Required Books
The references listed below are permitted to be taken into the examination. These references may be tabbed (with a permanent index tab) and highlighted. They are available for purchase from our online bookstore or by calling 800-992-1910.
As of 8/24/17, This examination is OPEN BOOK. The reference is provided in the testing center. No highlighting or notes of any sort may be made in the book during the exam. You may NOT use your own copy.
GRACE PERIOD: Through July 6, 2025, both the 3rd and 4th Editions will be allowed within testing centers. As of July 7, 2025, the examinations will be based on the Ohio 4th edition only.
Add All Required Books to Cart ($107.70)
Additional Services
All contractor license classifications must take the Business and Law exam in addition to any required trade-specific exam.
The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) issues State Licenses to Commercial Contractors for the following trades: Electrical, HVAC, Hydronics, Plumbing, and Refrigeration. To receive a state license, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a United States citizen or a legal alien-must provide proof of being a legal alien.
- Either have been a tradesperson in the type of licensed trade for which the application is filed for not less than five (5) years immediately prior to the date the application is filed, currently be a registered engineer in this state with three (3) years of business experience in the construction industry in the trade for which the engineer is applying to take the examination, or have other experience acceptable to the appropriate section of the board.
- Never have been convicted of a disqualifying offense.
- Have a BCI background check completed to sit for the exam
- Pass the examination in the trade.
- Carry minimum $500,000 contractor liability coverage.
- Pay the applicable fees.
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.
To apply for a license, contact:
Construction Industry Examining Board
Post Office Box 4009
6606 Tussing Rd.
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
(614)644-3493
http://tinyurl.com/k4d6fvv
Important Contacts
There is no reciprocity for the Business Law portion of the licensing and exam process
Continuing education is associated with trade licenses and not required of Business Law
The exam is administered by PSI. It is an open-book timed test with 50 questions and a 2-hour time limit. A score of 70% is required to pass. The exam fee is 69.00 per exam.
As of 8/24/17, This examination is OPEN BOOK. The following reference is provided in the testing center. No highlighting or notes of any sort may be made in the book during the exam. You may NOT use your own copy.
EXAM CONTENT: Business Organization; Licensing; Estimating and Bidding; Contract Management; Project Management; Insurance and Bonding; OSHA; Personnel Regulations; Financial Management; Tax Laws; Lien Laws
The Business and Law exam is required for all trade classifications. If you decide to obtain an additional trade license at a later date, you only have to take the Business and Law exam once every three years.
American Contractors Exam Services holds a Ohio Business Law Seminar that coincides with each trade exam seminar to prepare individuals for both exams that need to be passed. American Contractors has been holding Seminars to help contractors pass their exam for over 22 years.
