Blog

Skilled trades offer an outstanding career path for technically minded professionals who want to immerse themselves in the practical instruction of an apprenticeship. Whether you prefer residential, commercial, or industrial applications or you’re choosing between fields like new construction and remodeling/improvements, becoming a contractor can provide you with a great income and steady work.

In the state of Hawaii, you must hold a license (issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division) in order to legally perform activities related to building, engineering, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other contract positions. There are several contractor license classifications to choose from.

If construction or improvement of structures is your main focus, you’ll need a General Building license, or B license. What are the requirements for this license and what scope of work does it cover?

What Is a General Building Contractor (B) License?

First, you should understand that there are three primary contractor license classes: A, B, and C. A General Engineering license, or A-class license, is for professionals involved in fixed work projects such as highways, tunnels, and bridges as well as drainage and water power developments.

A General Building license, or B-class license, is designed for contractors involved in the construction or improvement of structures that have been built, are being built, or are planned to be built that require two or more building trades. 

Finally, Specialty licenses, or C-class licenses, pertain to specialty contractors working in fields like plumbing, electrical, roofing, drywall, flooring, painting, and so on.

Requirements to Obtain a General Building (B) License

To qualify for a General Building license, you must be at least 18 years of age and be employed by a licensed contracting organization. In terms of education and/or experience, you are required to complete four years of supervisory experience within the 10 years prior to application.

One interesting requirement is that applicants for this license must have “a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing.” You’ll also have to pass a trade exam. The B – General Building Contractor exam may cover a range of topics, including:

• Sitework and foundations
• Concrete (C-31a cement)
• Carpentry
• Associated trades (interior and exterior finishes; windows and doors)
• Roofing (C-42a aluminum and other metal shingles; C-42b wood shingles and wood shake)
• Safety OSHA
• Plan reading and estimating
• Thermal and moisture protection

This four-hour, closed-book exam contains 80 questions, and you must answer a minimum of 75% correctly to pass. Additionally, you’ll have to pass a Business and Law exam to obtain a contractor license. This three-hour, closed-book test also has 80 questions and requires 75% correct answers to receive a passing score.

Benefits of a Reputable Exam Prep Program

Approved exam prep programs will focus primarily on materials related to the exam, but there are other criteria you should look for in a suitable program. Working professionals, for example, are sure to appreciate the easy access and convenience of an online, self-paced program, especially one designed by industry experts and educators.

RocketCert has the courses you need to succeed on licensing exams. If you’re ready to become a general building contractor in Hawaii, contact us today to get started.