Whether you want to work as a teacher, doctor, lawyer, mechanic, geologist, financial planner or any other of a list of careers, chances are good a test will be required for either licensure or certification. Often, any job that could affect the public welfare of a community requires certification or licensure. This helps jurisdictions to ensure they are not putting their communities at risk and that practitioners are fully capable of performing their job requirements.
Certification is typically done on the national level, often through a professional industry organization, while licensure is a directive of individual states. Requirements vary widely by profession and location, but generally, licensure and certification exams are taken after a candidate has completed education relevant to the career field, but before they are permitted to begin a career.
The types of tests given vary as well, both by location and career field. Many exams include multiple choice questions offered via computer, while many exams require candidates to demonstrate their skills in a hands-on real-life scenario. All exams cover material taught in classes that pertain specifically to the career in question.
Registration is handled either through a state licensing board or a national industry organization. Registration costs vary depending on tests, and candidates can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars for exams. Scores may be shown instantly on computer, though official score reports will arrive at the test taker’s home within four to six weeks.
2025 Edition
