DCP Releases Annual Licensing Data: Industries With Biggest Growth Include Cottage Foods, Health Clubs

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HARTFORD - The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) License Services Division released its 2025 annual licensing data Wednesday. The new report shows the industries with the biggest growth and greatest decline by credential volume since 2020, illustrating Connecticut's evolving marketplace.

The cottage foods industry has grown more than 190 percent by credential volume, since 2020, according to the new licensing data. The Cottage Food Program, established in 2018, is an opportunity for individuals to create and run a small business from their home. The program allows for the manufacture of certain low-risk food items such as baked goods that can be sold directly to consumers.

Health clubs saw the second highest increase in credential holders since 2020, followed by heating and cooling professionals, electricians, and plumbers.

"The work our License Services team does to ensure credential holders meet all the requirements to do their job while also getting Connecticut to work as quickly as possible, is essential to the safety and success of our state," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "Not only do they keep Connecticut moving, but the data they collect helps us to understand Connecticut's evolving marketplaces, and how we can better support our regulated industries."

The License Services Division issues more than 260,000 credentials across 130 credential types annually. Last year, License Services processed more than 38,000 new applications and reviewed over 197,000 renewal applications.

Since 2015, License Services has transitioned nearly all credentials to digital certifications to help expediate the application process, saving Connecticut more than $1 million in the process.

Biggest Movers: Industry Trends in Connecticut

Percentages are based on total application numbers from 2020 to 2025, highlighting which industries have seen the biggest growth or greatest decline.

Industries with biggest growth based on applications processed from 2020 to 2025:

• Cottage Food Operator (191%)
• Health Club (180%)
• Heating and Cooling (71%)
• Electricians (68%)
• Plumbers (64%)

Industries with biggest decline based on applications processed from 2020 to 2025:

• TV & Radio Service and Dealers (-51%)
• Home Heating Dealers (-33%)
• Real Estate Brokers and Salespeople (-30%)
• Gas Stations (-27%)
• Food Manufacturers (-17%)

Active Status: Industries with Most Active Credentials

The following industries hold the highest number of credentials issued by DCP.

• Occupational Trades (41,908): Professionals that work in electrical, Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC), home inspection, plumbing and pipefitting, sheet metal work, and pool installations.
• Home Improvement and New Home Construction (29,331): Registrations for contractors on residential properties, single or multifamily dwellings, condominiums or common interest communities, and charge more than $1,000 a month for 12 months a year.
• Real Estate (27,119): Licensure for individuals buying or selling real estate property
  on behalf of a consumer. This includes real estate salespeople, brokers, real estate teams, community association managers, and temporary appraisers. Approval
  ensures individuals are qualified and meet the necessary education requirements.
• Accountancy (24,790): Credentials include a Certified Public Account (CPA)
  Certificate Registration, License, and Accountancy Firm Permits, for example, a home office. Credentials are issued based on education, exams, experience, and ethical requirements.

Last year, the credential type with the most renewal application submissions was the Controlled Substance Registration for Practitioner. Registered individuals can distribute, dispense, conduct research, administer or procure controlled substances through professional practices.

The License Services Division is comprised of 22 full-time staff. In 2025, the team replied to an average of 800 emails per week and answered 18,490 phone calls. In a survey provided to credential holders, 97 percent of respondents rated License Services "Good" or "Satisfactory," and 93 percent of respondents felt they were informed about the progress of their application.

Resources

To learn more about credential types issued by the DCP License Services Division, please visit the License, Permit & Registration Types page.

For individuals or businesses interested in how to apply or verify a credential, please visit our website at: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/verify-a-license?language=en_US

View the 2025 Licensing Annual Report online.