Career licensing guides
What it takes to get licensed or certified, state by state — eligibility, training, exams, fees and renewal — with every fact checked against the state's own licensing office. Each guide links to a free practice test for the exam.
- How to Become a CNA: Certification Requirements by State
Approved training hours, the competency exam and registry rules from each state's nurse aide program.
49 states covered
- How to Become a Cosmetologist: License Requirements by State
Each state board's cosmetology license rules: school or apprenticeship hours, written and practical exams, fees and renewal.
50 states covered
- How to Become a Dental Assistant: Requirements by State
Each state's dental board rules for assistants: what you can do without a credential, x-ray permits, registration and expanded functions.
49 states covered
- How to Become an EMT: Certification Requirements by State
Each state EMS office's rules for EMTs: course hours, the NREMT and state exams, background checks, fees and renewal.
50 states covered
- How to Become a Firefighter: Certification Requirements by State
Each state's firefighter certification system: Firefighter I and II, required training hours, exams, and whether certification is mandatory.
49 states covered
- How to Become a Massage Therapist: License Requirements by State
Each state's massage therapy licensing rules: required education hours, the MBLEx or state exam, background checks, fees and renewal.
48 states covered
- How to Become a Medical Assistant: Requirements by State
What each state allows medical assistants to do, when a state credential or x-ray permit is required, and which certifications are optional.
49 states covered
- How to Become a Notary Public: Requirements by State
Commission requirements in every state: training, exams, bonds, fees and terms.
49 states covered
- How to Become a Pharmacy Technician: Requirements by State
Registration, training and certification rules from each state's Board of Pharmacy.
50 states covered
- How to Become a Police Officer: Requirements by State
Each state's minimum standards for police officers: age, background, academy hours, the state certification exam and yearly training.
49 states covered
- How to Become a Real Estate Agent: License Requirements by State
Pre-licensing hours, the licensing exam, sponsoring broker and renewal rules from each state's real estate commission.
50 states covered