a license at all (many states don't license painters or handymen)
- The tier structure (apprentice / journeyman / master, or contractor / registered)
- Required experience hours before you can take the exam
- Exam requirements and administration (Prometric, PSI Exams, state-run)
- Application fees, license fees, and renewal cycle
- Insurance and bonding requirements
- Continuing education requirements
- Link to the official state licensing board
Why licensing matters
Licensed contractors can pull permits, take on larger commercial jobs, and charge more — the tier of your license directly limits the size and type of work you can legally do. Operating without a required license in most states means fines, stopped work, and (importantly) that your homeowner's insurance may not cover a claim from your work.
State licensing rules change more often than you'd think — board names change, dollar thresholds get updated, exam formats change. Every page here cites the specific board and links to their official source. Last full refresh: August 2026.
Related
See what tradespeople earn in each state: worker rate pages (all 51 jurisdictions). Homeowner-side pricing (what to expect on a quote): for-homeowners hub. Software recommendations for tradespeople: contractor software guides.