Connecticut’s occupational licensing requirements place it at the 30th most burdensome according to a recent report.
The Knee Regulatory Research Center in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University found the state has occupational licensing requirements creating barriers to entry for work in 178 of the 331 occupations it examined.
Additionally, Connecticut “uniquely licenses” 18 of those occupations, meaning they are licensed in 20 states or fewer.
Connecticut is the only state in the country with licensing requirements for real estate managers of record and psychological technicians.
According to the Knee Center’s data, real estate managers of record have to pay an initial licensing fee of $160, which includes a $60 application fee and a $100 initial registration fee. In addition, they must successfully complete a nationally recognized course on community association management and the National Board of Certification test for Community Association Managers’ Certified Manager of Community Associations.
Licensure for managers of records also has a good moral character clause, requiring would-be licensees to pass both state and federal background checks. In addition, managers of record have to pay a $200 annual renewal fee to maintain their credentials.
Licensure requirements for psychological technicians must hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree in psychology and another field in mental health and have completed at least 80 hours of training under the guidance of a psychologist.
Other professions Connecticut licenses that few other states licenses include home inspector associates, subsurface sewage cleaners, motor vehicle physical damage appraisers, septic system services, art therapists, animal control officers, irrigation contractors, license piping contractors, crane operators, nail technician apprentices, dialysis technicians, foresters, milk weighers and samplers, optician apprentices, and perfusionists.
The Department of Consumer Protection claims occupational licensing requirements protect “the public health, safety, and welfare of Connecticut citizens by assuring that only qualified, competent persons are licensed in the occupational trades and in several professional licensing categories.”
But critics of the practice point out that occupational licensing creates barriers of entry for workers and can limit the pool of available professionals while also driving up costs.
“Existing economic research suggests that occupational licensing raises prices by as much as 16%.” The Knee Center noted. “Licensing also reduces employment by as much as 27% by making it more difficult to begin working in licensed professions. Nationally, it is estimated that occupational licensing results in 2 million fewer jobs being created each year.”
To ease the burdens of occupational licensing, some states recognize licensure through reciprocity or by endorsement. This allows individuals who are licensed in another state to continue practicing their profession if they move to another state without having to go through the entire process again.
Connecticut’s licensure requirements for motor vehicle appraisers requires an initial application fee of $130 and for applicants to pass an exam. However, the state will grant reciprocity to an equivalent license from another state, excluding New York. Connecticut is one of eight states that licenses this occupation.
Connecticut also allows licensure by endorsement for art therapists. It is one of 9 states that require licensure for this profession. The state’s occupational licensing laws require art therapists to pay an initial application fee of $315. Art therapists must also have a graduate degree in art therapy or a related field, be certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, and adhere to a good moral standing clause that requires applicants to determine whether each of their supervisors’ licenses is up to date and whether they are in good standing.
Art therapists can apply for licensure by endorsement by providing evidence they have a license to work as an art therapist or in a similar field in another state with similar requirements and by showing there is no pending disciplinary action against them.
Connecticut’s process for obtaining licensure through endorsement has its own requirements. Applicants must forward a verification of all licenses currently or previously held in all states in which they have been licensed to DPH. They must also submit the licensure policies from that state, along with a complete application with a photo and a fee of $200. DPH then reviews the application, a process estimated to take four to six weeks.
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