Trade Service Verticals

The Trusted Service Authority division organizes 76 topic sites across the major trade service verticals operating in the United States. Each vertical is anchored by a national-level site covering industry-wide regulatory and licensing content, with state-level and metro-level sites providing jurisdiction-specific detail where applicable.

This page lists the verticals by category, with the national hub site for each trade and notes on geographic depth.

Home Services

Home services verticals cover trades that install, maintain, and repair residential systems and property.

HVAC and Refrigeration

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration services. Regulated by state mechanical contractor licensing boards. Governed by the International Mechanical Code (IMC), ASHRAE standards, and EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification.

• National HVAC Authority — National hub
• State sites available for major licensing jurisdictions (Florida, Texas, California, and others)

Plumbing

Plumbing installation, repair, water heater service, and gas piping. Licensed at the state level in all 50 states. Governed by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC) depending on jurisdiction.

• National Plumbing Authority — National hub
• State-level sites for jurisdictions with distinct licensing frameworks

Electrical

Electrical system installation, repair, and maintenance. Licensed at the state or local level in all 50 states. Governed by the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70, 2023 edition).

• National Electrical Authority — National hub
• State-level sites covering state-specific license classifications and adopted NEC editions

Roofing

Roof installation, replacement, repair, and inspection. Licensed as a specialty trade in most states. Subject to local building code requirements for wind resistance, fire rating, and energy performance.

• National Roofing Authority — National hub
• State sites available for high-volume markets (Florida, Texas, California)

Appliance Repair

Repair and service of residential and commercial appliances. Licensing varies significantly by state — some states require appliance-specific licenses, others regulate under general contractor or specialty trade categories.

• National Appliance Authority — National hub
• Florida Appliance Authority — State-specific coverage
• Additional state-level sites for regulated jurisdictions

Cleaning Services

Residential and commercial cleaning, janitorial services, and specialized cleaning (carpet, window, pressure washing). Generally subject to business licensing rather than trade licensing, though specialized services (mold remediation, biohazard cleanup) may require specific certifications.

• National Cleaning Authority — National hub

Pest Control

Pest management, extermination, and wildlife control. Licensed in all 50 states through departments of agriculture or environmental regulation. Pesticide applicator certification required under EPA/state cooperative programs.

• National Pest Authority — National hub
• State-level sites covering state pesticide regulatory agencies and license categories

Landscaping and Lawn Care

Landscaping design and installation, lawn maintenance, tree service, and irrigation. Licensing requirements vary: landscape contractor licenses in some states, pesticide applicator certification for chemical treatments, arborist certification for tree work.

• National Landscaping Authority — National hub

Pool Services

Swimming pool construction, repair, maintenance, and inspection. Licensed as a specialty contractor trade in most states. Subject to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (federal) and state/local pool safety codes.

• National Pool Authority — National hub
• State sites available for major pool markets (Florida, Arizona, California, Texas)

Carpentry and Woodworking

Framing, finish carpentry, cabinetry, and general woodworking. Licensed under general contractor or specialty trade categories depending on state. Subject to IRC/IBC structural provisions.

• National Carpentry Authority — National hub

Home Maintenance and Handyman

General property maintenance, minor repairs, and handyman services. Licensing thresholds vary by state — many states exempt work below a dollar threshold from contractor licensing requirements.

• National Maintenance Authority — National hub

Automotive Services

Automotive verticals cover repair, maintenance, and service of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and specialty equipment.

Auto Repair

General automotive repair and maintenance, including engine, transmission, brake, and suspension work. Regulated at the state level through motor vehicle repair acts in approximately 35 states. ASE certification is an industry standard but not universally required by law.

• National Auto Repair Authority — National hub
• State sites for jurisdictions with motor vehicle repair registration requirements

Auto Glass

Windshield and auto glass replacement and repair. Subject to ANSI/AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard) and FMVSS 212 (windshield mounting) requirements. State-level regulation varies.

• Windshield Authority — National hub

Collision Repair

Automotive body repair, painting, and frame straightening following collision damage. Regulated through state motor vehicle repair acts. Insurer direct repair programs (DRPs) add a layer of industry structure beyond licensing.

• National Collision Authority — National hub

Towing

Towing, recovery, and roadside assistance services. Licensed at the state and local level in most jurisdictions. Subject to DOT vehicle weight regulations and state towing rate caps where applicable.

• National Towing Authority — National hub

Commercial and Industrial Services

These verticals cover trade services primarily serving commercial, industrial, and institutional clients.

Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Repair

Repair and maintenance of commercial motor vehicles, including heavy trucks, trailers, and fleet vehicles. Subject to FMCSA inspection and maintenance requirements (49 CFR Part 396). Repair facilities may require state commercial vehicle inspection licenses.

• Truck Repair Authority — National hub

Restoration Services

Water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and storm restoration. Licensing varies: general contractor license typically required, with additional certifications for mold remediation (state-regulated in many jurisdictions) and lead/asbestos abatement (EPA-regulated).

• National Restoration Authority — National hub
• State sites for jurisdictions with specific restoration licensing requirements

Moving and Relocation

Household and commercial moving services. Interstate movers regulated by FMCSA (USDOT number and MC operating authority required). Intrastate movers regulated by state public utility commissions or transportation departments in most states.

• National Moving Authority — National hub

Regional and Multi-Trade Hubs

Some topic sites within the division cover multiple trades within a geographic market rather than a single trade nationally:

• Texas Service Authority — Multi-trade reference for Texas-regulated service industries
• Additional state-level multi-trade hubs covering jurisdictions with unified licensing frameworks

Geographic Depth by Vertical

The number of geographic tiers varies by vertical based on the complexity of the regulatory landscape:

References

• How the Trade Services Division Works — Content structure and navigation
• Standards and Regulatory Reference — Regulatory framework overview
• Authority Network America — Network root
• Authority Industries — Professional services division
• NASCLA — National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies