12 Professional Licenses Required by State and How to Start

10. General Contractor / Construction Contractor

General contractor licenses regulate individuals or firms that manage construction projects and hire subcontractors. Requirements often include proof of experience in construction management, passing a business and trade exam, and meeting financial or insurance standards like bonding and liability coverage. Many states set separate class levels by project value or trade specialty and require registrations at the state or local level, plus local building permits for individual jobs. If you operate a business, you’ll also register your business entity with state authorities and may need contractor-specific insurance and a surety bond. Renewal usually includes a fee and may require continuing education on laws or safety standards. Because the mix of state and municipal rules varies, contact your state contractor licensing board and local permitting office before bidding on a project to confirm credential and insurance requirements.