How to become...
Honest, step-by-step guides to entering licensed careers — the education, the exam, and what the job pays (real medians from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Requirements vary by state, so each guide links the official body to verify with. And every exam has free practice questions.
How to become a registered nurse
Median $93,600 per year · NCLEX-RN
How to become a licensed practical nurse (lpn)
Median $62,340 per year · NCLEX-PN
How to become a pharmacy technician
Median $43,460 per year · PTCB (PTCE)
How to become a phlebotomist
Median $43,660 per year · Phlebotomy Certification
How to become an emt (emergency medical technician)
Median $41,340 per year · NREMT
How to become a medical assistant
Median $44,200 per year · CCMA (Medical Assistant)
How to become a dental assistant
Median $47,300 per year · Dental Assisting (DANB)
How to become a real estate agent
Median $56,320 per year · Real Estate Salesperson Exam
How to become a licensed contractor
Median $106,980 per year · CSLB Law & Business
How to become a cosmetologist
Median $16.95 per hour · Cosmetology
How to become a nail technician
Median $16.66 per hour · Manicurist
How to become a barber
Median $18.73 per hour · Barber
How to become an esthetician
Median $19.98 per hour · Esthetician
How to become a truck driver (cdl)
Median $57,440 per year · CDL General Knowledge
How to become an electrician
Median $62,350 per year · Journeyman Electrician
How to become an hvac technician
Median $59,810 per year · EPA 608 Certification
How to become a notary public
Notary (California)
How to become a security guard
Median $38,370 per year · Guard Card (Power to Arrest)
Salary figures are U.S. national median wages from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024). Actual pay and licensing requirements vary by state and experience; each guide links the official source.