A general contractor oversees construction projects from basic finances to swinging a hammer. With so much responsibility, it’s a good idea to learn everything possible to ensure you’re the best in the business. But what are the requirements necessary to become a general contractor? Use this guide to help you get on the right track towards becoming a licensed general contractor in your state.
State Requirements
The first and foremost part of getting your general contractors license is finding out what you need to do according to your state. Your local building department can help you find the right information about obtaining a general contractors license in your state. Because each state has its own rules and regulations for obtaining a general contractors license, it’s in your best interest to find a local institution that can help you get on track to obtaining your license.
Experience
Sometimes, experience is necessary to get a general contractors license. For instance, in Florida, it is a requirement to have a minimum of two years’ experience as a superintendent in the construction industry to even apply for the general contractor’s exam. Other states require a minimum of two years college credits in a related construction field to be able to test for the general contractor’s exam. Always check with state exam officials as to what educational and experience requirements are needed to take the general contractors exam.
Schooling
While a contractors school will certainly help you get on your way to becoming a licensed general contractor, they can’t do everything for you. Some states require a minimum work experience in the field before even being able to apply for a contractor’s exam. Others require a minimum of college credits to apply for the builder’s exam. Schooling systems vary from state to state, so always verify what experience you need to take the general contractors exam in your state.
Specifics
Depending upon which state you are applying for a general contractor’s license, you may need to verify what specifics you plan on using for your general contractor license for. For instance, in Arizona, general contractor’s licenses are divided into categories according to work history and experience. A commercial general contractor cannot build residential homes and vice versa. That’s why it’s important to choose a field of general contracting before you begin testing for them all.
Credit Check
A general contractor performs many duties on the construction site, including ordering and purchasing materials. And that requires a good credit rating. Without a five star credit rating, you won’t be able to order materials in advance of the project, pay workers or get loans for your construction projects. Paying your bills on time, getting loans and taking care of labor costs are just the beginning of the credit that is needed to become a general contractor.
Fees and Costs
Once you’ve been verified as educated and experienced enough to take the exam, fees and costs associated with it are required to apply for the exam. Typically, a state entrance fee is required to take the exam. There are many contractor exam companies that charge a fee to help you study for the questions on the exam. While working with a contracting school isn’t always necessary to pass the test, it can be a big help when it comes to knowing exactly what your state general contractor’s exam has in store for you.
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