SOLAR Resource Guide: Professional Licensing & Certification Paths for Registrants

Why do licenses matter? For many people on the registry, stable jobs feel out of reach. Applications get tossed, stigma blocks opportunities, and it can feel like there’s no way forward. A professional license or certification can change that story:

• It creates credibility that employers and customers recognize.
• It can open doors to self-employment, where you set the rules.
• It offers a sense of pride and accomplishment after years of barriers.

This guide is not just for those who already know the first step. It’s for anyone who feels lost, who doesn’t even know what they don’t know. It’s written to meet you at the starting line and walk you through the basics.

🧾 What’s the difference?

• License: Permission from your state to do certain work. Without it, you can’t legally practice (e.g., electrician, barber, home inspector).
• Certification: A credential from a group or company showing you passed their test (e.g., IT CompTIA, medical billing). Usually not state-controlled.
• Diploma/Degree: Proof of education (GED, associate’s, bachelor’s). Sometimes required to sit for exams.

🏛️ How licenses are regulated

• Most are handled by state licensing boards (cosmetology, trades, real estate).
• Some are federal (CDL with TSA screening).
• Certifications are usually managed by national associations (IT, healthcare, accounting).

⛔ Barriers you may face

• Background checks and “good moral character” clauses.
• Discretionary decision-making by boards.
• Collateral consequences that vary by state.

🧭 Offline + Online Research

• Online: Use the National Inventory of Collateral Consequences (NICCC) and state board websites.
• Offline:
  • ☎️ Call state boards directly and request mailed application packets.
  • 📚 Visit libraries for printed rulebooks or licensing handbooks.
  • 🤝 Ask probation/parole officers or reentry caseworkers for state brochures.

📂 Build Your Case Early

• Collect letters of support (employers, pastors, mentors, community leaders).
• Gather diplomas, work records, and training certificates.
• Keep a physical folder with everything in it for mailed applications.

Why it works: Tradespeople are in demand everywhere. Apprenticeships pay you while you learn, and most boards don’t impose lifetime bans.

🪜 Steps

1. Apply for apprenticeship (union, trade school, contractor).
2. Train and work 2–5 years as apprentice.
3. Pass journeyman exam.
4. After more years, test for master license (optional but boosts independence).

• Costs: Tuition $1,000–$7,000/year; exams $50–$150; starter tools $500–$2,000.
• Funding: Workforce grants (WIOA), union support, reentry nonprofit vouchers.
• Job Outlook: Excellent. Every community needs plumbers, HVAC, electricians.
• Self-Employment: Strong path to contracting, repair services, and LLC ownership.

👤 Best Fit Traits: Hands-on learners, problem-solvers, people who like seeing tangible results, and those who can handle physical work.

Why it works: Trucking is one of the largest industries in America.

🛣️ Steps

1. Get CDL learner’s permit (written test at DMV).
2. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).
3. Pass road test in a truck.
4. Complete DOT medical exam.

• Costs: $3,000–$7,000 CDL school (sometimes covered by employer).
• Restrictions: TSA bans HazMat endorsements for certain crimes (including sexual assault). Passenger endorsements may also be restricted. But general freight jobs don’t need these.
• Job Outlook: Very high demand, $45k–$60k starting pay.
• Self-Employment: Possible as owner-operator, but requires major investment in truck/insurance.

👤 Best Fit Traits: Independent, detail-oriented, reliable. Good for people who enjoy travel, alone time, and steady paychecks.

Why it works: No state board restrictions; demand for tech help everywhere.

🪜 Typical Steps

1. Study for CompTIA A+.
2. Pass two exams ($253 each).
3. Move to higher certifications (Network+, Security+).

• Costs: $500+ for exams; training can be cheap with self-study.
• Funding: Workforce programs sometimes cover IT certs.
• Job Outlook: Growing, especially for help desk and support roles.
• Self-Employment: Freelance computer repair, tech support, or small-business IT services.

👤 Best Fit Traits: Logical thinkers, tinkerers, gamers, curious minds, detail-oriented.

Why it works: High self-employment potential — clients follow people they trust.

🪜 Steps

1. Enroll in cosmetology/barber school (1,000–2,000 hours).
2. Pass written and practical exams.
3. Apply for state license.

• Costs: $5,000–$20,000 tuition; exams $50–$200.
• Restrictions: Vary by state. Some use “good moral character” tests, others must accept rehabilitation.
• Job Outlook: Steady — everyone needs hair care.
• Self-Employment: Strong — chair rental, mobile services, or owning your own shop.

👤 Best Fit Traits: Outgoing, creative, social, detail-oriented, patient.

Why it works: Housing is constant; services always in demand.

🧭 Steps (Inspector)

1. Complete pre-license course.
2. Pass state exam.
3. Buy insurance/bonding.
4. Apply for license.

• Costs: $1,000–$3,000 courses; exams $100–$300; insurance varies.
• Job Outlook: Strong, especially in growing housing markets.
• Self-Employment: Very strong — run your own business, advertise locally.

👤 Best Fit Traits: Independent, outdoorsy, detail-minded, like physical tasks.

Why it works: Healthcare always needs support staff.

• Phlebotomy Steps: Short course (4–12 weeks) → NHA CPT exam (~$125) → jobs in labs/clinics.
• Billing Steps: 6–12 month course → certification → remote/in-office jobs.

• Costs: $1,000–$3,000 courses; $125+ exams.
• Restrictions: Some states block direct patient care. Billing/coding is safer.
• Job Outlook: Growing faster than average.
• Self-Employment: Limited for phlebotomy; strong for billing as freelance contracts.

👤 Best Fit Traits: Detail-oriented, comfortable with routine, organized, patient.

Why it works: Low-cost, flexible, home-based opportunities.

• Tax Prep Steps: Apply for IRS PTIN → optional course → offer services.
• Notary Steps: Apply with state → pay small fee ($50–$200) → notarize documents.
• Bookkeeping Steps: Learn QuickBooks → certification course → find clients.

• Costs: Often under $500.
• Job Outlook: Steady, especially for small business support.
• Self-Employment: Strong; seasonal or year-round.

👤 Best Fit Traits: Organized, dependable, like paperwork and accuracy.

• WIOA grants: Apply in person at workforce centers.
• Community college aid: Walk into financial aid office.
• Nonprofits: Goodwill, Salvation Army, local reentry programs.
• Employer sponsorships: Especially in trucking.

• Write a personal statement (typed or handwritten).
• Collect letters of support.
• Gather proof of stability (work, education, treatment).
• Always be polite and persistent.