Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Every state has different rules for getting licensed in the skilled trades. Whether you want to become an electrician, HVAC technician, plumber, or welder, your path starts with understanding your state's requirements.
Below, you'll find our growing collection of state-specific guides. Each one includes:
State | Start Your Guide |
---|---|
Arizona | How to Start a Trade Career in Arizona |
California | How to Start a Trade Career in California |
Colorado | How to Start a Trade Career in Colorado |
Connecticut | How to Start a Trade Career in Connecticut |
Florida | How to Start a Trade Career in Florida |
Georgia | How to Start a Trade Career in Georgia |
Illinois | How to Start a Trade Career in Illinois |
Indiana | How to Start a Trade Career in Indiana |
Maryland | How to Start a Trade Career in Maryland |
Michigan | How to Start a Trade Career in Michigan |
Nevada | How to Start a Trade Career in Nevada |
New Jersey | How to Start a Trade Career in New Jersey |
New York | How to Start a Trade Career in New York |
Oklahoma | How to Start a Trade Career in Oklahoma |
Pennsylvania | How to Start a Trade Career in Pennsylvania |
Tennessee | How to Start a Trade Career in Tennessee |
Texas | How to Start a Trade Career in Texas |
Virginia | How to Start a Trade Career in Virginia |
Want your state covered next? Send us a request and we'll prioritize it.
We currently offer detailed trade guides for:
Each trade guide includes licensing info by state, training options, and estimated costs to get started.
Your state determines everything from the training hours required to the type of exam you'll need to pass. Starting with the right information can save you time, money, and frustration.
By understanding your local requirements, you can:
Pick your state. Choose your trade. We'll show you exactly how to get licensed and start working.
Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.
Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.