Alabama Contractor License Requirements

The state of Alabama requires any general contractor working on a residential or commercial project costing $50,000 or more to have a contractor license. As well, if you are the general contractor on a housing project that costs $10,000 or more, you will still need a license. This includes those who oversee many specialty trades where the workers do not require licensing such as fire prevention systems, painting, swimming pools, HVAC, etc.

Architects

In the state of Alabama the board for Registration of Architects oversees the state licensing for architects:

• Online application and renewal
• Application procedures
• Examination requirements
• Reinstatement procedures
• Fees and fee schedule.

Provides continuing education information sheet, with requirements, exemptions, reporting, noncompliance and sanctions; board newsletter includes new registrants, disciplinary actions and statutory and regulatory changes.

Plumbers

The state of Alabama requires that all plumbers be licensed. For acceptance to write the journeyman plumber's exam the applicant will need to complete a state-approved apprenticeship program or work two years as an apprentice. Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board oversees this certification

Gas Fitter's License

To do work as a gas fitter in Alabama the worker will need a gas fitter's license. The Board will issue both master's and journeyman's licenses and each one will be awarded on successfully completing an exam. A journeyman gas fitter will need one year's experience to qualify for the master gas fitter exam. Apprentices can only work under the supervision of journeymen or masters. Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board oversees this certification

Electricians

To get a journeyman's license an applicant will have to pass the Alabama journeyman's exam. To qualify for the exam four years of electrical work experience is needed. Up to two years of education in electrical studies is needed for for one year of the work experience.

To qualify for an electrical contractor's license the applicant needs four years' work experience in:

• Electrical circuit design
• Electrical circuit planning,
• Supervising electrical construction
• Installing electrical components.

The applicant can substitute up to two (2) years of education with a Board-approved electrical curriculum. This would be attributed at one year of education for a half year of work.

HVAC (heating, air conditioning and ventilation) and lead and asbestos abatement requires certification.

Consumers are advised to check for additional local municipal contractor license requirements as contractor laws tend to be amended. It is also advised to double check with the state's requirements before hiring a contractor.