What Work Requires A License In Oklahoma?
Before jumping into how to get a contractor's license in Oklahoma, let’s go over what type of work requires one. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical contractors must obtain a contractor's license to work legally in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma contractor licensing is handled through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB).
What Are The Requirements For Contractor Licensing In Oklahoma?
To become a licensed contractor, you will need to fulfill some requirements. Once you meet the criteria for your trade, you will be eligible to take the licensing exams.
Electrical Contractor Licensing
For an Oklahoma electrical contractor license, you must first train as a registered apprentice under a contractor. This enables you to gain verifiable experience before becoming a journeyman. As an electrical journeyman, you will again work under a contractor. During this time, you'll gain experience and become eligible to work as a contractor yourself. You must pass an electrical journeyman exam as well. You must surpass all these milestones before applying to become an electrical contractor in Oklahoma.
All electrical contractors must be an owner, partner or officer in an electrical firm. This is necessary before becoming an unlimited, residential, or limited electrical contractor. Unlimited contractors can install, maintain and repair wires, cables, and equipment that uses electrical energy. Residential contractors can wire 1- or 2-family residences. If interested, a contractor can work obtain an Alarm Endorsement as well as a Poultry House Contractor License.
Oklahoma also provides reciprocity with certain states. This reciprocity applies if a contractor has held a license for a minimum of one year and fulfills other application requirements. These reciprocal states are:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Montana
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Wyoming
Plumbing Contractor Licensing
An Oklahoma plumbing contracting license is the highest-ranking plumbing license. Generally, it comes after you have worked for a contractor. Under a contractor, you will need to work first as a registered apprentice and then as a journeyman. Plumbing contractors can perform any plumbing work. This includes jobs for water supply, sanitary or storm drainage, and natural gas piping.
Applicants for a plumbing Oklahoma contractors license must meet the following requirements:
- Meet the same requirements as a journeyman
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have three years of experience in the plumbing trade employed under a licensed plumbing contractor
- Equivalent and verifiable three years of experience working in plumbing trade while serving in the U.S. military
- A verifiable out-of-state plumbing license that is current and in good standing
- Plus an additional one year of experience in the plumbing trade
Mechanical Contractor Licensing
Mechanical services include installing, maintaining, modifying or servicing/repairing ventilation, heating and/or cooling systems. You will need to fulfill the following requirements to obtain an Oklahoma mechanical contractor license.
You must first train as a registered apprentice under a mechanical contractor. This lets you gain verifiable experience before becoming a journeyman. Once you have passed the mechanical journeyman exam, you will again work under a contractor. This experience is necessary before becoming eligible to become a contractor yourself.
Applicants for mechanical contractors must have 1 additional year of work experience before applying for licensing. Any mechanical contractor in the state of Oklahoma must be a permanent employee, owner, partner or officer in a mechanical firm.
There are several mechanical contractor licenses offered in Oklahoma. These are:
- HVAC/R Unlimited
- HVAC/R Limited
- Refrigeration
- Natural Gas Piping
- Sheet Metal
- Ground Source Piping
We make it simple to obtain your Oklahoma general contractor license! Get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can help.
Applying for Licensing
At this point, you should 1) know what kind of license you want to apply for, and 2) have ensured you meet all eligibility requirements. If you can check off these two items, you are ready to apply and take your exams!
Before applying, you should be ready to:
- Pay an application fee. This varies depending upon the license you are trying to obtain.
- Prove your verifiable experience and any current license (such as a Journeyman license)
- Provide proof of other qualifying information (age, address, employment, etc.)
There are different applications for the three licensing fields. See more information about the Mechanical Contractor Application here. Click here for more information about Electrical Contractor Applications. Plumbing Contractor Application information is available here. The PSI Examination Services administers all technical exams.
Once you have successfully applied and passed the licensure exams, you will receive an inactive license. This will remain inactive until you provide proof of bond and insurance.
At Contractor Training Center, we help you prepare for and understand the exams. We provide all the resources necessary to pass and to become a licensed contractor. Our exam prep comes with a no-fail guarantee. See more information about what you can expect from us below!