I just completed a biannual ritual with the state of New Jersey — renewing my Master Plumber’s License. I am also a registered professional engineer in New Jersey. (It is interesting to note that my plumbing license fee is almost twice as much as my engineering license. I often wonder what that says about our industry.)
As I travel across this country, I have noticed a proliferation of licenses. In some states you need a state plumbing license, a local business license in each jurisdiction you work in and a county bond — just to do plumbing! Add to that states with specialty licenses such as backflow prevention tester and repairer, underground work, water softener and filters, electric control wiring, etc. Your plumbing license isn’t good enough to do this type of work.