Maine Contractor License Courses, Classes & Exam Prep

While Maine is home to many skilled and trustworthy contractors, it's up to the consumers to determine whether or not someone is competent enough to perform the job. This is because Maine does not license or regulate general contractors. 

Suppose you're looking to start your own contracting company and are curious about the steps to operate out of a fully legal business entity. You may still need to apply for certain licenses depending on the work you're doing.

Although general contractors can work without a license in Maine, you will need a license for: 

• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Landscaping
• Architecture, or interior design
• Asbestos removal
• Lead abatement
• Underground oil tank removal

If any of these specialties apply to you, find all the necessary details to get your contractor's license in Maine all set up here! 

The Benefits of Having a Contractor's License in Maine

There are benefits to getting a contractor's license in Maine, both for you and your future customers. Though you won't get a license through the state of Maine, you can register for one at a local level through your municipality. 

Additionally, if you want to add any specialty work like plumbing or electrical to your services, you'll need a state license for those.

Gives You Credibility: A Professional "Stamp of Approval"

It's appealing to homeowners and business owners to see that a governmental agency has given their stamp of approval on you and your work. It takes some of the pressure off of them to vet you when they know that the state has already done its due diligence.

Increases Your Earning Potential: Bigger Jobs, Better Paychecks

As a plumber or electrician, getting a license is the logical next step. It will help you secure bigger jobs that earn more money. Even if you just have local credentials as a general contractor, flashing your license in front of homeowners can help you win the bid.

Build Trust

The state of Maine warns homeowners about their lack of regulation on general contractors. Under the "buyer beware" approach, homeowners will want to see proof of your professionalism. 

A license shows that you're credibly and trustworthy as a business. 

When you work with the Contractor Training Center to prepare your contractors' license applications, you can expect the guidance and knowledge you need to navigate the process.

If you're confused while looking at all of the contractor licensing forms and applications, you're not alone. We help people just like you make sense of the various requirements so you can get your own contracting company up and running or work under another company as a licensed, specialized contractor.

We'll help you compile all the necessary information and fill out the required forms to feel confident when it comes time to submit to the state. We'll also handle the submission on your behalf to ensure proper and timely delivery.

Our Contractor License Application Fulfillment Service comes with one consulting session before the application process even begins to go over everything and double-check that you're applying for the right licenses – nothing more, nothing less. 

Using the appropriate forms, we'll collaborate with you to fill out and review your application with an eye for detail before confirming their completion and sending off to the appropriate state licensing agency.

If your application happens to be rejected for some reason, we're still here for you. We'll get together on another consulting session to either appeal the denial or reapply. 

We understand the energy and time lost when someone has to apply, reapply, and reapply again. Rather than holding you back from your dream job for weeks – maybe even months – the Contractor Training Center will help you earn your license fast!

Step 1: Register Your Business

First, register your business. Use Maine's online Business Answers page to provide information about the business you're looking to start. You'll receive a compiled list of all the permits, licenses, and other qualifications you'll need. Make sure you complete all of these steps.

Step 2: Set Up Tax ID

Next, it's time to set up your Tax ID number. You can find all the information you need on Maine business taxes through their state taxation portal. To access any required Maine Revenue Service forms like your sales use or general tax forms, head to the website for their Department of Administrative and Financial Services.

 

Step 3: Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance

As a contractor, it's critical to acquire your workers' compensation coverage. Maine law requires most employers to have workers' comp, and it's especially important for physically demanding jobs like contracting. Without it, you may face penalties by the Workers' Compensation Board.

Step 4: Decide What Type of License Your Business Needs 

As mentioned previously, Maine does not manage or regulate general contractors. However, if you plan to offer any specialty trade work, like electrical or landscaping, additional licenses are required. You'll need to determine what types of additional licenses your business will need.

Plumber’s License

You'll need to pass an exam and apply for a plumbing license to provide plumbing work. You can find the necessary steps for this license at the Plumbing Examining Board. You can apply for any of these licenses:

• Master plumber
• Journeyman plumber
• Trainee plumber
• Journeyman-in-training plumber

Make sure you have the following to apply:

• Completed application form
• Proof of experience and hours worked
• License and application fee
• Proof of passed exam
  

Electrician’s License

Electricians also must take a plumbing exam and submit an application for a state license. Get started on this process through the Electricians' Examining Board. You can apply for the following different licenses:

• Limited electrician
• Master electrician
• Journeyman electrician
• Apprentice electrician
• Helper electrician
• Journeyman-in-training electrician

To apply, here's what you'll need:

• Completed application
• Proof of work experience with hours worked in the field
• License and application fees
• Proof of passed exam
  
   

Architecture, Landscaping, and Interior Design License

There are additional requirements if you want to become a licensed architect, landscaper, or interior designer in Maine:

To be an interior designer, you'll need to show proof of completed education requirements. You'll also need to pass the NCIDQ exam. 

As a landscaper, you'll need to pass the LARE or qualify with CLARB or reciprocity. 

Lastly, to become an architect you must be NCARB certified and apply for a license.

 

Door to Door Home Repair License

If you're planning to sell home repair door to door, you don't need to take an exam but you'll need to apply for a state license and pass a criminal background check. 

Which Exam Should You Take?

Take either the electrician's exam, plumbing exam, or NCIDQ exam for landscapers, architects, and interior designers. No exam is needed for general contractors or door-to-door home repair salespeople.

 

Take the Exam

You will need to schedule a time to take the exam online or call (800) 343-6001 and pay the exam fee of $75.