How to Get a General Contractor License With No Experience

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A general contracting company or general contractor is responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment (such as engineering vehicles and construction tools and machines) and other services needed for a construction project. Usually, the general contractor hires specialized sub – contractors to help them execute all or some portions of the construction project. A general contracting company is in charge of the overall coordination of a construction project.

Depending on the project delivery method, the general contracting company will submit a fixed price proposal or bid, cost plus price or an estimate. The general contracting company considers the cost of home office overhead, general conditions, materials and equipment and logistics as it relates to transporting equipment and manpower to site as well as the cost of labor to provide the owner with a price for the project.

A general contracting company submits some essential documents while bidding for a project/contract and such documents include drawings, project manual (including general, supplementary and/or special conditions and specifications), addendum or modifications issued prior to proposal/bidding and prepared by a design professional such as an architect.

In order to become a general contractor, you must apply and own a general contractor license or else you can’t legally operate as a general contractor in the United States. In essence, applying and securing a general contractor’s license is the first step you need to take to make your dream of becoming a general contractor come true.

If you are interested in this line of business, this is the right time to apply and get your general contractor license because the demand for contractors is expected to increase, and it is amongst the high paying jobs in the US.

Starting the Process

Before you start the processes, it is important to know what you are up for;

What is a Contractor License?

A Contractor License is kind of permit or authority that allows construction tradesman to charge over $500 for their services. Persons who are looking towards starting a business, hire workers, bid on projects, and advertise must become licensed contractors. To get a license, you must prove at least 4 years’ journey level experience in a trade, pass an exam and hold an active contractor bond.

Although it is pretty important to have the required experience before you can be issued with a general contractor license, but you can still go ahead to apply and get your general contractor license especially if you have the required experience.

Options for Securing a General Contractor License Without Experience in the United States

a. Start as with Responsible Managing Office (RMO) License or Responsible Managing Employee (RME) License

Obtaining a Responsible Managing officer license is one of the easiest ways individuals with no experience can have access to a contractor license. RMO stands for Responsible Managing Officer. This person is a licensed contractor that allows their license number to be used by an existing business to take on construction projects over $500. RME stands for Responsible managing employee and is basically the same as an RMO except the contractor qualifying the company is an employee.

b. Start a Company with an Experienced Partner

Starting a company with an experienced partner is yet another means of getting a general contractor license without the required 4 years’ mandatory experience. All you need is just to become a legal member of a company that is licensed to carry out general contracting works.

c. Get a Senior General Contractor to Sign Your Exam Form

You can actually be given the opportunity to write the general contractor qualifying exams if you can secure the signature of a general contractor. Loads of people who don’t have the required experience are following this route and some of them have gone ahead to become successful general contractors in the US.

This goes to show that if you are interested in getting a general contractor’s license and you don’t have the required 4 years experience, there is a chance you can have a contractor sign your application.

Basic Requirements for Getting a General Contractor License

These are the basic requirements for anyone desiring to get a general contractor’s license in the United States and this is irrespective of whether you have the required experience or not.

Education Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree can be valuable
Degree Field(s): Construction management, civil engineering, or building or construction science
License/Certification: Licensure required in all states; some states require tax number, insurance, and proof of address
Experience: Practical craft experience as an electrician, carpenter, or plumber; supervisory experience in construction helpful
Key Skills: The applicant must be at least 18; being able to work legally in the U.S.; having a clean work record in construction or an adequate explanation of any job-related incidents; good oral and written communication skills

Please note that all states in the United States have the same basic requirements for individuals who want to earn a contractor’s license. However, each state may have other specific requirements for contractors, but all require individuals to pass an exam. Some states may also require that contractors provide proof of liability insurance, a federal Tax Identification Number and proof of a business address by showing a utility bill or a lease.

Specific General Contractor Licenses for Each State in USA

As earlier stated, every state has its own specific licensing requirements for general contractors. However, you are expected to meet the basic requirements as stated above before approaching your state to apply and secure your general contractor license.

1. Alabama

Aside from meeting the basic requirements as stipulated by law in the US, if you are looking towards applying for a general contractor license you must pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam. You’ll also need to document your work experience and show proof of General liability insurance.

Please note that you cannot work as a general contractor in the state of Alabama if you don’t have a state license in Alabama. Without the license, you cannot work on any construction, alteration, maintenance, repair or demolition of structures which cost more than $50,000.

If you have met the basic qualifications, you can approach the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors to make further enquiries and submit your applications.

