Professional License
Requirements by State

It depends on the profession. Nursing uses the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) — one license works in 40+ member states. Engineers use NCEES reciprocity. Most trades (electrician, plumber) require a separate application in each state, though some states have reciprocity agreements. Check each state guide for reciprocity details.

Processing times range from 2–4 weeks for straightforward applications (CDL, CNA) to 3–6 months for professions with exam requirements and experience verification (PE License, GC License). Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Each state guide includes current processing time estimates.

A license is issued by a government body (state board) and is legally required to practice. A certification is issued by a professional association (e.g. AWS, OSHA, NCCCO) and demonstrates competency but is not always legally required. Both matter to employers — see our Certifications guides for full details.

15 US cities issue their own licenses independent of state boards: New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Kansas City, St. Louis, Omaha, Miami, Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, and Indianapolis. If you work in these cities, you may need both a state and a city license.

Each state maintains a public license verification database. Key national databases: Nursys (nurses), NCEES (engineers/surveyors), ARELLO (real estate), NIPR (insurance), FMCSA (CDL). GlobalCybers verifies all candidate licenses independently before any profile is presented to employers through our RPO model.

Yes. For job seekers registered through GlobalCybers, we pay for new certifications, license renewals, and required training as part of our candidate support program. This is one of the benefits of registering as a candidate — you get career guidance and credential support at no cost to you.