- How to Get a License in Missouri
- Collect Proof of Education and Experience
- List Other Certifications
- Get a Tax ID Number
- Get Worker's Compensation Insurance
- Decide What Type of License Your Business Needs
- Apply for a License
- Decide Which Exam You Should Take
- Take the Exam
- Exam Dates & Times
- Preparing for the Contractor's Exam
- Receiving Your License
- All Courses
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Missouri Contractor License Courses, Classes & Exam Prep
Obtaining a Contractor's License in Missouri
Obtaining a contractor's license means you'll seem more credible and professional, and you'll have the potential to earn more money. Being licensed also means that you can take on larger projects and appear in public lists of licensed contractors.
Whatever your reasons are for wanting to become a certified contractor, we have valuable resources you can use to succeed in the profession.
But, before you can invest time in scaling your business, you need to earn a valid license. In Missouri, you can get your license through your county or city. In Missouri, there is no statewide license, so the process takes place at a local level.
Contractor Training Center is here to help you understand the materials you need to obtain your certification, and the preparations you must take to succeed on your exam. With our help, you can earn your license quickly and start building your new business.
What You Can Expect From Us
Applying for a contractor's license and passing the exam are the two primary steps to securing a license. We offer exam prep for all of the ICC Standard General Building Contractor Exams W11, W12, and W13.
Our team gives you all the prep courses, reading material, and tabs that you need to pass the open book exams. We recommend that all of our students tab and highlight their materials. Every student receives permanent study tabs that you can use while you take the test.
Contractor Training Center boasts a high first-time pass rate on all exams. Students who don't pass on the first try receive additional resources for studying. And, we'll even let you retake the course for free until you pass your exam!
The Benefits of Having a Contractor's License in Missouri
Every state has different laws surrounding the process of obtaining a contractor's license. In major cities like Kansas City, earning your license means the potential to earn more for contracting jobs.
With a license, you can move on from small jobs like grouting or caulking. Individuals with a license can build, renovate, and even earn specialty licenses for other electrician or plumbing work. Clients are almost always willing to pay more money to hire someone who has a license.
Having a license in Missouri earns you credibility in your city. A license proves that you have the experience and training to complete professional projects.
Another benefit of having a license is that you can handle more expensive projects that exceed a predetermined financial threshold. Without a license, there are many restrictions on what contracting work people can take.
Overall, a license lands you more credibility, money, and trust.
Let our team at Contractor Training Center help you take the necessary steps to earn a contractor's license. We'd be thrilled to guide you through all the steps to preparing and passing the exam.
How to Get a Contractor's License in Missouri

How To Get a Contractor's License in Missouri
In Missouri, there are some necessary preparations that you must make to remain compliant with state and municipal requirements.
To secure your contractor's license in Kansas City, you must meet specific requirements:
- Must be 21 years old
- Have a valid high school diploma or GED
- Provide documentation proving you have experience
- Appoint a supervisor to take an ICC accredited exam
- Register business with Missouri Secretary of State
- Get worker's compensation and general liability insurance
- Pay application and license fees
To obtain a license in Raymore, you must submit these things:
- Proof of general liability and worker's compensation insurance
- Proof of passing grade of 70% or higher on an ICC accredited test or a valid contractor's license from Johnson County Kansas or another municipality so long as a building official in the same category of the requested license can substantiate the equivalency of the license.
The Developmental Services department handles all licensing in Kansas City.
Obtaining a contractor's license in Missouri should be a straightforward process. As long as you do adequate research and gather all of the required materials beforehand, you shouldn't have any major difficulties.
Since you cannot earn a statewide license in Missouri, rules and regulations may vary between cities. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare for your exam in Missouri.
Step 1. Collect Proof of Education and Experience
When you fill out your application for a contractor's license, you may have to provide proof of your work experience and educational background as a contractor or handyman.
Step 2. List Other Certifications
The municipality might ask you if there are any licenses or certifications that you've already earned. If you've worked as a contractor in other cities or states, you're required to share that information.
Whether or not you already have certifications in other cities or states does not guarantee an approved application.
Step 3. Get a Tax ID Number
This step is relevant to businesses all over the country. Regardless of what type of company you are starting, you have to apply for an Employee Identification Number (EIN) through the federal government. The IRS gives you an EIN for free after you fill out an online application.
To register your business in Kansas City, submit your application materials to the Missouri Secretary of State. You can reach the department at (816)-889-2925.
ICC F11 Exam for Missouri
This exam corresponds with the Class A General Building Contractor license.
See MoreICC F12 Exam for Missouri
This exam corresponds with the Class B Building Contractor license.
ICC F13 Exam for Missouri
This exam corresponds with the Class C Residential Building Contractor license.