2. Alaska

Alaska is one of the states in the US that makes it mandatory for general contractors to apply and secure the state license before they can legally work in the state.

If you want to get general contractor’s license from Alaska, aside from meeting the basic requirements, you must hold general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.

In Alaska, there are three classifications of licenses which are awarded by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. These construction licenses include:

General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement – Can oversee new home construction or can undertake residential work that is more than 25% of the value of the structure. You’ll need to complete a 16-hour cold climate course and pass an exam.
General Contractor without Residential Contractor Endorsement – Can undertake commercial work or residential remodel work less than 25% of the value of the structure. No exam is required.
General Contractor Handyman – You’ll be able to undertake residential or commercial work valued at less than $10,000.

3. Arizona

If you have plans to work as a general contractor in Arizona, you are mandated to secure the state license before you can legally work in the state. As a matter of fact, anyone who builds, alters, repairs, adds to, subtracts from, improves, moves, wrecks or demolishes any structure must hold a state general contractor license to work in Arizona.

There are a number of different classifications of licenses awarded by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and they are

General Residential Contractors
General Commercial Contractor
General Dual License Contracting – includes both residential and commercial contracting

Aside from meeting the basic qualifications, in order to get a general contractor license, you must pass the trade exam, as well as the business management exam. And you might be required to show proof of four years of experience and show proof of a bond.

You can visit the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to make further enquiries and submit your applications.

4. Arkansas

The requirements for getting a general contractor’s license in Arkansas aside from meeting the basic requirements are;

You must provide a financial statement
Proof of a bond, and proof of worker’s compensation insurance.
You need to pass a business and law exam.
You’ll need to select your specialty or classification.
You will require references who can detail your work experience.
A building (commercial or residential) classification does not require a trade exam.

Please note that as a general contractor in Arkansas it is mandatory for you to have a state general contractor license to do any work worth more than $2,000.

There are a number of different classifications of licenses awarded by the Contractors Licensing Board. These include:

Commercial License – Allows you to work on projects worth more than $50,000. This allows you to also do residential work in the same classification as your commercial license.
Restricted Commercial License – You can only work on commercial projects worth less than $750,000.
Residential Builders License – Allows you to do work on any single-family residence where the work is worth more than $2,000.
Residential Remodeler Limited License – You can do home improvement work worth up to $50,000.
Residential Remodeler Unlimited License – You can do any size home improvement projects.

If you want to send in your applications or make further enquiries, you can visit the Contractors Licensing Board in Arkansas.

5. California

If you are looking towards working as a general contractor in California it is compulsory to have a state license from the California Contractors State License Board for any work worth more than $500.

In other to qualify to apply for a general engineering contractor or general building contractor license in California;

You must have had four full years of experience in the past ten years at a journeyman level or as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor, in the classification in which you’re applying.
You’ll need to show proof of a bond, and you’ll need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.
Contractor holding plans overseeing a large job site. Getting a contractor license requires 4 years’ experience
All licensing classifications except those that fall under the D- Specialty Class, require you to pass a trade exam in addition to the California Contractor LAW exam.
All licenses require you to be registered with the state and have an active contractor bond.

California is one of the states that grant waiver especially if you inheriting a general contracting business.

Criteria for Securing a Waiver:

The qualifying individual is a member of the immediate family of a licensee whose individual license was active and in good standing for five of the seven years immediately preceding the application
The qualifying individual must have been actively engaged in the licensee’s business for five of the previous seven years and must be applying in the same classification(s); and
The license must be required in order to continue the operations of an existing family business in the event of the absence or death of the licensee.

6. Colorado

Colorado is one of the states that does not have strict rules for those who want to get a general contractor license; but you are expected to meet the basic requirements in order to qualify for a state general contractor license.

It is interesting to note that as general contractor in Colorado, you do not need a state license to work in Colorado; nonetheless, there may be local general contractor license requirements so make sure that you check with your local government before you begin any work as a general contractor.

7. Connecticut

If you are looking towards working as a general contractor and securing a license in Connecticut, then you might be on a free ride. This is so because Connecticut is one of the states that does not require general contractors to hold a state license. Nonetheless, if you do work on residential properties you will be considered as a home improvement contractor and you will be required to register with the Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut.

8. Delaware

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Delaware might be one of your best bet. This is because as a general contractor in Delaware you do not require a trade license to work freely in the state, but you will need to obtain a business license and register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.

