Iowa Licensing Overview

  • All individuals and businesses performing construction work in Iowa are required to register with the Iowa Division of Labor if they earn at least $2,000 a year from that work.
  • Electrical work is regulated and licensed by the Iowa State Fire Marshal. To be licensed, applicants must submit an application and be approved to take an electrical trade exam.
  • Plumbing and mechanical work is regulated and licensed by the Iowa Dept. of Public Health. To be licensed, applicants must submit an application and be approved to take a plumbing or mechanical trade exam.
  • Building construction in Iowa does not require a state license, but may still require a local license or registration, depending on the city or county where the work is being performed.
  • Information regarding exam details, reference materials, experience requirements, reciprocity, and other requirements for obtaining and maintaining a license are available by selecting the license links found below.

Iowa Residential

Residential

Iowa Residential Contractor

The Residential Contractor exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of the construction, remodeling, repair, and improvement of single or multiple residential dwelling units as defined by the building code.

We offer custom training options for the Iowa Residential Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Iowa Commercial

Commercial

Iowa Building Contractor

Construction work including new construction, additions, alterations, demolition, reconstruction or repair of structures may require state registration. All work performed for the state or a state agency requires registration.

We offer custom training options for the Iowa Building Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Commercial

Iowa General Contractor

The General Contractor Classification exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of the construction, repair, alteration, remodeling, addition to, subtraction from, improvement, and demolition of any building or structure including related improvements to real estate EXCLUDING electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and liquefied petroleum gas work related thereto.

We offer custom training options for the Iowa General Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Iowa Business and Law

Business and Law

Iowa Business and Law

This is a required exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge of payroll taxes, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, Lien Laws and other laws or subjects the affect daily operations as contractors.

We offer custom training options for the Iowa Business and Law training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.