When it comes to hiring a contractor, people tend to feel as though they know enough about the process to make an educated decision. However, there are some important steps you should take before contracting with a company, and one of these is getting your contractor’s license.
Requirements for Obtaining a License
In Ohio, the process for obtaining your license includes;
- Submitting a license application, paying the necessary fees for certification and liability insurance coverage.
- Completing up to 45 hours of online education courses (as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce), and passing an exam that is comprised of multiple-choice questions.
There are two ways to obtain your Ohio contractor license: as a professional and as an apprentice. For example, a plumber or electrician can obtain both his/her state license and national certification in Ohio by submitting their applications at the same time. To qualify for either certification, you must pass an examination that is based on orders given by the Ohio Department of Commerce. Each level of certification requires separate licensing, so those working in the construction trade in the state are required to have a license from both the state and the national organizations.
Various programs are available online to help you prepare for Ohio’s contractor exam. Some of these include:
Once you have obtained your license in Ohio as a professional, you must maintain it for at least three years and five months after receiving certification. The renewal process includes an examination, as well.
When you are deciding whether or not to get your contractor’s license in Ohio, keep in mind that all of the aforementioned requirements must be met before getting a license. For example, taking an exam that is offered through an online training program does not guarantee that you will receive certification (this is dependent on passing the test). Additionally, state compensation insurance is required before submitting a license application.
To obtain your license in Ohio, you must have at least a year of experience in the construction trade. If you feel you have enough experience, the first step is paying the fees and submitting a license application. This can be done through the Ohio Department of Commerce. The responsibility of obtaining your license ends with this step because it is up to contractors to ensure that they are following all applicable codes and laws throughout their work processes.
Getting your contractor’s license in Ohio is a process that can be fulfilled in multiple ways, including by taking an exam and paying insurance fees. By understanding the guidelines of this process, you will be able to obtain the certification you need for a rewarding career in construction. After you get your license, you will want to ensure that you are following all of the rules and regulations outlined by the state.
To pass the exam, you will need a good grasp of basic construction knowledge that applies to almost every building project. You should also be familiar with all relevant laws and codes regarding the profession. The Ohio Department of Commerce provides useful information about getting your license at its website where you can learn the necessary steps for applying and the types of questions to expect on the examination.