9. Florida

Florida is one of the states that makes it mandatory for anyone working as a general contractor to have a state license. The license is awarded by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Aside from meeting the basic requirements, Florida wants applicants to also meet the following Financial Requirements

The Board requires all applicants to be in good standing in regards to your financial requirements. There are a number of requirements that the contractor must demonstrate before the board issues a license:
An individual cannot have liens against him/her or to the company that is being qualified
The credit score must be at 660 or higher. If the contractor cannot meet these requirements, a licensing bond or irrevocable letter of credit can be provided
The bond letter must meet the minimum requirements: For Division 1 the bond must be for $20,000 and for Division II contractors the bond shall be for $10,000.
A 14-hour financial responsibility course must be taken.

There are a number of classification of licenses you can apply for in Florida and they are:

General contractor – CG and RG – the license is unlimited regarding the type of work you can perform. You will need to show at least one year of experience constructing structures four stories or higher. You must have experience in four of seven specific categories.
Building contractor – CB and RB – limited to the construction of commercial buildings or residential buildings that don’t exceed three stories in height, or the remodeling, repair or improvement of any size structure.
Residential contractor – CR and RR – limited to work on residences that are no more than two stories in height
Please note that in addition to the above stated requirements, you are expected to
Show proof of four years of experience, or a combination of education and experience (with up to three years of education are able to substitute for experience).
You must show proof of financial stability, as well as liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
You will need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.
You may be able to register with the state and then apply for a trade license at the local, county or city level.

10. Georgia

If you are looking towards working as a general contractor in Georgia, you are expected to possess a general contractor in Georgia.

To qualify for a general contractor license in Georgia, you must have one of the following:

A four-year college or university course in a related field and one year of work experience;
A combination of college-level accredited courses and practical experience totaling four years’; or
Four years of work experience in a construction-related field with at least two years employed as a general contractor and one year in related fields such as marketing, management or administration.
You must show proof of net worth and proof of worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. You must pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

If you meet the basic requirements, you can send your applications to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.

11. Hawaii

Hawaii is amongst the states in the US that makes it compulsory for general contractors apply and secure a state license in Hawaii in order to be able to do any commercial, residential or public works that are worth more than $1,000 or require a building permit.

Aside from meeting the basic requirements, in order to qualify for general contractor’s license in Hawaii;

You must show proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
You will need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

If you meet the basic requirements and you want to send in your applications, then you should contact The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Board.

This department is responsible for the awarding of a number of licenses including general engineering contractors (fixed works projects) and general building contractors (construction of structures using more than two unrelated trades) in Hawaii.

12. Idaho

If you don’t have the required 4 years’ mandatory experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Idaho might be one of your best bet. This is because, there is no state licensing requirement for general contractors in Idaho. However, any general contractor who performs construction work worth more than $2,000 must be registered with the Idaho Contractors Board.

13. Illinois

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Illinois might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Illinois without a state general contractor license.

Please note that we are not ruling out the fact that there may, however, be licensing requirements at the local level so make sure to check these before you begin work as a general contractor in Illinois.

14. Indiana

Indiana is yet another state that does not require a general contractor to own a state license before they can legally work in Indiana. However, it will be wise to first make enquiries of the licensing requirements with local governments before you begin work as a general contractor in the state.

15. Iowa

Please note that there are no state licensing requirements for general contractors in Iowa. Nonetheless, any construction contractor (individual or business) who earns at least $2,000 a year doing construction work, is mandated to register with the Iowa Division of Labor.

16. Kansas

If you are looking towards working as a general contractor in Kansas, the good news is that you don’t require a state license to do so. On the other hand, there are local licensing requirements that is expected from general contractors, so make sure to check these before you begin work in any city in Kansas.

17. Kentucky

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Kentucky might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Kentucky without a state general contractor license.

If you are interested in knowing more about licensing in Kentucky, then you should visit your local county or local government because all licensing is done at the local city/county level.

18. Louisiana

If you want to work as a general contractor is Louisiana, then you must possess a license. This is because general contractors must have a state license in order to work in Louisiana.

There are two types of licenses you should consider, both of which are awarded by the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors:

Residential license – covers construction and home improvement projects worth more than $75,000. You’ll need to show a financial statement, as well as general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. You must pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam. You must list at least one classification.
Commercial license – covers commercial projects worth more than $50,000. You’ll need to submit a financial statement and must pass the trade exam, as well as the business and law exam. You must list at least one classification.

If you meet the basic requirements, you can visit the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors to submit your applications of make further enquiries

19. Maine

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Maine might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Maine without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

On the other hand, if you undertake any home improvement or home construction jobs worth more than $3,000 you must provide a written contract. There may be local licensing requirements so make sure to check these before you begin work.

