CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is an occupation and industry database for job searchers, but it also provides links to all 50 states’ occupational licensing Web sites. Search by occupation, industry or keyword to find professional license and certification descriptions and links to the regulating agency.

Organizations that issue certifications, even for occupations that may not be licensed by a particular state, are also included. The certifying organizations maintain online name databases of their members, another option to verify field of employment. Note: not all certifying associations are listed for any one occupation, so be sure to check other sources that might perform the same function and also list their members.