Are you a Kansas-based contractor interested in learning more about the Kansas general contractor license requirements for 2024? If so, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll discuss the Kansas general contractor license exam, as well as what you need to do to obtain and maintain your license..

Does Kansas Require a General Contractor License?

While Kansas does not impose any statewide contractor licensing requirements, it's important to note that many counties and local jurisdictions within the state have established their own regulations regarding contractor licensing.

How to Register Your Business in Kentucky 

Regardless of jurisdiction, any business intending to operate in Kansas must first register with the Kansas Secretary of State's Office. Consequently, becoming a general contractor in Kansas involves a more intricate procedure compared to most other states. However, having a clear understanding of where and how to submit your application can simplify the process.

Kansas General Contractor License Requirements By County

Kansas general contractor license requirements can vary by county, so it's important to understand the specific regulations in your area. So here is an example of the requirements in the top Kansas counties:  

Johnson County, Kansas

Contractor licensing in Johnson County, Kansas, is managed by the Johnson County Planning and Codes Department. They offer a range of license types to choose from:

1. Class A - General
2. Class B - Building
3. Class C - Residential
4. Class DE - Electrical
5. Class DF - Fire
6. Class DM - Mechanical
7. Class DP - Plumbing
8. Class DR - Roofing
9. Class DS - Swimming
10. Class DW - Framing

Licensing Requirements:

To obtain any of these licenses, you generally need to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete the Application: Begin by completing the licensing application.
2. Fees: Submit the required fees, which include a $100 application fee and a $225 license fee.
3. Insurance: Provide proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
4. Qualifying Individual: Appoint a qualifying individual who must meet one of the following criteria:
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5. Identification: Present proof of identity for both the company owner and the qualified individual, using government-issued identification.
6. Digital Photo: Provide a digital photograph of the qualified individual.
7. Good Standing: Offer evidence of good standing for your company from the Secretary of State.

Sedgwick County, Kansas

Contractor licensing in Sedgwick County is administered by the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD), which collaborates with the City of Wichita. The MABCD provides licenses for both general contractors and various specialty contractors, including plumbers, electricians, elevator/escalator professionals, fire suppression experts, refrigeration specialists, sheet metal workers, and more.

Licensing Requirements:

1. Application Submission:

• Complete the application form, including all required signatures.
• For general contractors, use the general contractor application.
• For trade contractors, use the trade contractor application.

2. Proof of Master-Level Trade Certificate: Provide evidence of holding a master-level trade certificate relevant to your specialty.

3. Kansas General Contractor License Exam: Take and pass an ICC trade exam, and submit the exam results.

4. Insurance Requirements:

• Provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000, naming MABCD as the certificate holder.
• Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance.
• If you have fleet vehicles, provide proof of auto insurance.

5. Certificate of Good Standing: Present a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State for your business entity.

6. Qualified Person Declaration: If you are the master license holder or the business owner meeting the qualifications, you must provide a declaration page.

7. Company Officer Signatures: Obtain signatures from all company officers.

8. Authorization for Qualified Person: Provide authorization for the Qualified Person to conduct business on behalf of the company. This includes tasks like pulling permits and scheduling inspections. This authorization must be on company letterhead and signed by all owners, officers, and partners.

9. Payment of Fees:

• Be prepared to pay the required fees, which can vary significantly based on the type of license.
• For example, Class A General Contractor (GC) applicants will need to submit a fee of $1,000, while basic trade contractors will pay $360.

Tips for Passing The Kansas General Contractor License Exam

Passing the Kansas General Contractor License Exam is a crucial step in obtaining your license. To help you succeed, we've gathered some tips to guide you through the process.

1. Study the exam content: Familiarize yourself with the topics that will be covered in the exam. Focus on areas such as building codes, construction law, safety regulations, and project management.

2. Utilize study resources: Take advantage of study resources such as textbooks, online courses, and study guides. These materials can provide additional information and reinforce key concepts.

3. Manage your time: Time management is essential during the exam. Practice answering questions within the allocated time limit to improve your pacing skills and reduce the risk of leaving questions unanswered.

Penalties for Unlicensed Contractors in Kentucky

In Kansas, contractor licensing requirements and associated penalties are determined by individual cities and counties across the state. While the specific penalties can differ from one municipality to another, they typically involve fines and fees. Additionally, building department officials may have the authority to halt ongoing projects, potentially causing significant delays and harm to project timelines.

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know the Kansas contractor license requirements, it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.