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A
contractor license is required by most states for building and
construction professionals, and is a requirement for anyone
interested in operating a contracting business. Becoming a
licensed contractor can give one the ability to bid on
profitable projects, become a respected member of the community,
and run a professional building or construction company.
Although a contractor license school is not required, it can
help provide skills and knowledge necessary to pass the
examination. Contractor licensing is available through each
state's county board.
Job Description and Responsibilities for Those Who Obtain a Contractor License
Whether an individual attends a
contractor license school, or pursues an educational program through a
contractor license class, they will learn about various responsibilities and
regulations involved with the state contractor license. Both the general
and state contractor license allow the individual to:
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Working with a team of
licensed contractors
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Set up a professional
construction, building, or trade company
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Bid on profitable projects
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Work as an independent
contractor
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Legally file tax returns that
allow for write-offs and other benefits
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Become a recognized business
in the community
Dangers of Contracting without
a License
Contractor licensing is very
important, and the conditions and regulations vary from state to state. Even if
an individual has not attended a contractor license school, they are responsible
for taking the examination and obtaining an official license before
starting a project. If the individual chooses to work without a license, they may be involved with legal disputes and be sentenced to jail time.
Career Options With a Contractor License
Obtaining a contractors license
offers many opportunities in the building, construction, and trade industries.
The construction industry itself is divided into three main areas:
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Heavy and civil engineering
construction
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Construction of buildings
such as residential and commercial complexes
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Specialty trades such as
carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing
The nature of this type of work
can be physically demanding, and many licensed contractors work more than 40
hours per week. Since work is completed by project, workers are often required
to work outside of standard office hours or even seasonally. The risk of injury
is relatively high, but the majority of career options include:
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Building construction
(residential and nonresidential)
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Heavy and Civil Engineering
construction (utility systems, highways, streets, land)
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Specialty trade
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Building equipment
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Building finishing
Contractor License
School Courses
A school can
offer a formal setting for obtaining a contractors license, but a basic
class can also be completed online. The key areas of study
include:
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Business organization
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Construction law
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Business operations
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State regulations
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General business management
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Human relations
Contractor Licensing
Requirements
All states have similar basic
requirements for contractor licensing, and will require the following in order
to take the examination:
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Proof of U.S. citizenship (or
legal residency)
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Two passport-size photos
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At least 18 years of age
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A high school diploma (or
equivalent)
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Explanation of any citations
or violations from construction work
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Documentation of other
occupational licenses held
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Prequalification of all
bidding work
Graduates Earning
Potential and Employment Prospects
The demand for highly skilled and licensed contractors is high, and
is expected to grow faster than average through 2014. With household growth,
economic advances, and the increase of nonresidential construction throughout
the country, many independent licensed contractor businesses can obtain
employment relatively easily. The demand for specialized construction workers in
particular is on the rise, and any experience through formal training can help
in obtaining higher bids on projects.
With experience and a contractor license, an individual or business
can develop a strong team of professionals and become a valuable resource in the
community. Employment in specialty trades is expected to grow the
fastest, and both opportunities and earning potential vary by industry. Average
earnings for construction workers were $19.23 in 2004, and this can vary by the
worker's education and experience. Related occupations include:
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