Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Nebraska
Contractor, NE
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Nebraska?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Nebraska?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Nebraska
What Are the Requirements of a Nebraska Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Nebraska?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Nebraska?
Nebraska Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Nebraska Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Nebraska?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Nebraska?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re 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 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 people 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). Nebraska employs 2,990 managers and 6,820 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In the state of Nebraska, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers and managers is higher at 12% and 10%, respectively. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started as a registered or licensed contractor in the state of Nebraska.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Nebraska?
While Nebraska doesn’t mandate a general contractor license at the state level, the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires general contractors and subcontractors doing business in the state to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. In addition, many counties issue contractor licenses for work performed in their jurisdictions. For example, Douglas County requires a Building Contractor license for residential and commercial construction work. It’s essential to check with the local jurisdiction where you plan to work to ensure compliance with their specific licensing or registration requirements.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Nebraska?
The process for registration is spelled out on the Department of Labor website. Contractors must hold workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees. There is a $25 registration fee.
At the local level, the process depends on the county. In Douglas County, you need a $10,000 bond and general liability insurance. You also need to pay a license fee and take an exam, depending on the license class. The City of Omaha Planning Department outlines the licensing process on its website.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Nebraska
Nebraska does not issue statewide general contractor licenses, but certain municipalities, such as Douglas County, have established their own licensing processes. Contractors must verify the specific requirements for the areas they intend to serve to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
The Douglas County Building Contractor license has multiple classes:
Class A: Contractors can perform all work allowed by the adopted version of the International Building Code (all structure types, including high-rise buildings).
Class B: Contractors can perform all work allowed by the adopted version of the International Building Code up to four stories in height.
Class C: Contractors can perform all work allowed by the adopted version of the International Residential Code (all residential, including homes and duplexes).
Class D: Contractors can perform all work allowed by the adopted version of the International Residential Code as it pertains to additions and remodeling of one- and two-family residential structures.
Class E: Contractors can perform all residential roofing, siding, replacement windows and doors, fencing and decking as allowed by the adopted version of the International Residential Code.
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 in the state of Nebraska. . Follow these steps to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: Contractors with employees must obtain a workers’ compensation policy that lists the Nebraska Department of Labor as the certificate holder.
APPLY ONLINE: Create a user profile on the Nebraska Department of Labor website at dol.nebraska.gov and complete the application form. The application requires the business name and name of the contractor and their employer ID number from the Nebraska Department of Revenue (if an entity) or Social Security number (if an individual). You’ll be prompted to pay a $25 application fee.
Follow these steps to obtain a Building Contractor license in Omaha (Douglas County):OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: Class A and Class B licenses require general liability insurance coverage up to $1,000,000. Class C requires general liability insurance coverage up to $500,000. Classes D and E require general liability insurance up to $300,000. All license types require a $10,000 up-to-date contractor license bond.
PASS EXAM: Classes A through C require passing an exam approved by the International Code Council (ICC). All exams incur a $115 fee:
Class A: General Building Contractor exam
Class B: Building Contractor exam
Class C: Residential Building Contractor exam
FILL OUT APPLICATION: Fill out a license application and return it to City of Omaha Planning Department, Permits & Inspections Division, Omaha/Douglas Civic Center, 1819 Farnam Street, Room 1110, Omaha, NE 68183, along with the associated fee:
Class A-B: $324
Class C: $216
Class D-E: $108
For those interested in specific trade licenses, we recommend consulting our comprehensive guides to getting an electrical contractor, plumbing contractor, or HVAC license in Nebraska to understand the full scope of requirements and opportunities.
What Are the Requirements of a Nebraska Contractor License?
In Nebraska, contractors must look to the local level for financial, age, and insurance requirements.
All contractors are required to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor, which requires workers’ compensation and a $25 fee.
In Douglas County, contractors need workers’ compensation, a surety bond, to pass an exam, and to pay a license fee.
There are further requirements for specialty contractors. For example, an electrical apprentice must register and gain four years of experience before applying to become a journeyman electrician at the state level through the Nebraska State Electrical Division. Like general contracting, plumbing licensing is handled at the local level. To become a licensed journeyman plumber in Omaha, you must complete a four-year plumbing apprenticeship. A journeyman plumber must work for four years before becoming a master plumber.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Nebraska?
The length of time depends on the city in which you are obtaining licensure. Since there are no advanced education or experience requirements in Omaha, obtaining a license is relatively quick.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Nebraska?
It costs $25 to register with the Department of Labor. From there, fees depend on the locality. In Omaha, license fees are:
Class A-B: $324
Class C: $216
Class D-E: $108
Classes A through C also have to pay a $115 exam fee in Omaha.
It’s important to consider other potential expenses beyond license fees, including the cost of obtaining required contractor’s insurance policies (general liability and workers’ compensation) and any business setup costs. These fees collectively contribute to ensuring contractors meet local and state standards for safety, competence, and professionalism.
Nebraska Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While Nebraska does not mandate specific educational requirements for contractor registration, the state offers numerous pathways for professional development and skill enhancement in the construction industry. The absence of mandatory coursework provides flexibility for aspiring contractors to pursue their careers through various educational and experiential routes.
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 Cornhusker State that offer these types of programs. They include:
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship, like the one offered through Laborers Local #1140. Apprenticeships represent a dynamic alternative to traditional academic paths, offering practical, on-the-job learning experiences. Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program.
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Does Nebraska Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Since there is no state-level general contractor license requirement, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states. This also means there’s a low barrier to entry for out-of-state contractors, who only have to meet and comply with local requirements.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Nebraska?
Nebraska contractor registrations must be renewed annually for $25. Contractors can renew with their Department of Labor website login information. Local licenses must be renewed as well. Omaha Building Contractor licenses must be renewed every three years with the same fee schedule as the original license:
Class A-B: $324
Class C: $216
Class D-E: $108
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Nebraska?
Statewide, a contractor or subcontractor who fails to register with the Department of Labor is subject to civil money penalties up to $500 for the first violation and up to $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation.
Further penalties are up to each local jurisdiction. According to Omaha’s Code of Ordinances, “A person performing work regulated by this article without the required license will be required to complete the requirements for the class of license they are applying for and be assessed a fee four times the regular fee. These requirements shall be in addition to any criminal penalties that may be applicable.”
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
Continuing education requirements are up to each jurisdiction. In Omaha, Building Contractor licenses require nine hours of continuing education every renewal period. Continuing education can be from college courses related to construction, successful completion of a class taught by the Permits and Inspections Division, active participation in education outreach activities pertaining to professions in the construction industry that involve K-12 or higher education students, or through agencies certified through the International Code Council (ICC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), or Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Accepted agencies include:
Build Omaha
Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA)
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
International Code Council
Either way, 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.
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.
