Trumpy, lisensure varies from state to state here, some have strict requirements,some not at all.
Reciprocity with nieghboring states also varies, usually boarding states come tosome agreement.
I wish it were a national license, however i have my doubt's about the fed's handling of the matter.
My state ( Vermont) requires 4 years and completion of the apprenticship program
(also 4 years) to be eligible to apply for a J-mans card, another 2 years and one is then eligible to apply for the Masters test.