How to Become a Licensed Contractor in California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, and Oregon

From new home builds and renovations to office buildings and industrial structures, chances are you’ll need a state-issued contractor license before embarking on a new project. Across the United States, the processes to obtain your contractor license vary.

Once you have your license, you’ll likely still need to obtain a license bond on a per-project basis. GoBonds streamlines the license bond application process for licensed contractors in certain states, including Nevada, Washington, Arizona, and Oregon. Our sister company CCIS provides license bonds and insurance for contractors in California.

Becoming a Licensed Contractor in California

In California, you are required to have a license issued by the Contractors State License Board

(CSLB) if working on a construction project that costs $500 or more. To be eligible for a CSLB license, you must be at least 18 years old and have at least four years of journeyman-level work experience within the last ten years.

You’ll then need to submit an application (and the associated fees) to the Contractors State License Board and submit your fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check. Applications vary depending on the type of work you do and will have different document requirements. Once this application process is complete, you’ll be eligible to schedule your exam. Upon passing your exam, you may need to pay additional fees and/or submit further documentation in order to officially receive your California contractor license.

Becoming a Licensed Contractor in Nevada

In Nevada, you are required to have a license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), though there are a handful of exemptions. To be eligible for an NSCB license, you must be at least 18 years old and have at least four years of journeyman-level work experience within the last ten years.

You’ll then need to submit an application (and the $300 application processing fee) to the Nevada State Contractors Board. Depending on the license you’re applying for, you'll be required to submit various documents, and you’ll also need to submit your fingerprints as part of a mandatory criminal background check.

Once this application process is complete, you'll be required to pass the written Business and Law (Construction Management Survey exam) and trade examinations unless you meet the requirements for a waiver. Upon passing your exam and submitting all of your relevant documents, you’ll be granted your Nevada contractor license.

Becoming a Licensed Contractor in Washington

Unlike the above states, you do not need to pass an exam to become a licensed contractor in Washington state. To receive a Washington contractor’s license, you must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. You can register as a general contractor or as one of 63 specialties that each require registration.

To become a licensed contractor in Washington, you must first register your business with the Department of Revenue, which may also require filing with the Washington Secretary of State. You then need to acquire a Surety bond or an assignment of savings and a General Liability insurance policy.

From there, you can fill out the Washington contractor registration application and pay the associated fees. You’ll need to submit the correct documentation.

Becoming a Licensed Contractor in Arizona

In Arizona, you are required to have a license issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and, depending on the license you are applying for, have a certain amount of experience. Your application to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors must include your passing examination results (the Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam and any necessary specialty exams).

In addition to passing an exam, you’ll be required to submit various documents depending on the license you’re applying for. You’ll also need to show proof that you’ve submitted to a mandatory criminal background check. Additionally, you’ll need to show proof of a License bond and pay the associated application processing fees.

Becoming a Licensed Contractor in Oregon

In Oregon, you’ll need to set up a business before you can apply for your license. To be eligible for an Oregon Construction Contractors Board license, you must be at least 18 years old. Once you’ve set up your business (as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC), you must also obtain a Surety bond and Liability insurance.

From there, you can start your application. Though there are exemptions, you’ll likely have to complete a 16-hour training course. As with other states, the necessary documents and fees vary depending on the exact type of license you are applying for.