What state-level licenses can I study for online?

Here are the top 10 state-issued occupational licenses that appear to have the highest number of dedicated self-study websites (online pre-licensing courses, exam prep platforms, self-paced videos, practice tests, and simulators).

 I scanned general and targeted web searches for terms like “online self-study prep,” “pre-licensing courses,” and specific license exam prep. Licenses requiring heavy in-person hours have far fewer pure self-study options.

1. Real Estate Salesperson/Broker License - By far the most saturated market. Dedicated schools and platforms (e.g., The CE Shop, Kaplan Real Estate, AceableAgent, PrepAgent) offer state-specific pre-licensing, exam prep, and self-paced courses. Multiple review videos and comparison sites exist solely for these.
2. Insurance Producer/Agent License - Extremely high volume of providers (WebCE, 360training, Kaplan Financial). AI-powered tools, practice exams, and state-approved self-study bundles are everywhere.
3. General Contractor / Building Contractor License - Numerous specialized exam-prep sites (Contractor Training Center, License to Build). Focused on NASCLA, state law/business, and trade exams with self-paced online formats.
4. Attorney License (State Bar Exam) - Large, well-established review industry with self-study packages. Many platforms offer outlines, practice questions, and on-demand video for the multi-state and state-specific portions.
5. Journeyman/Master Electrician License - Several dedicated trade-prep sites (Mike Holt, Advanced Technical Schooling) with online practice tests, code-book walkthroughs, and self-paced video courses.
6. Journeyman Plumber License - Multiple focused providers (Plumbers Training Institute, Trade Masters Online) offering code-based self-study, practice exams, and home-study courses.
7. Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License (NMLS/SAFE Act) - Dedicated pre-licensing platforms (OnCourse Learning, others) for the 20-hour national + state-specific courses, all fully online and self-paced.
8. Cosmetology / Hair Stylist License (Theory/Exam Prep) - Theory-focused self-study resources exist, though many states still require in-person hours—pure self-study options are more limited than the top entries but still numerous for the written exam portion.
9. HVAC Technician / Contractor License - Trade-specific prep sites (pattern matches electrician/plumber providers; multiple online code, theory, and exam simulators appear in career-training results). Self-paced options are common for licensing exams.
10. Real Estate Appraiser License (or similar qualifying education) - Overlaps with real estate providers plus dedicated appraisal pre-licensing and continuing-ed platforms offering fully online self-study for state licensing levels.

 - This ranking reflects the quantity of distinct, license-specific self-study websites (not popularity or number of licensees). Real estate and insurance clearly lead with the broadest ecosystems of competing providers.

- Licenses like radiologic technologist, notary public, massage therapist or barber have some practice-test or short-course sites but far fewer full dedicated self-study platforms compared to the top 10 (often because they require accredited programs or in-person hours). 

The ability to get licensed varies by state, but I've done it.