California
What California regulates, trade by trade. Reciprocity is decided per trade, not per state — a state that reciprocates for one trade often won't for another, so pick the trade to get the real answer.
Trades
Researched 2026-07-21 to 2026-07-24Electrical & power
Mechanical & piping
- PlumberState licensedReciprocity
- HVAC Technician / ContractorState licensedReciprocity
- Pipefitter & SteamfitterState licensedReciprocity
- Fire Sprinkler FitterState licensedReciprocity
- Sheet Metal WorkerState licensedReciprocity
- Boiler Operator & Stationary EngineerNo licenseN/A
- Elevator MechanicState licensedNo reciprocity
Structural & building
Finishing & specialty
Environmental & safety
Metalwork & equipment
Nine more trades — cement mason, plasterer, tile layer and others — have no state license anywhere in the country, California included. Trades That Don't Require a State License