Required Licenses
Comprehensive certification guide for Professional Organizing in any city, any state
Published: 8/3/2025
Required Licenses
Required Licenses
- Business License: Obtain a general business license from your local government, which typically requires registration of your business name and payment of a fee.
- Sales Tax Permit: If you sell products related to organizing, you may need a sales tax permit to collect sales tax from customers.
- Professional Organizer Certification: Some regions may require a certification specifically for professional organizers to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Insurance Requirements
- General Liability Insurance: Covers claims of bodily injury or property damage resulting from your services. Recommended coverage amount is at least $1 million.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Protects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in your organizing services. Typical coverage ranges from $1 million to $5 million.
- Business Property Insurance: If you have a physical office or store, this insurance protects your business property against theft, fire, or other disasters.
Training Certifications
- Certified Professional Organizer (CPO): Offered by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), this certification requires a minimum number of hours working in the field and passing an exam.
- Certified Organizer Coach (COC): This certification focuses on coaching clients through the organizing process and requires completion of a specific training program and coaching hours.
- Residential Organizing Certification: A specialized certification focusing on residential organizing practices, requiring coursework and practical experience.
Local Business Permits
- Zoning Permit: Check local zoning laws to ensure your business location complies with regulations for operating a professional organizing service.
- Home Occupation Permit: If you plan to run your organizing business from home, you may need a home occupation permit to comply with local ordinances.
- Sign Permit: If you intend to put up a sign for your business, check if a sign permit is required by your local municipality.
Make sure to check specific local regulations and requirements as they can vary widely by location.