To become licensed as a General Contractor, you must meet the various qualifications established by your state. While each state has different requirements, there are generally two examinations to pass for licensure: General Construction and Construction Business and Law.
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Exam Eligibility
Despite the state individualism, there are basic requirements needed before you can apply for your contractor’s license. Generally, these include:
- 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
- US citizen or legal resident
- Four years’ experience in the field
- Pass a criminal background check, with fingerprinting (most often)
- Listing of occupational licenses you are in possession of
- Letter of explanation of adverse action
Exam Outline
The exact contents of each exam will vary depending on which state you take the exam in, but the number of questions on each exam usually ranges from 50 to 120, and the time limit for each exam can range from 3 to 5 hours.
General Contractor Exam
The topics included on this exam will also vary per state but will generally include the following:
- Planning and estimating
- Framing and structural components
- Core trades
- Finish trades
- Specialty equipment and conveyance systems
- Doors, windows, and glazing
- Safety
- Masonry
- Concrete
- Site construction
- Metals
Business and Law Exam
The topics included on this exam will also vary per state but will generally include the following:
- Business organization and licensing
- Business finances
- Employment requirements
- Insurance and liens
- Contract requirements and execution
- Public works
- Safety
- Risk management
- Recordkeeping
- Payroll and taxes
- Personnel and labor
- Estimating and bidding
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Exam Registration
Each state has specific instructions to register for the licensing examination. It is common for you to submit your application, qualifying documents that make you eligible for the license, and fees online through the state-appointed licensing board.
When your application is approved, you will be eligible to register for the licensing exam(s). In addition to the trade portion of the examination and the Business and Law examination, other tests may be required.
Registration fees vary from state to state as well, ranging anywhere from $50 to $300+.
When you register for your exam, you will be given instructions as to where the exam will be conducted and the allowed and prohibited items in the testing facility. Pay attention to the directions and take care to follow the instructions.
Exam Scores
As with the varied requirements of states and municipalities, so is the process of exam result notification. Generally, you will be given your pass or fail status upon completion of the test with official notification varying from electronic submission to licensing boards to email notification to the individual.
Passing scores range from 70% to 75%.
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FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the General Contractor and Business and Law exams?
A
The number varies from state to state, but there are generally between 50 and 120 questions on the exam.
Q
How long are the General Contractor and Business and Law exams?
A
The time limit varies from state to state, but the time limit for each exam is typically between 3 and 5 hours.
Q
What are the passing scores for the General Contractor and Business and Law exams?
A
The minimum passing score requirements are different in each state. Generally, you will need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass.
Q
How much do the General Contractor and Business and Law exams cost?
A
The examination fees differ from state to state, ranging anywhere from $50 to over $300.
