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linusth3cat t1_j9yigay wrote

For some of the small states and people living on borders then you may have to get multiple licenses in multiple states to do the work you want. This can be a big barrier

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unicornbomb t1_j9yny3z wrote

The solution to this is license reciprocity or national licensing standards though, not removing licensing entirely.

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Jmazoso t1_j9yzvf6 wrote

I’m a civil engineer who lives on a tristate border. I hold a license in all three states. But, it’s done through reciprocity. I apply though the state board, but all the requirement stuff is held by a separate board that confirms to the new state that I meet all the requirements. It’s not too obnoxious, the bad part is keeping track of the renewal dates for all three.

Excerpt California, they have 2 additional tests you have to pass to get their license.

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unicornbomb t1_j9z2oxn wrote

Yea, the current method of reciprocity is kind of ridiculous IMO. How it should work — if you hold a license in one state that shares reciprocity with another, the original license kept current should be all that is needed. I.e. you have a MD license which shares reciprocity with VA, so you can work in either state with a current MD license.

That or the obvious national licensing option, but that is likely a pipe dream unfortunately.

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JEaglewing t1_j9yoqj4 wrote

States lacking reciprocal licensing is a different issue that needs to be addressed, but that doesn't negate the importance of licensing. Just like we want people to prove they are competent before they drive a car, there are plenty of jobs that need the same competency check so that they don't kill people with shoddy work.

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