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Pennsylvania trade license requirements

Per-trade licensing path. Always confirm with the state board before testing.

Career prep, not a license.

Low-Voltage

No statewide license

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Varies by municipality
Exam
Varies
Licensing authority
Notes
Local-only. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh require contractor registration; fire alarm requires PA State Police certification.

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Low-Voltage 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Solar

Solar / PV Installer (often under Electrical or Specialty)

Verified 5/24/2026
Required hours / experience
NABCEP-recommended 58+ hrs training + field experience
Exam
NABCEP PV Associate / Installation Professional (NABCEP)
Licensing authority
Notes
General overview — verify exact requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry before scheduling exams.

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Solar PV 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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General Contractor

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Registration only — no exam
Exam
None
Licensing authority
Notes
PA has no statewide GC exam. Residential remodelers must register as HIC. Local permits still required.

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General Contracting 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Roofing

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Registration only
Exam
None
Licensing authority
Notes
PA has no roofing-specific exam. Residential roofers must register as HIC.

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Roofing 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Pest Control

Commercial Applicator

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Trainee + study
Exam
CORE + Category exam (PDA)
Licensing authority
Notes
Categories 11-23 for structural; 5 for aquatic; 6/7 for ornamental/turf.

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Pest Control 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Landscaping

Home Improvement Contractor (registration)

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
None
Exam
None statewide
Licensing authority
Notes
Residential landscapers register as HIC. Pesticide application requires PDA Commercial Applicator (Category 6/7).

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Landscaping & Irrigation 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Electrical

Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor + local Electrical License

Verified 6/12/2026
Required hours / experience
Philadelphia: 4 yrs (7,500 hrs) under a licensed master + 60 college credits OR 7 yrs experience. Pittsburgh: similar.
Exam
Local municipal exam (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown each have their own) (PSI / municipal)
Licensing authority
Notes
PA has NO statewide electrical license. You register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the AG office ($50, valid 2 yrs) and then get a separate municipal electrical license where you work. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have the most rigorous requirements. Plan on $300–$1,000 in municipal fees.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Electrical 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Plumbing

Pennsylvania HIC + municipal Master Plumber License

Verified 6/12/2026
Required hours / experience
Philadelphia Master: 5 yrs (10,000 hrs) as registered Journeyman + IPC exam. Pittsburgh: similar with separate exam.
Exam
Local exam (Philadelphia Plumbing Advisory Board most common) (Municipal)
Licensing authority
Notes
No statewide PA plumbing license — Philly, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Bethlehem each license independently. Statewide HIC registration ($50, 2 yrs) is also required for residential work over $500. Reciprocity is rare; plan to license in each city you work.

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Plumbing 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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HVAC

Pennsylvania HIC + federal EPA 608 (no statewide HVAC license)

Verified 6/12/2026
Required hours / experience
No state experience requirement. Most employers expect 2 yrs hands-on. EPA 608 has no minimum hours.
Exam
EPA 608 Universal (EPA-approved providers (ESCO, RSES, etc.))
Licensing authority
Notes
PA does not license HVAC technicians at the state level. You register as a Home Improvement Contractor ($50/2yrs) for residential work over $500. Federal EPA 608 is required to handle refrigerant. Philadelphia requires a separate Master Mechanical License for commercial.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

HVAC 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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