Last updated: October 5, 2026
TradePath Guide publishes general information about careers, training, certification and licensing in the United States. Please read this disclaimer before relying on anything you find on the Site.
Not professional advice
Our articles are not legal, financial, medical or career counseling advice. We don’t know your personal situation, and what’s right for one reader may not be right for another. For decisions about your education, finances or career, consider speaking with a school’s admissions or financial aid office, an American Job Center counselor or another qualified professional.
Requirements vary and change
Licensing and certification rules are set by individual states, cities and private organizations, and they change regularly. Exam formats, fees, training hours and eligibility rules described on the Site may have changed since an article was last reviewed. Always confirm current requirements directly with your state licensing board, the certifying organization or the school before you enroll, apply or pay for anything.
Wages and job outlook figures
Pay and employment figures on the Site come mainly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other official sources. A median wage means half of workers earned more and half earned less; it is not a promise of what you will earn. Your pay will depend on your location, employer, experience, schedule and other factors, and new workers usually start below the median. Job projections are estimates of future trends, not guarantees.
Schools, programs and employers
When we mention a school, program, employer or organization, it’s for illustration or reference. It’s not an endorsement, and we haven’t evaluated its quality. Before enrolling in any program, check its accreditation, its state approval and its graduates’ results. Our guide on how to tell if a trade school is legit explains how.
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Errors and corrections
We work to keep our content accurate and cite our sources so you can check them, but mistakes can happen. If you find one, please contact us and we’ll review it promptly. Use of the Site is also subject to our Terms of Use.