Do you need a license to operate a backhoe?

In many cases state regulations deem most construction equipment as exempt from ANY "License" being required to operate such equipment. However because of the nature of the jobs the equipment does, is involved with and the ability to be a dangerous tool the insurance company that insures the equipment more often than not REQUIRES that the operator prove some level of competent operation by attending and passing a training course. On the note of being more marketable to a construction company. Who would you hire first? A person with no practical knowledge of the equipment. A person who has shown they can at least operate the machine in a safe manner. OR A person who has shown they can operate the equipment as well as being able to move that equipment from the yard to work site because they also have a Commercial Driver's License of the correct type?