Contractor General License Examination Study Tips

General contractors are companies or individuals hired to coordinate the efforts of an entire construction team, and given this big responsibility, states usually require such to secure contractor general license to be eligible. This can be a very daunting task since a general contractor will have to work with carpenters, plumbers, electricians, landscapers and other people who are involved in the actual construction of a home or building. A firm or individual with a general contractor license will also be responsible for dealing with other professionals involved in the project such as the architect, landscape architect, engineer, the interior designers and other creative personnel. It is a position that requires organization and the ability to keep different people on the same page and most importantly, on schedule.

Reasons to Get Licensed

The most important reason behind the need for a general contractor license is the legal ramifications of working without a license. A person who advertises himself or his business as a contracting service without being licensed risks being charged for misdemeanor and would have to pay hefty fines. Also, any contracts signed by an unlicensed contractor can easily be seen as void and invalid since the terms were signed under fraudulent means. In short, not having a license simply disenfranchises a would-be general contractor the right to sue and collect certain fees that might have been agreed upon on the voided contract.

The general contractor licensure exam is a requirement for securing a license for eligibility as a general contractor. The test consists of many sub-tests that assess an applicant’s aptitude on several topics, including construction law and business organization. More importantly, you would have to be knowledgeable about the various specialties and sub-specialties relevant to building and construction projects. You should also be knowledgeable in some specific aspects of building and construction, particularly the following: company startup procedures, human resources, business requirements, insurance and bonds, proposals and contracts, contract compliance, public works, safety, and legal. The examination itself is very straightforward. The most important part of the examination would be the ones that involve the building code, as well as the various safety regulations that state laws impose on projects done within its jurisdiction.

Some states also require applicants to prove that they have the financial ability to maintain a contracting firm after passing the test. For individuals who are planning to set up a new contracting business, one’s past working experience either as an employee, professional, or subcontractor will also be taken into consideration.

Requirements for Exam to License

• The applicant has to be at least 18 years old.
• In some states, licensing boards require the applicant has to have a high school diploma.
• The applicant has to be a US citizen or has legal residency within US territories. Most states do not require that an applicant reside within its jurisdiction, but in order for you to be eligible to work as a contractor in a particular state, you must have a license from within that jurisdiction.

Other requirements include having the necessary documentation within the state. You may also be required to present tax documentation.

As with any certification exam, both theory and practical experience and knowledge would be helpful in ensuring your success.