What does this tool do?
The License Finder helps you find information about occupational licenses that states require for some jobs. License requirements vary by state.
You'll find the following information for state(s) you select:
- A license name and description for occupations that require licenses in the state(s) you selected
- The name and contact information for the agency that issues the license in the state(s) you selected
How do I get started?
Get started by entering a keyword for an occupation or job name, a license name, or a licensing agency name. If you see the occupation you are looking for pop up below the search box, click on it to select it. Otherwise, enter your full search term. If you want to find licenses related to a particular type of work, but you're not sure of the occupation's actual name, select "List of Occupations" to view a list of nearly 900 occupation titles.
Next, select a state from the dropdown list. Click the state for which you want to see licensing information, or, to view information for all states, leave “All Locations” selected.
Click “Search”.
What’s the difference between a license and a certification?
The words certification and license are often used interchangeably, but they are two different types of occupational regulation. Occupational licenses are required by states in order to hold certain jobs or practice certain occupations. Certifications are voluntary credentials that workers can earn, and are not required to practice an occupation (except when the occupational licensing requirements include certification as part of those requirements). Learn more about occupational regulation at the The Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation (CLEAR).
Where does the information on licenses come from?
License information is collected from each state by the Analyst Resource Center (ARC) and available for download on CareerOneStop. States are expected to submit revisions every two years, and new information is updated on CareerOneStop every 4-6 months as new information is received. Information includes license titles, authorizing organizations, descriptions of licenses, and O*NET codes. Please note that not all states submit license information and there is no way to guarantee that each state collects all of the license information for their state. License information is available in Microsoft Access format.
License information is also available as a data download or as an API. For information about displaying this data on your own website, please visit CareerOneStop's Web API.
How often is the license information updated?
States are expected to submit revisions every two years, and new information is updated on CareerOneStop every 4-6 months as new information is received.
Why can't I find certain license information for my state?
The license information is compiled by an agency in each state. Some states do not participate in the data collection effort and there is no way to guarantee that each state collects all of the license information for their state.
Who do I contact to add or correct licensing information?
To request changes or additions to the occupational license information, please contact the Analyst Resource Center directly at arc.deed@state.mn.us or 651-259-7398.
Who can I contact for help with this website?
If you have questions or comments about the License Finder or a CareerOneStop website, please contact the CareerOneStop Service Center at info@careeronestop.org.