If it is something requiring state licensure, they sure can. Plumbing, nursing, pharmacy, dental, funeral service, geosciences, optometry and behavioral health is all under the purview of whom issues my license. There are more, but at the very least if you fall under on of those job descriptions you can potentially be denied a license in Texas. I’m unsure about other states but I would assume similar.

My coworker is attempting to get back into it, but it’s been a struggle. You have to have letters of recommendation from your current employer, a former employer, and a coworker. Assuming you get that far, you still have to go before the plumbing board, and plead your case. Then if everyone approved, you can start over again. If he did get his ability to become licensed back, he would start out as a greenhorn; an apprentice with zero hours on the job experience. Means at that point it’s 2 years for tradesman, 4 years for journeyman, 8 for master’s licensure. He is a third generation plumber. He’s been at it longer than I’ve been alive just about. That’s gotta be a killer to someone like that.