Methodology

What we publish

Trades Navigator compiles state board rules, statutes, federal occupational data, and union apprenticeship records into a navigable layer linked to primary sources. For every claim we show the source's own value, a plain-English paraphrase that does not exceed the source's claim, the source's as-of date, and an inline link to the primary record. We do not host user reviews. We do not compute our own ratings.

We do not maintain editorial attestation on each line at our current scale. The site's value is making the relevant primary sources reachable in one or two clicks, with the surrounding context a reader needs to know which source applies. Always verify the specific number, fee, deadline, or rule against the linked primary source before relying on it.

What we deliberately do not do

We do not combine signals into a composite score. Different sources measure different things — ED Heightened Cash Monitoring measures financial oversight, VA caution flags measure complaint volume and outcomes, accreditor actions measure institutional compliance. We show each source on its own row with the publisher's own definition.

Freshness

Every data-driven page shows a freshness banner with the source's own as-of date. If a source is overdue against its publisher's expected cadence, the banner turns amber.

Corrections

Every data-driven page carries a “Report a correction” link that prefills a message with the page route. Send a source URL with your correction and we will update the file or the cited reference.

Legal posture

Trades Navigator is not legal, financial, or career advice. Always verify information with the relevant state licensing board, accreditor, or other primary source before acting on it.