State panel pushes shift away from mandatory licensing

Eliminating licensure in many fields would enhance business opportunities, according to a subcommittee of the Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee in North Carolina. A January 22 report published by the Carolina Journal says the panel is considering a proposal to let certification take licensure’s place for many occupations.

Such a move could expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and low-income professionals, the Carolina report notes.

However, dropping licensing requirements should be approached cautiously, the panel also warned, as licensing helps ensure competency among professionals and safety for consumers.

With 154 licensed job classifications, North Carolina has a fairly high number of jobs that require licenses. The count for neighboring South Carolina is only 49, the report notes.

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