Apprentice
You work under a licensed journeyman or master while you log work hours and, on many paths, classroom hours. Some states or cities require an apprentice registration or card before your hours count.
Journeyman
Once you complete the hours your state or city requires, you take the journeyman exam. With the license you can work on your own on the job, and in many places supervise apprentices.
Master
With more years as a journeyman, you can take the master exam. Masters can often design systems, pull permits and supervise more people.
Contractor
To run your own business, many states require a separate contractor license, often with insurance, a bond or a qualifying master on staff.
Hours and exams
The number of hours, the exams and who may supervise vary by state and by trade. We don’t give general numbers because they don’t apply everywhere. Each state page shows only what we confirmed from an official source, and marks the rest as pending.
What we have confirmed
Electrical: at least one item confirmed from an official source in 38 of 52 states and territories. Plumbing: 33 of 52. HVAC: 32 of 52. Licensing handled locally instead of (or as well as) by the state: 16 for electrical, 15 for plumbing, 34 for HVAC. Checked 2026-10-30.
How to find a supervisor
- Build a free future apprentice or apprentice profile.
- Browse licensed supervisors by trade and state.
- Check apprentice openings and jobs.
- Ask union programs, employer programs and trade schools in your area.
Rules change. Always confirm requirements with your state or local licensing board. Nothing here is legal advice.