For some licenses, a high school diploma (or equivalent) is a reasonable and perhaps necessary prerequisite. These might include:
* Professional Licenses: Licenses requiring advanced training and significant responsibility, such as those for doctors, lawyers, engineers, or teachers, often require a college degree, which in turn presupposes a high school diploma. A high school diploma serves as a foundational demonstration of literacy, numeracy, and a certain level of critical thinking skills.
* Commercial Licenses: Operating heavy machinery (e.g., trucking, construction equipment) or engaging in certain trades (e.g., plumbing, electrical work) often necessitates a license that may reasonably require a high school diploma to ensure a baseline understanding of safety regulations and technical information.
For other licenses, a high school diploma might be unnecessary or even counterproductive:
* Recreational Licenses: Hunting, fishing, or driving licenses typically don't require a high school diploma. The necessary knowledge and skills are taught through specific training programs, not general education.
* Some Business Licenses: While some business licenses might have educational requirements, a high school diploma is not universally necessary. Experience and demonstrated competence might be sufficient.
In short, the appropriateness of a high school diploma requirement for a license is context-dependent and needs to be evaluated based on the specific skills, knowledge, and responsibilities associated with that license. A blanket policy would be illogical and potentially unfair.