Contractors License Overview
- The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates through exams the licensing of Plumbing, Electrical, Hydronics, and HVAC Contractors. The actual licensing is done at the local level.
- Applicants must pass a Business and Law examination in addition to the Trade exam and Pre-Approval before testing is required.
- For additional licensing requirements including experience, financial requirements, exam information, reference books needed, reciprocity and Continuing Education Requirements, please select the appropriate License link below.
Ohio Business and Law
Ohio Business Law (EL or HVAC)
The Ohio Business and Law exam is required to be passed in order to obtain a Contractors License.
This Business and Law course coordinates with the Ohio Electrical Contractor seminar and or the Ohio HVAC Seminar and should be done concurrently.
Ohio Business Law (PL)
The Ohio Business and Law exam is required to be passed in order to obtain a Contractors License.
This Business and Law course coordinates with the Ohio Plumbing Contractor seminar and should be done concurrently.
Ohio Electrical
Ohio Electrical Contractor
Electrical Contractors must have the knowledge and skill to install, alter, add or change any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit or any part thereof that generates, transmits, transforms or utilizes electrical energy in any form for light, heat, power or communication.
Individuals wishing to become Electrical Contractors must be qualified to sit for the exam by being at least 18 years of age and a US citizen, having 5 years documentable experience in the classification desired or have been an engineer with 3 years of business experience in the construction industry, not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or of any felony and Pass the applicable examinations.
Ohio HVAC and Mechanical
Ohio Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
HVAC Contractors are those who are qualified to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter or extend central air conditioning, heating and ventilating, including ductwork within a complete system and all appurtenances, apparatus, piping vessels, ducts and insulation used in connection therewith.
Individuals wishing to become HVAC Contractors must be qualified to sit for the exam by being at least 18 years of age and a US citizen, having 5 years documentable experience in the classification desired or have been an engineer with 3 years of business experience in the construction industry, not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or of any felony and Pass the applicable examinations.
Ohio Refrigeration
A Refrigeration Contractor must have the knowledge to install, maintain, repair or alter any system of refrigeration unlimited to tons or horsepower provided, however, that such refrigeration is intended to be used for the purpose of food and product preservation and is not to be used for comfort systems.
Individuals wishing to become Refrigeration Contractors must be qualified to sit for the exam by being at least 18 years of age and a US citizen, having 5 years documentable experience in the classification desired or have been an engineer with 3 years of business experience in the construction industry, not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or of any felony and Pass the applicable examinations.
Ohio Plumbing
Ohio Plumbing
A Plumbing Contractor works with the practice, materials and fixtures utilized in the installation, maintenance, extension and alteration of all piping, fixtures, plumbing appliances and plumbing appurtenances, within or adjacent to any structure, in connection with sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities; venting systems; and public or private water supply systems.
Individuals wishing to become Plumbing Contractors must be qualified to sit for the exam by being at least 18 years of age and a US citizen, having 5 years documentable experience in the classification desired or have been an engineer with 3 years of business experience in the construction industry, not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or of any felony and Pass the applicable examinations.
Ohio Specialty Trades
Ohio Hydronics
Hydronics Contractors must have the knowledge and skill to construct, install, alter, repair, maintain or service any steam and hot-water heating or chilled-water refrigeration system.
Individuals wishing to become Hydronics Contractors must be qualified to sit for the exam by being at least 18 years of age and a US citizen, having 5 years documentable experience in the classification desired or have been an engineer with 3 years of business experience in the construction industry, not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or of any felony and Pass the applicable examinations.