Ohio’s citizen-based occupational licensing statutes require that contractors carrying out a trade or profession obtain a license from the agencies in their respective states. These licenses are often required to be obtained before starting or continuing with a career in construction, engineering, plumbing, or surveying. When you’re looking to start your own business as an Ohio contractor and plan on going into one of these industries, it’s important to know where you can obtain a license for Ohio.
Ohio has four different agencies that issue contractor licenses. These agencies are issued by the Ohio State Board of Contractors, the Ohio Division of Surveying and Mapping, the Ohio Board of Plumbing, and the Ohio Board Of Engineering. All four agencies have their steps to obtain a license. Below is a list of everything you can expect to pay for when getting your license in Ohio:
The cost for a part-time Ohio contractor license depends on whether or not your schooling was completed at an accredited university. The fee for an individual with a high school diploma or GED is $45, while the fee for an individual with a bachelor’s degree or higher is $30.
To obtain a full-time contractor license, you must complete six hours of continuing education. A person who has completed at least one year of schooling at an accredited university must complete three continuing education hours when applying for their license. Individuals who have completed four years of schooling must complete six continuing education hours when applying for their license.
If your schooling was not completed at an accredited university, there is only one continuing education requirement for obtaining a full-time contractor license. All individuals with a high school diploma or GED are required to complete three continuing education hours when applying for their license. Individuals who have completed two years of schooling must complete five continuing education hours when applying for their license.
You can apply for a part-time contractor license at any time. However, a part-time contractor license will never expire if you’re not practicing your trade as a contractor. All contractors must renew their licenses on an annual basis, usually around the time of their birthday. The renewal fee is $45 for individuals with a high school diploma or GED and $30 for individuals who have completed at least one year of schooling at an accredited university.
After completing four years of schooling, you can apply for full-time licensure. There is no age limit to applying for full-time licensure. To obtain a full-time contractor license, you must apply directly to the Ohio State Board of Contractors.
To obtain a master plumber’s license, you must demonstrate competency in the legal requirements of plumbing laws and regulations. Individuals who have completed at least four years of schooling at an accredited university have no requirement to complete continuing education hours before obtaining their master plumber’s license. Individuals with a high school diploma or GED are required to complete fifty hours of continuing education before obtaining their master plumber’s license.
Conclusion
Getting an Ohio contractor license is easy if you’ve completed at least 4 years of schooling. If you have completed less than 4 years of schooling, then it’s more difficult to obtain your license. There is only one continuing education requirement for obtaining a full-time contractor license, so be sure to do six hours every year.
