Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Connecticut
Contractor, CT
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Connecticut?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Connecticut?
Types of Contractor Licenses in Connecticut
What Are the Requirements of a Connecticut Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Connecticut?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Connecticut?
Connecticut Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Connecticut Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Connecticut?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Connecticut?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They are often the biggest investments we make in our lives and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix property damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these men and women to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Connecticut employs 2,260 managers and 8,580 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Connecticut, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is higher than the national number at 14%, and for managers it’s 13%. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the contractor license requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Connecticut?
The state of Connecticut doesn’t offer a general contractor license. Instead, Connecticut offers a Major Contractor registration for large-scale commercial projects, a Home Improvement Contractor registration for residential projects valued over $200, and a New Home Construction Contractor registration for constructing single-family units.
Connecticut also licenses many other trades including plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians.
All licenses are issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), Occupational & Professional Licensing Division.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Connecticut?
The process for getting a registration is spelled out on the state website. The process for each type is roughly the same. To begin with, if you are starting a new business you will need to decide on the structure of your business — partnership, corporation, LLC, etc. Many new small businesses choose an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) because this gives you liability protection but is a fairly easy model to implement.
In general, you will also need to be at least 18 years of age, have either a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number. And be a US citizen or in the country legally.
You must register your business with the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office. and obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance if you have one or more employees.
Major Contractors must submit one credit reference letter from a supplier or subcontractor and one reference letter from a financial institution.
You must complete the contractor registration application and pay the application fee.
As part of the application process you must answer questions about your criminal history (if applicable).
Types of Contractor Licenses in Connecticut
There are three classifications for contractors in Connecticut.
New Home Construction Contractor
The Major Contractor registration is needed for any person or business engaged in the construction, structural repair, structural alteration, dismantling, or demolition of a structure or addition that exceeds any of the following threshold limits: 4 stories, 60 feet in height, 150 feet in width, 150,000 square feet of gross floor area, or has an occupancy of 1,000 people.
The Home Improvement Contractor license allows the holder to make permanent changes to residential property, including but not limited to driveways, swimming pools, porches, garages, roofing, siding, insulation, flooring, patios, landscaping, painting, fences, doors and windows, waterproofing, and alarm systems not requiring electrical work.
The New Home Construction Contractor license is required for any person who contracts with a consumer to construct or sell a new home or any portion of a new home prior to occupancy.
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is that you need to be registered to do any kind of initial residential or commercial construction, repair, or maintenance valuing more than $200 in the state of Connecticut. Here’s how you go about getting licensed.
Steps to register as a Major Contractor include:
REGISTER BUSINESS: Prior to applying, you must register your business and list the names of all officers and directors with the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: There are two ways to apply for the Major Contractor registration.
Apply online via the State of Connecticut's eLicense website.
Fill out the license application form online, then print and mail to the Occupational and Professional Licensing Division.
PAY APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: The application processing fee for the Major Contractor license is $500. You can pay by check or money order payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut.”
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: All applicants must answer questions on the application pertaining to criminal history, and list any judgments, claims, arbitration proceedings, or suits pending or outstanding against the organization or its officers.
PROVIDE REFERENCES: Submit two credit reference letters: one from the trade industry, such as a supplier or subcontractor, and a second from a financial institution.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000. You must provide the name of the insurance provider and policy number in the application. You must also obtain workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Steps to register as a Home Improvement Contractor:
REGISTER BUSINESS: Prior to applying, you must register your business and list the names of all officers and directors with the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Apply online via the State of Connecticut's eLicense website. This classification allows only online registration.
PAY APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: The application processing fee for the Home Improvement Contractor license is $220. You can pay by check or money order payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut.”
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: All applicants must answer questions on the application pertaining to criminal history, and list any judgments, claims, arbitration proceedings, or suits pending or outstanding against the organization or its officers.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000. You must provide the name of the insurance provider and policy number in the application. You must also obtain workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Steps to register as a New Home Construction Contractor:
REGISTER BUSINESS: Prior to applying, you must register your business and list the names of all officers and directors with the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Apply online via the State of Connecticut's eLicense website. This classification allows only online registration.
PAY APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: The application processing fee for the Home Construction Contractor license is $360. You can pay by check or money order payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut.” You must pay an additional $100 if you want to also provide home improvement work.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: All applicants must answer questions on the application pertaining to criminal history, and list any judgments, claims, arbitration proceedings, or suits pending or outstanding against the organization or its officers.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000. You must provide the name of the insurance provider and policy number in the application. You must also obtain workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Getting a specialty license
Connecticut issues trade licenses for electrical contractors, plumbers, and more. Specialty trades typically require several years of on-the-job experience and classroom training.
For example, journeyman electricians must acquire 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience as well as 144 hours per year of classroom instruction, and also pass a business and law exam to qualify for licensure.
For more, consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumbing license, or electrical license in Connecticut.
What Are the Requirements of a Connecticut Contractor License?
The requirements for registration as a contractor in Connecticut are all intended to demonstrate that an individual who will be serving the public is properly prepared to do the job right. To that end there are age, knowledge/experience, and financial prerequisites.
In general you will need to be at least 18 years of age.
Have either a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number.
Register your business as a corporation or LLC with the Secretary of State.
You must truthfully answer questions about criminal history or previous violations.
Provide proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Apply and pay all fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Connecticut?
Because Connecticut doesn’t require previous job training or passing an examination, the process for obtaining a license is relatively quick.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Being efficient in the contracting world, no matter where you are in your licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one contracting software gives workers and business owners in residential field service, commercial contracting, or new construction the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it effectively.
ServiceTitan features:
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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Connecticut?
The application fee and renewal fee for the Major Contractor license is $500. The New Home Construction Contractor application fee is $360; the renewal fee is $150. The application fee for the Home Improvement license is $220; the renewal fee is also $220.
You will also incur additional expenses when you purchase liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Connecticut Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
There are no specific educational or course requirements to get a Connecticut contractor license. However, there are training programs throughout the state that can help you prepare for a career in construction.
One option is to complete an apprenticeship via the Connecticut Office of Apprenticeship Training. Apprenticeships allow you to earn money while you gain valuable job skills and experience. According to the Office of Apprenticeship Training, “In Connecticut alone, more than 3,400 employers and labor/ management committees employ over 4,500 apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs.”
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are higher education options throughout the Constitution State that offer these types of programs. Each of the following schools offers a Construction Management Bachelor of Science degree.
There are also Connecticut community colleges throughout the state that offer Construction Management programs and associate degree and certificate options.
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Does Connecticut Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
No. Connecticut does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for contractor licenses. That also includes plumbing and electrical contractors.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Connecticut?
Yes. There are fines, misdemeanor charges, and even possible jail time for contracting for a construction project valued at $200 or more without a registration. In Connecticut, it’s a Class B Misdemeanor to perform any work that requires a license or hire a subcontractor without the appropriate license. The fine for the first violation is $1,000, $1,500 for a second violation, and $3,000 for a third violation. The Department of Consumer Protection issues these fines and also has the authority to issue cease work orders for certain unlicensed work.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
Though Connecticut does not require continuing education to renew your l contractor registration, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option is the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) which provides continuing education courses.
However, the state of Connecticut does mandate continuing education for plumbers, electricians, landscape architects, home inspectors, and a few other trades.
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
