Contractors

Applicants must score a minimum of 75% on examinations designed to test for applicant's knowledge of the trade and the laws and rules applying to contractor licensing. Four years of completed experience within the past ten years are required. Contractors must pay a fee to the Contractors Recovery Fund. The fund's payout limits are $12,500 per claimant and $25,000 per contractor.

Applicants must provide the following documents with their application:

1. Credit report covering the previous five years (or more) on each individual applicant, responsible managing employee, each partner, and each officer of corporation;
2. A current financial statement prepared and signed by a CPA;
3. A current state tax clearance from the Department of Taxation; and
4. Prior to licensure, applicants must submit a certificate of insurance for worker's compensation and a certificate of insurance from their insurer showing liability coverage in the following amounts:
   
   
   • Property damage liability - $50,000 per occurrence
   • Bodily injury - $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.

Bonds in varying amounts ($5,000 minimum) may be imposed by the board for a variety of reasons (weak financial statement, etc.). Both the responsible managing employee (RME) and the contracting entity must be licensed. Licenses expire on September 30th of each even-numbered year. The average processing time on applications is 90 days.

Electricians:

Applicants must pass an open book trade exam with a minimum score of 70%. Five years of experience (10,000 hours) is required for the journey worker license and an additional four years for the supervising. These fees include a $35 per year assessment for the Compliance Resolution Fund.

Plumbers:

Applicants must have five years (10,000 hours) of experience for a journey worker license and an extended two years for a master license. Also, a closed book trade exam is given and the applicant must pass with a score of 70%. The annual $35 assessment for the Compliance Resolution Fund also applies to plumbers. Licenses are good for two years.