HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has emerged as a national leader in occupational licensing efficiency, reflecting the Shapiro Administration’s assertive drive to expedite licensing processes and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. According to rankings released by a prominent nonpartisan think tank, Pennsylvania achieved the most dramatic improvement among all states, soaring 25 spots to secure a position in the top 10 for ease and efficiency in obtaining occupational licenses.
This milestone underscores a fundamental shift in how state government interacts with professionals and businesses—a transformation sparked by Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to modernizing and streamlining the licensing system. The administration’s reforms have dramatically reduced processing times, benefiting workers, employers, and the state economy.
Streamlining the Path to Employment
The Commonwealth’s licensing overhaul began in January 2023, when Governor Shapiro signed an executive order mandating a comprehensive evaluation of the state’s licensing, permitting, and certification procedures. The goal was clear: identify bottlenecks in the system, set definitive processing timelines, and hold agencies accountable through a money-back guarantee for applicants whose completed submissions were not reviewed within the established timeframe.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt highlighted the significance of these reforms, stating, “The improvements we’ve made mean that nurses, doctors, and other licensed professionals can get to work more quickly, and the Pennsylvanians they serve can get the services they need. Health organizations and small businesses who employ these licensed professionals also benefit.”
The results have been striking. With faster approval processes, professionals in fields such as healthcare and personal services now face minimal delays in beginning their work, providing vital services to communities across Pennsylvania. For example, individuals applying for licenses in barbering and cosmetology have experienced processing times as short as the same day—down from nearly two weeks when Governor Shapiro took office.
A Leap in National Rankings
Pennsylvania’s remarkable ascent in the Archbridge Institute’s State Occupational Licensing Index marks a turning point for the Commonwealth. The index evaluates states based on several metrics, including the number of professions requiring licenses, reciprocity and universal recognition policies for out-of-state licenses, and the overall complexity of licensure requirements.
Pennsylvania’s implementation of medical and nurse licensure compacts, which streamline licensing for healthcare professionals across state lines, played a pivotal role in improving its ranking. Additionally, eliminating redundant and unnecessary licensing requirements further eased the regulatory burden on workers and businesses.
Researchers from the Archbridge Institute commended the Shapiro Administration’s approach, writing in a recent op/ed, “The Shapiro Administration deserves credit for recognizing the costs of occupational licensing and moving forward with reform. … Legislators and the executive branch in the Keystone State are taking important steps to remove unnecessary barriers for workers.”
Broader Economic Implications
The impact of these reforms extends well beyond professionals navigating the licensing process. By fostering a more efficient regulatory environment, Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a competitive destination for business growth and development. Employers benefit from faster licensing approvals for prospective staff, reducing delays in filling critical positions and sustaining operations.
Efforts like these, Schmidt noted, are vital to ensuring the system works for everyone. “This achievement is a direct result of hard work and collaboration. It reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities for workers and reducing unnecessary barriers across industries.”
Governor Shapiro’s dedication to integrating efficiency with accountability is further exemplified by recent initiatives such as the permitting Fast Track program. Announced earlier this month, the Fast Track initiative is designed to expedite permit processing for major economic development and infrastructure projects, enabling them to move from concept to delivery more swiftly. This program complements the administration’s broader mission to make Pennsylvania “move at the speed of business.”
Momentum for Continued Transformation
Governor Shapiro’s reforms signal a broader shift in the administration’s governance philosophy, emphasizing transparency, responsiveness, and measurable outcomes. The creation of new offices such as the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO) and the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) underscores the state’s long-term commitment to improving government efficiency and making citizen interactions smoother and more accessible.
The reforms also emerge against a backdrop of growing recognition that burdensome occupational licensing rules can unnecessarily restrict workforce participation. By addressing these barriers head-on, Pennsylvania is empowering its citizens to take advantage of good-paying jobs while ensuring businesses have access to the skilled labor they require.
Reflecting on the state’s achievements, Schmidt remarked, “This progress is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize efficiency and modernization. Pennsylvania is setting a new standard for how government can work better for its people.”
Path Ahead
While the reforms have already delivered tangible results, the Shapiro Administration’s initiatives are set to continue reshaping Pennsylvania’s occupational landscape. The Commonwealth’s dramatic rise in national rankings is not merely a benchmark of success but a foundation for sustained growth and innovation. With a more welcoming environment for workers and businesses alike, Pennsylvania is proving that thoughtful governance can drive real, measurable impact.
As Pennsylvania celebrates its success, the overarching message is clear: by reducing red tape and introducing accountability, the state is ensuring its workforce remains competitive, its economy robust, and its citizens’ pathways to employment unhindered. This momentum reflects a vision of government that works for everyone—combining efficiency with opportunity in ways that resonate far beyond the Commonwealth’s borders.
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