10 Fastest Professional Licenses You Can Get
March 3, 2026 · HowToGetLicensed Team
Need to start earning quickly? Some professional licenses require zero mandatory pre-license education hours in certain states — you could be licensed within weeks. We ranked all 49 professions by their minimum education requirement across all 50 states.
Speed Rankings at a Glance
| # | Profession | Min. Education | Est. Timeline | Median Salary | Fastest State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notary Public | None required | Under 2 weeks | $47,330/yr | Virginia |
| 2 | Contractor | None required | Under 2 weeks | $74,720/yr | Idaho |
| 3 | Plumber | None required | Under 2 weeks | $61,550/yr | Wyoming |
| 4 | Electrician | None required | Under 2 weeks | $61,590/yr | Wyoming |
| 5 | Insurance Agent | None required | Under 2 weeks | $59,080/yr | Idaho |
| 6 | Acupuncturist | None required | Under 2 weeks | $72,520/yr | Kansas |
| 7 | Funeral Director | None required | Under 2 weeks | $61,060/yr | Colorado |
| 8 | Optician | None required | Under 2 weeks | $42,420/yr | Texas |
| 9 | Security Guard | None required | Under 2 weeks | $36,530/yr | Idaho |
| 10 | Insurance Adjuster | None required | Under 2 weeks | $75,020/yr | Missouri |
Detailed Breakdown
1. Notary Public
In Virginia, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $58. View full guide →
2. Contractor
In Idaho, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $125. View full guide →
3. Plumber
In Wyoming, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $125. View full guide →
4. Electrician
In Wyoming, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $225. View full guide →
5. Insurance Agent
In Idaho, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $275. View full guide →
6. Acupuncturist
In Kansas, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $500. View full guide →
7. Funeral Director
In Colorado, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $500. View full guide →
8. Optician
In Texas, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $500. View full guide →
9. Security Guard
In Idaho, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $550. View full guide →
10. Insurance Adjuster
In Missouri, you can get started with just None required of education and a total cost of $575. View full guide →
How We Measured Speed
We used the minimum pre-license education hours required across all 50 states for each profession. Timeline estimates include typical application processing times. Actual timelines vary by state, exam scheduling, and background check processing.
Related Guides
- 10 Easiest Professional Licenses — ranked by lowest barriers to entry
- Licenses That Don't Require a Degree — high-paying no-degree paths
- How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed? — comprehensive timeline for all 49 professions
Speed vs. Earning Potential
The fastest licenses aren't always the lowest-paying — several professions on this list offer median salaries above $60,000. For the best balance of speed and earnings, check our Best ROI Licenses analysis.