20. Maryland

Maryland is one of the few states that gives flexibility when it comes to general contractor licensing. This is because as a general contractor in Maryland, you may or may not need a state license, depending on the work you do.

For new home construction, you don’t need a state license, but you do need to register with the Home Builder Registration Unit of the Office of the Attorney General. Commercial contractors must register at the city/county level.

If you undertake any home improvement projects, you will need a license which is issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

Aside from meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for this license;

You will need to show proof of two years of work experience in home improvement or construction or related education.
You will also need to show proof of financial solvency and proof of insurance.
You must pass a business and law exam.

If you meet the above qualifications, you can submit your applications to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission for consideration.

21. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the states that has strict rules when it comes to working as general contractor.

As a general residential contractor in Massachusetts;

You must be registered and licensed.
You must hold a Home Improvement Contractor registration to perform ordinary repairs to an existing property.
To work on larger projects on existing properties, you must also hold a Construction Supervisor License from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.
You can apply for an unrestricted license, a one- and two-family dwellings license or a specialty license.
You must show three years of experience in building construction or design, and you must pass an exam.

Please note that only contractors who build new homes or work on commercial buildings only are exempt.

22. Michigan

If you are looking towards getting a general contractor license in Michigan, then aside from meeting the basic requirements, you are expected to;

Complete a 60-hour pre-licensure course
Must pass a test

Please be informed that as a general contractor in Michigan, you will need a Residential Builders license or a Maintenance & Alterations Contractors license to construct, repair, alter, add to, subtract from or improve a residential structure or a combined residential and commercial structure.

If you meet the requirements, then you should forward your applications to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Commercial construction contractors must contact their local county building offices for permits or licenses.

23. Minnesota

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Minnesota might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Minnesota without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

On the other hand, a residential building contractor or remodeler does need a license. The Residential Building Contractor license is awarded by the Department of Labor and Industry.

To qualify for the license, aside from meeting the basic requirements;

You will need to show proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
You must pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

24. Mississippi

Mississippi is one of the states that makes it compulsory for general commercial and residential contractors to apply and get a state license before they can legally work in Mississippi on projects worth more than $50,000.

The licenses are awarded by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and to qualify for the license you must meet the basic requirements and also;

You will need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.
You must show proof of general liability insurance.

25. Missouri

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Missouri might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Missouri without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

Please note that there may be general contractor license requirements on a local level that you need to confirm before you begin work as a general contractor in any city in Missouri.

26. Montana

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Montana might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Montana without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

Nonetheless, a construction contractor who has employees must register with the Department of Labor and Industry.

27. Nebraska

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Nebraska might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Nebraska without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

On the other hand, if you do any work that is considered construction, alterations, renovations, additions, installations or repairs, you’ll need to register with the Department of Labor.

28. Nevada

Nevada is amongst the states that makes it compulsory for general contractor to get a license before they can work legally in the state. The state law categorizes general contractor as “businesses or individuals who construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation or other structure in Nevada,”.

The license is awarded by the Nevada State Contractors Board and to be issued the license you are expected to meet the basic requirements and also;

You must show proof of worker’s compensation insurance and proof of a bond.
You are required to show proof of four years’ experience at a journeyman level or as a foreman, supervising employee or contractor.
You will need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

29. New Hampshire

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then New Hampshire might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in New Hampshire without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

Nevertheless, make sure to check local licensing requirements before you begin work as a general contractor in any city in New Hampshire.

30. New Jersey

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then New Jersey might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in New Jersey without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

However, you will need to register for a home building license with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs or for a home improvement license with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Commercial construction contractors are licensed at the city or county level.

31. New Mexico

If you want to work as a general contractor in New Mexico, then you are expected to apply and obtain a license.

There are multiple classifications of contractors licenses issued by the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Licensing. These include GB-2 Residential and GB-98 General Building and for you to be able get the license, you must meet the basic requirements and also;

You will need to show proof of four years of experience.
You can substitute up to two years of education for experience.
You must pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

If you meet the above requirements, then you should visit the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Licensing to submit your applications or make further enquiries.

32. New York

When it comes to the applications and obtaining of general contractor’s license, New York State happens to be one of the states that operates a unique policy hence is no single way to become a licensed contractor to work anywhere in the state.

As a matter of fact, there are a set of rules outside of New York City, and then there are a set of rules within New York City. For the most part, a New York contractor has to have a license for each part of the state they are working in, and each area has its own requirements.

