For the millions of U.S. workers who hold some sort of occupational license (43 million as of 2018, to be more precise) understanding licensing in multiple states can mean the difference between being limited to your own area, and having the freedom to accept work beyond your own state lines.
What is Occupational Licensing?
Occupational licensing is a legal requirement for certification or proof of knowledge in a certain field or industry. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, who operate the National Occupational Licensing Database, one in every four jobs in the United States requires some sort of occupational license. Those jobs include, but are in no way limited to, teachers, doctors, nurses, electricians, contractors, architects, therapists, cosmetologists, animal trainers and many more. There are also additional licensing requirements for certain products sold, such as alcohol or tobacco, so it’s important that you know what is required from you before you run into any problems down the road.
The most important thing to realize about occupational licensing, however, is that the credential isn’t merely an indication that someone has a certain degree of knowledge or experience in that field; rather, it’s a permission for that person to work in that field—and a prohibition of someone working in the industry who does not have the appropriate license.
When do I need an occupational license?
Knowing if you need an occupational license for your career path can be tricky, as it is not only determined by industry, but also—in many cases— by state. Therefore, licensing requirements for a private investigator in Florida may be far different than those for one in Oregon—and some states may not require a license in a field at all.
In order to find out if your industry requires an occupational license, a bit of online research may be necessary. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Career One Stop, which allows you to search by career field and state to determine what licensing requirements you may face.
Should I have licensing in multiple states?
Because licensing can vary from state to state, if you plan to pursue a career that crosses state lines, you absolutely should ensure that you are covered in whatever areas you plan to work on. That may mean additional testing or licensing fees, but in the end, if something happens, you’ll be glad you have it in place.
What is reciprocity, and how does that affect my license?
=Reciprocity is the concept that one state’s license is recognized as valid by other states, eliminating the need for multi-state licenses. With the growth of licensing requirements over the past decades, many states have begun to increase their involvement in reciprocal licensing privileges to increase workforce options and ease of use for licensed workers. If you think reciprocity may apply to your license, research your occupation and your state to find out what other states offer this benefit.
Whatever your business needs, Penny Insurance has the experience to guide you every step of the way. Should you have any questions about coverage or insurance types, or if you would like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.