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Maintaining your Louisiana residential building contractor license and keeping your business running means completing annual license renewal requirements. There’s more to it than just paying a fee. You’ll have to maintain your skills through yearly continuing education if you want to successfully renew your Louisiana residential builders license. 

Understanding Louisiana Residential Building Contractor Licenses 

Your license is managed by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, also known as the LSLBC. They issue licenses required for residential projects of all kinds, ensuring homeowners receive work that meets standards for competence, safety, and accountability. 

As an active residential building contractor, you’ll need to renew your license with the LSLBC each year. Even if you aren’t working right now, you don’t want to let your license lapse. Timely renewal ensures you are ready to take on projects legally whenever the opportunity presents itself. 

Annual Continuing Education Licensing Requirements 

One of the most important licensing requirements is annual continuing education. Residential building contractors must complete a minimum of six hours of continuing education courses each year. You’ll need to make sure you go with a board-approved provider and complete your CE by December 31, regardless of your license date. 

Keep in mind that your continuing education can vary if you also hold a current commercial license in certain classifications. Depending on your case, the continuing education for a commercial license might also satisfy the requirements for your residential license. 

What to Expect From Louisiana Residential CE 

The LSLBC approves course providers that offer an extensive range of continuing education opportunities. You can choose courses across many different topics, from improved bidding and estimates to enhanced OSHA compliance and safety. Many classes focus on the latest updates to building codes that will likely affect your work. 

After completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. Make sure to keep this for your records, as the board could request a copy if your license is ever audited. 

How to Complete Your Louisiana Residential Builders License Renewal 

The most important action you can take to ensure a smooth renewal is to plan ahead. Your six hours of continuing education are required to be completed before the end of the year. There’s no need to put off this essential step until the last minute and potentially face unwanted surprises. 

Once your hours are complete, you can log into the LSLBC contractor portal and update your information. You may be required to upload specific documentation. You can then submit the application and pay the appropriate renewal fee for your license. 

Failing to complete your continuing education or submit your renewal on time can lead to your license expiring. Working without a valid license exposes you to serious fines and other enforcement actions, so it's best to renew your license with plenty of time to spare. 

Stay Ahead of Your License Renewal 

Prompt renewal helps keep your business on track and avoids disruption that could impact your projects. You can get started now and work toward meeting your continuing education requirements for Louisiana residential builders license renewal by enrolling with RocketCert.