In general, areas outside of New York City require contractors to submit:

The proper licensing fee (varies by city and county)
Proof of general liability insurance
A registered business certificate
A photograph and completed questionnaire based on the owner (companies with more than one owner must submit one picture and completed questionnaire per owner)
Proof of adequate workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees
List of references from past projects (Note: Only needed if you also intend to do demolition)
Documented proof of experience in the contracting industry

Inside New York City

A general contractor in New York City is referred to as a home improvement contractor, but the license grants the same permissions as any other general contracting license.

To qualify for this license in New York City you need to submit:

Completed form LIC6 with your signature notarized
A notarized list of all owners, stockholders, and shareholders in your company that includes social security numbers
Original Employer Identification Number form from the Internal Revenue Service
Previous three months’ worth of corporate bank statements showing an available balance of $25,000 or a bank letter stating that the balance of the account has not gone below $25,000 in the last 12 months
General liability insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance to properly cover all employees
Proof of physical business address (a utility bill or bank statement usually works)
Background check fee

Please be informed that all of the document and information stated above is required just for the background check that must take place before you can submit an application to be a contractor. Once your background check has been cleared, you will get another set of documents you need to fill out in order to properly apply for your contractor’s license. In most cases, applications that pass the background check are easily able to get their licenses approved.

33. North Carolina

If you are looking towards working as a general contractor in North Carolina, then you must have a state license to work especially if the projects you are working on are worth more than $30,000. If you are qualified for the license then you should visit the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, they are solely responsible for the issuance of general contractor license.

Please be informed that there are multiple classifications of licenses and you can be licensed in more than one classification if you meet the qualifications.

The specific niche area that you can be licensed on in North Carolina are;

Building contractor
Residential contractor
Highway contractor
Public utilities contractor
Special contractor.

These are further divided into Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited categories depending on the scope of the work you plan to do.

Please note that aside from meeting the basic requirements as stipulated above, you will need to pass an exam to gain your license.

34. North Dakota

North Dakota is yet another state that issue general contractor license. This is so because all contractors in North Dakota require a state license to work on projects worth more than $4,000.

The state law defines a contractor as any person who constructs, repairs, alters, dismantles or demolishes “bridges, highways, roads, streets, buildings, airports, dams, pipelines, and every other structure, project, development or improvement” of property. You must apply for Class A, B, C or D according to the scope of the work you plan to do.

Please note that aside from meeting the basic requirements for a general contractor license, you must show proof of insurance before you will be granted a license from the Secretary of State.

35. Ohio

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Ohio might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Ohio without a state general contractor license even though licenses are only required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronic, and refrigeration, because the state does not issue any.

Please note that, there may be local requirements for general contractors who intend working in the state hence you can do yourself a favor by visiting the locale authority before you start work.

36. Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, general contractors do not need a state license to work in the state hence they are not issuing license to general contractor.

Nonetheless, there may be licensing requirements at the local level so ensure that you confirm to know the requirements and how to go about applying securing the license if there is any.

37. Oregon

In Oregon, it is mandatory for a general contractor to apply and secure a state license before they can legally work in the state. The state law defines a contractor as any person who is paid to do any construction work that involves an improvement to real property.

If you meet the requirements, then you can apply for a residential license, a commercial license or a dual residential and commercial license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

Aside from meeting the basic requirements, you must also;

Complete pre-license training and take a test
You will also need to show proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

38. Pennsylvania

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Pennsylvania might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Pennsylvania without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

On the other hand, if you do more than $5,000 worth of work on home improvement projects per year, you will need to register with the Attorney General’s Office.

39. Rhode Island

Interestingly, there is no licensing requirement for general contractors in Rhode Island.

Although, there is a comprehensive registration process. All contractors and subcontractors who are involved in commercial construction, home construction, alterations, remodeling or repairs to property, must register with the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.

And to qualify for this, aside from meeting the basic qualification;

You must complete five hours of pre-license education
Must show proof of liability insurance.

40. South Carolina

South Carolina is amongst the states that make it mandatory for general contractors to apply and secure a license (General and Mechanical Contractors License) to be able to legally to work on any commercial construction jobs worth over $5,000 in the state.

The general contractor license is awarded by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and in order to qualify for this, you must meet the basic requirements and;

You will need to show proof of two years of experience in the past five year
Pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

41. South Dakota

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then South Dakota might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in South Dakota without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

However, if you want to be double sure, you can check with local and county governments as there may be local licensing requirements.

