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Most states in the U.S. require people to obtain a contractor’s license to perform certain trade work professionally. The specific requirements for securing a license will vary by trade. 

The type of license that you need and the way that you earn it will be different depending on the work you plan to do. Whether you hope to be a handyman or an engineer, it is important to understand licensing requirements, and how to renew a license in Ohio.

Certifications are needed for specific types of jobs. You also might need different licenses, depending on the county or city in which you will be working.

For people who are wanting to obtain an Ohio contractor’s license, RocketCert offers exam prep and continuing education. Exams are required to be able to obtain a professional contractor’s license in the state of Ohio. 

Below, we will examine several of the most common issues related to contractor’s licenses in the state of Ohio. 

Specific Trades Requiring a License in Ohio

Under Ohio state law, there are five specific types of trade work that require a state license. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) issues certifications and licensing for trades at the state level.

These trades include:

• Refrigeration
• Hydronics
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Electrical

State licenses for these trades do not excuse you from adhering to more localized regulations. For instance, there may be city or county requirements that are more specific than state-wide procedures.

It is important to speak with a representative of the local government to find out about more specific regulations. Common examples include city- or county-based permits and inspections for certain jobs.

Application for a State Contractor License in Ohio

To be eligible for an Ohio state contractor’s license, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien
• Have no history of conviction for disqualifying offenses
• Have five years of work experience in your trade

There is one exception to the experience requirement. Those who are planning to apply for an engineering license only need three years of work experience. 

Application packages are available for download through the Ohio Department of Commerce website. Applications must be printed, completed, and notarized. 

Once you have met the criteria and filled out an application, you should mail it to the OCILB. An application fee of $25 is also required in the form of a check made out to the “Treasurer State of Ohio.”

The notarized application and associated fee must be mailed to:

Ohio Department of Commerce

Division of Industrial Compliance

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) 

6606 Tussing Road 

P.O. Box 4009 

Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-9009 

Individuals who pass a background check and have adequate liability coverage ($500,000) can take the licensing examination. The Ohio Department of Commerce website provides some exam preparation resources, but there are better options to consider, as well. 

For instance, RocketCert provides applicants with everything necessary to pass various licensing exams in Ohio. There are specific licensing exams for different trades.

Preparing for the Ohio plumbing license exam will not help those who are planning to take the refrigeration license exam, for example. Make sure to find reliable exam preparation materials related to your specific trade.

RocketCert Can Help You Succeed

If you are interested in securing a contractor license for any of the trades mentioned above, RocketCert has the tools you need. We offer industry-level exam preparation resources.

We also provide continuing education for those hoping to renew their Ohio contractor’s licenses. 

All our training is backed by our No Pass, No Pay guarantee. To learn more about getting an Ohio contractor’s license, reach out to the team at RocketCert.