See MoreStep 4. Get Worker's Compensation Insurance
To be a licensed contractor in major Missouri cities like Kansas City and Raymore, you must have worker's compensation insurance.
This type of insurance covers any injuries that occur on the job, no matter who's at fault. Worker's compensation insurance prevents workers from suing employees for compensation.
Many handymen want to start working as an independent contractor, so they may not have this type of insurance right off the bat. When you start your contractor's business, you should have insurance in place to protect yourself and your employees.
Step 5. Decide What Type of License Your Business Needs
In Kansas City, Missouri, there are many different types of licenses that you can pursue.
- Demolition
- Electrical
- Elevator
- Fire protection
- Gas-fired appliances
- Heating and ventilating
- Pipe fitting
- Plumbing
- Refrigeration
- Sign Contractor
- Residential Building
In Raymore, there are five classes of licenses:
- Class A: Allows the contractor to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish any structures
- Class B: Allows the contractor to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish any structures that do not exceed three stories in height
- Class C: Allows the contractor to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish any single-family townhouse or duplex and building accessory
- Class D: Allows the contractor to perform mechanical, electrical or plumbing services.
- Class E: For sub-contractors
Step 6. Apply for a License
Once you've collected all of your materials, it's time to submit your application. Where you submit your application materials depends on your municipality.
Most offices accept applications in person or through the mail. More often than not, there's some fee associated with the submission process.
Step 7. Decide Which Exam You Should Take
We offer exam prep for all of the ICC Standard General Building Contractor Exams W11, W12, and W13.
The type of exam that you take depends on what type of work your business plans to take on.
Every test requires careful preparation, and you must take the licensing exam seriously to be approved. If you want to pass your exam on the first try, consider joining one of the Contractor Training Center's online exam prep courses.
Step 8. Take the Exam
The final step is to take your contractor's license exam. The ICC recommends registering for your exam through the ICC website. The ICC uses an online testing system that proctors exams 24/7, so you can take the test from home.
Exam Dates & Times
When you are ready to schedule your exam, you can do so by visiting wwww.pearsonvue.com/icc or by calling 1-877-234-6082.
You can make appointments one calendar day before the day you want to schedule your test.
When you create your Pearson VUE account, make sure that all of the information you enter is entirely correct. Contact a member of the team if you have misspelled your legal name. The name that you list must be the same as the one listed on your government-issued ID.
All your personal information is included in the documentation you receive after completing the exam, and on any reports sent to a licensing agency. That's why you must pay close attention while filling out these forms and quickly update any errors that you notice.
Preparing for the Contractor's Exam
Most people stopped taking exams once they graduated high school or college. Preparing for your contractor's license exam is similar to studying for standard academic tests. Use the methods that work best for you to study the material and earn a passing grade, but most people benefit from a training course.
Contractor Training Center has classes for exams in many of Missouri's municipalities like Kansas City and Raymore. Courses come with pre-recorded lectures for you to review as often as you like. You can watch, read, and review the materials at your own space.
We also offer reference manuals and texts. On our website, you can buy materials that you can use on the open book exam. These book bundles ship within 1-2 business days so you can finish your application as quickly as possible.
We even sell pre-tabbed and pre-highlighted book bundles to save you time. All of our studying materials are carefully curated by contracting experts who are eager to see you succeed! Contact the Contractor Training Center today!
Receiving Your License
Once you've passed your exam and your application has been processed, you can finally obtain your contractor's license.
Most offices require you or a designated individual to pick up the license. Only people listed on the submitted documentation are allowed to pick up the license.
Contact Contractor Training Center Today
Earning your contractor's license in Missouri doesn't have to be complicated. As long as you are aware of what materials you need to collect and how to study for your exam effectively, you should be approved aptly.
Contractor Training Center strives to make the process as easy as possible. Consider taking one of our comprehensive prep courses and see how you can benefit from an online learning environment. Our classes come with a wide variety of resources and supplemental materials to help you pass on the first try. You'll find both written and spoken content, so you can enjoy learning in the way that best suits you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To learn about the process of registering your business in Kansas City, consult the Missouri Secretary of State. The address is 615 East 13th St. Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
You must submit documentation proving you have at least eight continuing education credits related to the same trade as your previous license. The building official determines whether or not you meet the requirements.
No, Missouri does not accept the NASCLA exam. You should only take the NASCLA exam if you think you need to have a license in more than one jurisdiction.
You must receive a certificate of competency from a nationally recognized institution like Prometric or ICC Contractor Examination Services or another equivalent institution with a minimum test score of 70%. The applicant could waive the testing procedure if they have earned a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction science, or architecture from an accredited university or college.