Occupational Licensing: Explained
For orthodontists like Dr. Ben Burris, getting a license to work in his field made sense.
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Occupational Licensing
Occupational licensing is a type of government regulation that requires people to undergo specific training or pass tests before they can be hired for a particular job. This may sound reasonable in theory, but in many states, special interest groups use licensing requirements as a political tool to make it hard (or impossible) for new workers to compete.
In This Series
We explore how and why occupational licenses get created, which states have the worst track records, and the stories of real people who have had to give up their careers because of these laws.
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Generally speaking, a college degree isn’t necessary for knowing how to take care of young children. But the government of
Are you dealing with an unfair occupational license?
Burdensome occupational licenses can be devastating. Our mission is to highlight the stories of people facing these challenges so that everyone can better understand the consequences of these policies.
We’re always looking for new stories to share: if you have a story about occupational licensing in your state, we’d love to talk to you.
Resource: FAQs About Occupational Licensing
Many issues caused by occupation licensing are clearly absurd. It makes no sense for it to take an average of $1,265 in fees and 2,190 hours in schooling to become an interior designer
How Difficult to Get is a License to Work in Your State?
Alabama
The state requires an average of more than $300 in fees and nearly half a year (142) of training and on-the-job experience. Alabama licenses 151 occupations, which in turn affects more than 430,000 workers across the state.
Benjamin Burris’s Story: Occupational Licensing
“My father’s an orthodontist. I watched my father create great smiles and make people happy, and I really wanted to do that.” By the time he got into college, Dr. Benjamin Burris, who goes by Ben, knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Donna Williams’ Story: Occupational Licensing
The death of a spouse can throw your life into turmoil. From the emotional toll to the practical burdens of