Nearly 20% of the American workforce must obtain a license to earn a living. Occupational licenses were once reserved for high-risk professions like doctors and lawyers, but the scope has expanded to include many lower-risk jobs. These restrictions create unnecessary barriers, preventing capable individuals from doing work others are willing to pay for. Occupational licensing is typically state-based, meaning workers often need additional licensing or tasks to move and work in other states, which restricts mobility.

Universal recognition aims to address this issue. It allows an occupational license in one state to be automatically recognized in another, dignifying individuals and recognizing that people do not lose their skills by moving across state lines. Workers do not have to complete additional licensing requirements. 

Our latest resource defines occupational licensing and universal recognition, explains how states are addressing the issue, and outlines the types of universal recognition laws being adopted.

CL Occupational Licensing One-Pager