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Skilled trades cover a wide range of career paths, from contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other construction industry professionals to code officials, home inspectors, and cosmetologists. The common denominator across trades is that they require licensing or certification to practice.

Every state has its own rules for licensing skilled trades. Requirements often include standards for education and practical training/on-the-job experience.

Additionally, obtaining a license may require you to pass exams, issued at the state or national level. Required exams might include one or more trade exams, depending on the license (and classification), as well as a Business and Law Exam for the state.

What’s the difference between these exams, and what can you expect as you prepare for them? Here’s what you need to know.

What to Expect From a Trade Exam

Many states develop their own trade exams, but they may also accept passing scores on national exams issued by organizations like the International Code Council or the National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors.

Certain states may prefer national exams for specific trades or licenses, so it’s best to check with your state of residence.

Trade exams cover trade-specific knowledge, often including information about equipment, tools, materials, components, procedures, and skills needed to perform job duties. You may have to answer questions about job planning, specs and diagrams, calculations, building codes, and safety standards related to your field.

The level of knowledge required will depend on whether you’re testing for a journeyman or master license. Applicants for master licenses must have a more in-depth understanding of the subject matter. They must also prove knowledge of project planning, design, leadership, business/project management, finances, and theory.

The Business and Law Exam

Business and Law Exams are administered by individual states, with content based on the laws and business practices of the state. This exam is often required for master level licenses, in addition to the trade exam. More rarely, it may be necessary to obtain journeyman licenses, such as contractor licenses in some states.

Again, exams vary by state, but they frequently cover topics like:

• Business organization
• Business licensing
• Contracts
• Business finances
• Employment law
• Lien law
• State codes/regulations
• Safety compliance

Trade professionals with a master level license may own and operate businesses and oversee journeymen and apprentices in the workforce. They must demonstrate knowledge of how to run a business, organize and manage projects, deal with contracts and financing, maintain compliance, and promote worker safety.

Preparing for Testing Success

Your score on licensing exams can mean the difference between advancing in your career and stalling out while you study to retake tests. In other words, you want to pass on the first try.

The best way to ensure a passing grade is with a state-approved exam prep program designed to support working professionals. Look for benefits like 24/7 online access for self-paced learning, as well as courses developed by industry experts and educators.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career by obtaining a trade license? Contact RocketCert to learn more about exam prep for different trades and licenses by state.