42. Tennessee

In Tennessee, as a general contractor, you must hold a contractor’s license before you can bid on or negotiate prices for any projects that are worth $25,000 or more.

Please note that this applies to any person who oversees or performs any construction, repair or installation for buildings, land, highways, public utilities, and more.

Aside from meeting the basic requirements;

You will need to show proof of experience, proof of insurance, and a financial statement.
You will be required to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

43. Texas

Texas is one of the states that has specific requirements for awarding a general contractor license. All of the information for general contractors, plumbers, and electricians who wish to register for a license in Texas is laid out below – simply find the section relevant to you, and then see the information and links in that section.

Please be informed that apart from getting your appropriate contractor’s license you may also need a general business license, tax registration, insurance, and possibly to register as an employer if you intend to hire workers.

Here are some of the requirements you are expected to meet before you can register as a home improvement contractor in Texas:

Complete and notarized application, including the criminal history background check form and the Criminal Background Check Form (attached to the end of the application) (http://docsonline.sanantonio.gov/FileUploads/dsd/HImpRegAppOct2009(6).pdf)
Government-issued photo ID
$75.00 check or money order for the fee (required for both initial and renewal of registration)
$25 check or money order for the background check (must be separate)
Letter of Authorized Agents (if applicable)

Here are some of the requirements you are expected to meet before you can register as a residential building contractor in Texas:

Completed and notarized Residential Building Contractor Registration Application
Criminal Background Check Form (attached to the end of the application)
Government-issued ID card
$170.00 check or money order for the fee (required for both initial and renewal of registration)
$25 for the background check (must be separate)
Letter of Authorized Agents (if applicable)

Certificate of Liability Insurance with “The City of San Antonio” as the certificate holder. The following coverages are required:

Property damage and bodily injury: $400.00 per occurrence
Total for property damage and bodily injury: $1 million
Total liability for products and completed operations: $400,000

44. Utah

In Utah, as a general contractor, you will require a state license to do any work in the state that is worth more than $3,000.

The B-100 General Building Contractor License is awarded by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and to qualify for this you must meet the basic requirements and also;

You must show proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance, as well as proof of financial responsibility.
You need to show two years of experience in the past ten years.
You are required to pass a trade exam and a business and law exam.

45. Vermont

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Vermont might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Vermont without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

Although, there may be local requirements, hence it will be to your advantage to cross check these with the local government before you commence work in any part of Vermont.

46. Virginia

Virginia is one of the states that made it mandatory for a general contractor to apply and obtain a state license, issued by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, before they can legally work in the state.

But you would need to choose the license classification you want to be licensed for, most specifically Commercial Building Contractor or Residential Building Contractor. There are three license classes (A, B or C), depending on the scope of the work you plan to do:

Class A licenses – for individual projects worth up to $10,000 with a maximum of $150,000 per year. You must have two years of experience.
Class B licenses – for individual projects of up to $120,000 with a maximum of $750,000 per year. You must have three years of experience.
Class C licenses – unlimited. You must have five years of experience.

Please note that aside from meeting the basic requirements, for all classes of licenses;

You must complete a pre-license education course approved by the Board of Contractors and then pass an exam.

47. Washington

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Washington might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Washington without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

However, you’ll need to register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. This will allow you to “supervise numerous building trades or crafts.”

In order to qualify for this,

You will need to show proof of a $12,000 surety bond, as well as proof of general liability insurance.
You must pass an exam.

48. West Virginia

Please note that in West Virginia, General contractors who do any work on projects worth more than $2,500 require a general contractor license to work in the state and the license is issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor.

Please note that there are multiple classifications of licenses, including general building and general engineering and to qualify for this, you need to meet the basic requirements and also;

You will need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.
You must also show proof of worker’s compensation insurance
You may require a wage bond.

49. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of the states that issue a general contractor license because as a general contractor you must hold a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license to work in Wisconsin on any construction projects worth more than $1,000. This includes construction, alterations, and improvements on residential, commercial, and public works projects.

To qualify for this license, aside from meeting the basic requirements;

You must complete a 12-hour education course approved by the board and pass a test
You must show proof of insurance.
To obtain building permits, your business must hold a Dwelling Contractor license.

50. Wyoming

If you don’t have the required experience and you want to get some before applying and securing a general contractor license elsewhere, then Wyoming might be one of your best bet. Interestingly, as a general contractor, you can work in Wyoming without a state general contractor license because the state does not issue any.

Please note that even at that, licensing is done at the local level so check with your city or county before you begin work.