Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Ohio
Contractor, OH
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Ohio?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Ohio?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Ohio
What Are the Requirements of an Ohio Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Ohio?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Ohio?
Ohio Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Ohio Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Ohio?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Ohio?
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 tradespersons 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). Ohio employs 14,010 managers and 31,070 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Ohio, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is 5%, and for managers is 4%. 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.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Ohio?
Unlike for HVAC contractors, hydronics and refrigeration contractors, electricians, and plumbers, who are regulated by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), there is no statewide general contractor license in Ohio. Instead, many municipalities have their own licensing requirements.
It’s up to the contractor to verify local licensing requirements for the types of work they do and comply in the jurisdictions in which they operate.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Ohio?
The process to become a licensed contractor varies depending on the locality.
The City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services outlines the steps to becoming a licensed contractor on its website. Becoming a licensed General Contractor requires obtaining a $25,000 surety bond and a certificate of liability insurance, and paying a $300 application fee. For the Home Improvement General Contractor license, you need a minimum of three years hands-on work experience in the one-, two-, and three-family home improvement field. In addition, you have to pass an exam and pay a $250 license fee.
The City of Cincinnati and City of Cleveland both require contractor registration for all contractors performing work in city limits.
To register in Cincinnati, you need to fill out an application and include a certificate of liability insurance coverage, proof of workers’ compensation insurance, and an application fee of $131.25.
Registration in Cleveland requires a notarized and complete application, bond form with power-of-attorney form attached, certificate of liability insurance, insurance endorsement, and a $150 application fee.
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Ohio
There are no statewide general contractor licenses in Ohio, but localities have different types of licenses. For example, the City of Columbus requires one of the following licenses:
General Contractor: Permitted to perform construction of all new structures or buildings, and structural additions, alterations, or repairs to existing commercial or multi-family dwellings.
Home Improvement General Contractor: Permitted to perform structural additions, alterations, or repairs to existing one-, two-, and three-family dwellings, and construction of accessory structures and/or garages for one-, two-, and three-family dwellings.
In addition, contractors can seek a Limited Home Improvement General Contractor license that allows them to specialize in one of more of the following fields, pending board approval:
Residential roofing
Residential siding, windows, and doors
Residential deck installation
Residential basement waterproofing
Residential prefabricated fireplaces and wood or coal stoves
Residential masonry fireplaces
Residential fencing
Residential sidewalks and driveway approaches
Residential exterior lathing and stucco
Residential swimming pools and spas
Residential asphalt paving
Residential irrigation sprinkler
Residential gypsum board
The bottom line, Columbus requires licensure for residential, commercial, and construction work, whether that be initial construction, service, or replacement to properties.
The City of Cincinnati and City of Cleveland both require contractor registration.
Getting a general contractor license in Columbus
FOR THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE, THE PROCESS INVOLVES:
OBTAIN PROPER INSURANCE: You must acquire general liability insurance listing City of Columbus, Department of Building & Zoning Services, 111 N Front St., Columbus, Ohio 43215, as a certificate holder, written by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Ohio, with the limits of liability at least $300,000 for damages to a single person, and $500,000 for one occurrence. In addition, you need a $25,000 bond.
FILL OUT APPLICATION: Completely fill out the contractor application and get it notarized. Submit application and corresponding documentation to BZSLicensing@Columbus.gov or City of Columbus - Department of Building & Zoning Services.
PAY LICENSE FEE: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a link via email to pay the $300 application fee.
THE STEPS TO OBTAIN THE HOME IMPROVEMENT GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE INCLUDE:
MEET MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must have a minimum of three years of experience in the one-, two-, and three-family home improvement field.
PASS THE REQUIRED EXAM: Register for and pass the 767 Ohio Home Improvement Contractor exam via International Code Council and Pearson VUE.
COMPLETE APPLICATION: Fill out the required Home Improvement Contractor license application and get it notarized or sign it in front of a Building and Zoning Services official. Include a non-refundable $250 fee and a copy of passing test results, and submit the application to BZSLicensing@Columbus.gov or City of Columbus - Department of Building & Zoning Services. Note: Application must be submitted at least seven days prior to the next General and HIC Board meeting for consideration.
Getting a general contractor license in Cincinnati
The process to register as a contractor in Cincinnati includes:
OBTAIN PROPER INSURANCE: Acquire workers’ compensation and general liability insurance with a limit of at least $100,000 for damages to a single person, and $300,000 for one occurrence.
COMPLETE APPLICATION: Fill out the registration application. Include the required documentation: certificate of liability insurance coverage, proof of workers’ compensation insurance, and application fee of $131.25. Email application to ccpbpermitcenter@cincinnati-oh.gov or deliver via mail or in person to Permit Center, Contractor Registration, 805 Central Ave., Suite 500.
Getting a general contractor license in Cleveland
Cleveland contractor registration follows these steps:
OBTAIN PROPER INSURANCE: Acquire general liability insurance that lists City of Cleveland as certificate holder and additional insured with a minimum coverage amount of $200,000. In addition, a $25,000 bond form with power-of-attorney form attached is required.
COMPLETE APPLICATION: Fill out the registration application form and get it notarized. Include the required documentation and submit it to the City of Cleveland, Department of Building and Housing with a $150 fee.
You can also consult our guides to getting your heating and air conditioning license, plumbing contractor license, or electrical contractor license in Ohio.
What Are the Requirements of an Ohio Contractor License?
License requirements are all intended to demonstrate that an individual who will be serving the public is properly prepared to do the job right. Since there is no statewide license for contractors in Ohio, contractors must look to the local level for requirements.
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland require forms of insurance, including general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and a contractor bond to protect workers and homeowners from bodily injury and property damage. For the Home Improvement General Contractor license in Columbus, you must demonstrate competency by passing the required exam. All three cities require an application fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Ohio?
The length of time depends on the city in which you are obtaining licensure. Since there are no experience requirements for the Columbus General Contractor license or the Cleveland and Cincinnati contractor registrations, it’s relatively quick to complete the application process and receive a license. However, the Home Improvement General Contractor license in Columbus requires three full years of hands-on experience in the one-, two-, and three-family home improvement field.
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.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Ohio?
In Columbus, the license application fee is $300 for General Contractor and $250 for Home Improvement General Contractor. The exam fee for the Home Improvement General Contractor is $115.
The registration fee in Cincinnati is $131.25, and $150 in Cleveland.
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Ohio Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While there’s no education requirement to become a general contractor in Ohio, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering to expand your knowledge and be a more competitive job candidate. There are many higher education options throughout The Buckeye State that offer these types of programs. Each of the following schools offers a Construction Management Bachelor of Science degree:
There are also many Ohio community colleges throughout the state that offer Construction Management programs and associate degree and certificate options.
Does Ohio Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Since there is no state-level general contractor license requirement, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Ohio?
Yes, local licenses typically have renewal requirements.
Cleveland registration must be renewed annually for $120.
All Columbus licenses must be renewed annually for $300.
Cincinnati contractor registration must be renewed annually for $131.25.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Ohio?
Since there’s no state license, penalties are up to each jurisdiction. In the case of unlicensed work in Columbus, the city may issue stop-work orders for unlicensed projects, halting progress until compliance is achieved. Additional violations may result in penalty fees.
A first violation of Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 1106 results in a $750 fine and a written citation. A second violation results in a $1,500 fine and a one-year ineligibility to register.
In Cleveland, violations can result in fines and stop-work orders, with escalated penalties for repeat offenses.
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
The cities of Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland do not require continuing education for contractor registration or licensing.
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.
