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As a residential building contractor in Louisiana, you are allowed to work on a range of residential properties, including single-family homes, duplexes, and properties with up to four separate residences (i.e., fourplexes). Building, maintaining, repairing, and altering homes that will house families can be an incredibly rewarding career, and it’s a skilled trade that’s consistently in high demand.

Like many other states, Louisiana requires professionals in skilled trades to obtain a suitable license before they may legally contract for projects. Once you have a residential contractor license, you will have to renew it periodically. How do you go about doing this in the state of Louisiana?

What to Know About Residential Contractor Licenses

Before you can obtain your residential contractor license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), you’ll have to meet several state requirements. First, you’ll have to submit a residential application and a financial statement proving a minimum net worth of $10,000 for the 12 months prior to applying.

You must also supply documented proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Finally, you’ll have to complete the required state testing. This includes a trade exam — the Residential Contractor Exam — and the Business & Law Exam.

Renewing Your License

Obtaining your license is just the beginning. The state requires that you renew it annually before December 31^st or risk expiration and inability to legally conduct business in your field. To renew your license, you’ll have to complete six hours of continuing education (CE) each year.

You’ll want to find a program approved by the LSLBC that satisfies all applicable CE requirements. Coursework should cover topics like bidding and estimating, contract management, and OSHA focus four. 

The program must include two hours dedicated to current industry practices, codes, and subjects and one hour of health protection, consumer protection, or environmental protection. The rest of the six hours should be centered on Louisiana State Residential Building Contractor Board rules.

If you also hold a license for building construction; highway, street, and bridge construction; heavy construction; or municipal or public works construction, completing this CE for your residential contractor license will satisfy all renewal requirements. It’s important to maintain your records of license renewal for a period of five years, as the LSLBC may request these documents.

Make Renewal Easy With the Best CE Program

State-approved CE programs for working professionals are designed with your needs in mind, starting with 24/7 online access that allows for self-paced learning on your schedule. Courses created by industry experts and educators are ideal because they deliver the information you need to improve within your chosen field.

With lifetime access, you can reference course materials at any time, and outstanding customer support keeps you on track when you have questions or concerns. Look for a program that not only offers an instant certificate of completion but also manages state notification on your behalf.

Is it time to renew your residential building contractor license in Louisiana? RocketCert has a continuing education program that makes your life easy. Contact us now to sign up and get started.