Overview
When you were a child, how many times were you asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” When you answered, did you think that you would need the government’s permission to do the job you wanted? Do your students? But now more than ever, we do need permission, in the form of a license or certification, to work. Why? This video looks at how licensing rules reduce competition and opportunities.

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Business and Government
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• identify arguments for and against occupational licensing;
• discuss the benefits and drawbacks of occupational licensing; and
• evaluate the arguments for and against job licensing requirements.

Key concepts and terms covered
Conflict of Interest.

Sample discussion questions
• What is licensing?
• How does keeping out unlicensed competitors help those who have licenses? How does this affect prices?
• Why does Dick Carpenter say the cosmetology board has a conflict of interest?
• Do you think someone needs to meet licensing requirements in order to satisfy consumers? Why / Why not?
• Why would politicians feel the need to get involved with this issue? Why do politicians want to regulate? Are their motives to protect us? Are they trying to protect existing businesses? Is it cynical to suggest they are simply trying to get votes?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 9-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.