What it is
Beyond the big licensure exams (NCLEX, USMLE, Praxis, the Bar, and CPA), most regulated professions have their own licensing exam you pass after finishing your program — plus, usually, supervised experience and a state license. Here are the major ones by field, and how the licensure path generally works.
Format & structure
- Pharmacy — NAPLEXNorth American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NABP), plus the MPJE law exam
- Veterinary — NAVLENorth American Veterinary Licensing Examination (ICVA)
- Dental — INBDEIntegrated National Board Dental Examination (JCNDE), plus a clinical exam
- Physician Assistant — PANCEPA National Certifying Exam (NCCPA)
- Engineering — FE then PEFundamentals of Engineering, then Principles & Practice of Engineering (NCEES) after work experience
- Architecture — AREArchitect Registration Examination (NCARB), a multi-division exam
- Physical/occupational therapy, social work, counselingNPTE (FSBPT), NBCOT, ASWB exams, and NCE/NCMHCE (NBCC)
- Real estate & securitiesState real-estate licensing exams, and the SIE and Series exams (FINRA) for finance
How it's scored
Most are pass/fail against a set standard (often scaled), taken after you complete the required degree/program. Many professions also require supervised experience and issue the license through a state board. The exact exams, scores, and experience rules vary by profession and state.
Registration & cost
You register through the profession's national board (NABP, NCEES, NCARB, etc.) and/or your state licensing board, usually testing at Prometric or Pearson VUE. Fees vary widely by field. Your program advises you on eligibility and timing.
Test dates & timing
Most are offered year-round or in windows by appointment, taken near graduation (some, like the engineering PE, come after years of work experience). Plan around your program's completion and your state's requirements.
How to prepare
- Use board-specific reviewEach field has established review courses and question banks
- Lean on your programAccredited programs prepare you for the licensure exam
- Know your state's full requirementsExam + experience + application all matter
- Sequence multi-part examsSome (engineering FE→PE, architecture ARE divisions) span years
Strategies & tips
- Confirm your field's exact pathExam(s), experience hours, and state rules differ by profession
- Plan the experience requirementMany licenses need supervised practice, not just an exam
- Take multi-division exams strategicallySpread ARE divisions or plan FE early, PE later
- Check reciprocityLicenses may transfer between states with conditions
How scores are used
Passing the exam (plus education and experience) earns your license to practice in that profession and state. Employers require licensure for regulated roles, and boards handle renewals and continuing education. These are strictly licensure — separate from admissions.
Accommodations & support
Accommodations for documented disabilities are available through each testing body and state board — request them during the application process.
Frequently asked questions
- Do all these need experience too?Many do — licensure usually combines an exam with supervised experience and a state application.
- Are they pass/fail?Most are, against a set standard.
- How do I know my exact requirements?Check your profession's national board and your state licensing board.
- Do licenses transfer between states?Often with conditions (reciprocity/endorsement) — verify per state.
- Where do I take them?Usually Prometric or Pearson VUE centers.
Key facts
- PharmacyNAPLEX (+ MPJE)
- VeterinaryNAVLE
- DentalINBDE
- Physician AssistantPANCE
- Engineering / ArchitectureFE → PE (NCEES) · ARE (NCARB)
- AlsoNPTE · NBCOT · ASWB · NCE · real estate · SIE/Series
Where to learn more
Confirm your field's path with its national board and your state: