[jmisavage]

Yes, licensing does reduce supply compared to a free-for-all. But that’s the point, it filters out people who shouldn’t be doing the work in the first place. For engineers, the PE designation means you’re legally responsible for your work.

[RhysU]

Licensing is a poor filter. Have you ever gotten a bad haircut? Is there a hairstylist or barber at your usual shop that you avoid? Those folks are licensed too.

[BinaryIgor]

Exactly - free market is a better filter