The Importance of Having the Proper State Licensing When You’re a Contractor

Contract work has changed dramatically in recent years; where positive reviews and a good reputation were once sufficient to land many jobs, most property owners these days will only hire contactors with the proper licenses. Many states also have different licensing requirements, which can make it tricky for contractors to expand their businesses outside of their home states without incurring possible fines and other liabilities.

If you are an unlicensed contractor – or even if you are licensed in only one state – and would like to start working bigger jobs, earning more money, and expanding your company, Contracting Training Center can help. They have lots of resources and information on their website to help you pass your exam, become licensed, and ensure you have the proper licenses to work in your states of choice.

Why Get Licensed?

Everyone in construction knows that having a license does not necessarily guarantee a contractor’s skill or quality; there are many licensed contractors who do bad work, just as there are plenty of unlicensed individuals who provide high quality results. So why put yourself through the all the trouble of getting licensed?

There are many reasons, but the two biggest are simple: a license opens doors for larger projects and more income; and contractors who work without the proper licenses can face steep fines and penalties from state and local governments.

Many of today’s property owners are only willing to hire dually licensed professionals. Most of them think of a license like a high school diploma; they see it as a basic requirement that ensures the work is done correctly and that they can face no liabilities. Contractors who are licensed must be careful that they have the correct permissions and authorization for each project; different states, and even different townships, can have different licensing requirements. Failure to meet these requirements can result in lawsuits, hefty fines, and even jail time.

The Licensing Process

Before one can even begin the process of getting licensed, they must first meet some basic requirements such as having a high school diploma/GED and holding a U.S. citizenship or being a legal resident.

Those pursuing a license should also take some time to research the licenses required in the areas they wish to work. There are many different licenses that a contactor might need, and each requires its own exam. Once you have determined which licenses you need, it is time to being studying. Studying for the exams can be a daunting task for even the most experienced professional; it is extremely challenging to come home after a long and tiring day of work just to spend hours wrestling with difficult study material.

Studying for the Exam

There are many companies offering exam prep and study materials, but the Contractors Institute is one of the best. Having earned an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau, Contractors Institute is a great place to go for all your exam preparation needs. They offer classes for multiple exams including the General Contractor License exam, the NASCLA Accredited Contractor exam, the Home Builders exam, and the Business Law exam. All of their seminars are backed up by a no-fail guarantee, and they offer multiple learning formats to fit the lifestyle of busy working professionals.

Weekly classes are taught by professional instructors who have years of experience in the construction field. Classes are offered in person in 15 states and are available online nationwide. Online classes are live streamed, so instructors ensure online students get the same experience as traditional students.

The Contractors Institute and organizations like it also offer many online preparation materials to help you pass your exam on the first try. These include prerecorded classes with material guides and practices tests. Most contractor licensing courses guarantee that if students don’t pass the test on the first try, they will work with them in one-on-one lessons to make sure every student passes on their second go.

There are only good reasons to become an accredited contractor in your state – look into options for gaining your qualifications now!