The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, part of Maryland's labor department, suggests that consumers and employers check whether a person or business is licensed before hiring them for a job.

•The division regulates and licenses architects, interior designers, public accountants, cosmetologists, home improvement contractors, heating and air conditioning contractors, landscape architects, surveyors, master electricians, plumbers, professional engineers, real estate appraisers and home inspectors.

•You can search licenses online by name, location or license registration number.

•For a complete list and more information, go to www.dllr.maryland.gov/pq/.