Pennsylvania licensing boards
What Pennsylvania's own boards ask for before you can work in a licensed job: the requirement, the exam, the fee where the board publishes it, and renewal. National exams are written by national bodies, but the license comes from the state.
Professional licenses
Each card links the national license page on this site (education, national exams and other states).
Teaching
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
At least 18, good moral character, a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work, and a bachelor's degree. Finish a traditional preparation program (GPA of at least 3.0) or enroll in an intern program (a free intern certificate lets you teach up to 3 years). Pass the required tests and apply through TIMS; an instructional certificate application is typically $200.
Source: PDE
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Trade licenses
Each card links the trade's page on this site (training route, apprenticeship and pay).
State and city government jobs
Government jobs are filled through each government's own hiring system; some need a civil service exam.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Employment
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Search openings, explore careers and apply online.
- The Commonwealth says 92% of state government jobs (65,000 opportunities) are open to people without a four-year degree.
Source: PA Employment
View source
Philadelphia
City of Philadelphia, Office of Human Resources
More than 30,000 employees in over 1,000 job categories. Jobs are listed at work.phila.gov, and OHR runs Zoom information sessions on the hiring process on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Philadelphia OHR
View source
Licensed somewhere else?
Licenses do not move automatically between states. Each national license page shows interstate compacts (nursing, EMS and others) and what other states' boards publish.
Where these facts come from
Official and primary sources only, each checked on the date shown. Rules on testing, aid, licensing and immigration change, so confirm a detail with its source before you rely on it.
- Get Certified to Teach in Pennsylvania Schools · Pennsylvania Department of Education checked 2026-10-20
- Certification Testing · Pennsylvania Department of Education checked 2026-10-20
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Employment · Commonwealth of Pennsylvania checked 2026-10-21
- Office of Human Resources · City of Philadelphia checked 2026-10-21