Texas Contractor License Courses, Classes & Exam Prep

If you are hoping to obtain a contractor’s license in the state of Texas, we are here to help you get started. Depending on what type of contractor work you plan to enter in to, the regulations vary. 

In the state of Texas, you are required to obtain a state license if you are trying to work as a specialty contractor. This includes professionals such as HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians. 

The state of Texas does not require general contractors to adhere to any state-level regulations. However, they are required to meet requirements in their local jurisdictions. For many Texas cities, this includes the successful completion of an ICC exam.

The Benefits of Having a Contractor’s License in Texas

Before you begin the process of obtaining your contractor’s license in the state of Texas, it’s important to understand what you will gain by doing so. Two major benefits will come out of your licensure: 

• Increased credibility
• Ability to charge higher rates for projects and increase earning potential 

Increased Credibility 

To run a successful business, others must see you as credible. Becoming a licensed contractor will help you build your credibility both in the local community and among your clients. Obtaining this official qualification helps communicate to others that you follow the rules and are trustworthy. Being a professional that people can trust will also help you build new client relationships.

Because getting licensed does require your time, energy, and other resources, completing the process will demonstrate to your clients that you are dedicated. It may seem like a significant investment, but it will give your clients peace of mind. 

Gives You a Higher Earning Potential

When you are a licensed contractor, you have access to assignments that unlicensed contractors do not. Many assignments that require a license are bigger and more profitable. Because you can take on more types of projects, you have a higher earning potential than unlicensed professionals. 

Having the certification in place also allows you to charge higher rates as customers are usually willing to pay more for your services. 

In the pursuit of their contractor’s license, some people get overwhelmed by the process. In certain situations, it may seem like there are too many steps to follow to get to the result. 

At Contractor Learning Center, we are here to guide you through the process step-by-step. Before you start the training and licensing process, we will help you determine what your local requirements are.

From there, we will outline the types of licensing options that are available to you. 
Once you know which license is right for you and your business, you can turn to us for informative classes and exam preparation. 

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Once you decide to obtain a contractor's license, it is important to get the process started as soon as you can. There are certain steps you should follow at the local level to make that happen. The exact nature of each step may vary depending on your city’s specific administration, but the general layout is the same. 
Start by visiting your city’s website or contacting the county clerk. 

From there, you will: 

Obtain Application 

Obtain the official application for licensure in your municipality. This can usually be obtained through the city website or in-person at the local office. 

Determine Weather you Are New or Renewing  

On your application, you will usually be asked if you are a new contractor or one that is renewing their license. This is an important step. Depending on your status, you may get through the overall application process faster. 

Decide What Type of License Your Business Needs  

The next step is to determine what type of license your business needs. Make sure that your business is official and registered within the state of Texas. 

For most local applications, you will need to provide proof that your business is authorized before you can complete your license application. When determining which type of license your business needs, the main types include: 

Commercial 

Commercial contractors will typically work on triplex structures or higher. Their primary focus is commercial structures. 

Residential 

Residential contractors will typically work on single-family and duplex structures within a community. Their primary focus is on residential structures. 

General 

General contractors will typically work on a wide variety of building types and are not limited to residential or commercial buildings. 

Other Specialized Provider 

If your license type does not fit into one of the above categories, it may be some other type of provider. Examples include gas well provider, concrete/asphalt/paving, energy code provider, and more. 

Which Exam Should You Take? 

In addition to the steps listed above, many cities in Texas (including San Marcos and Seguin) require you to obtain a passing score on a National ICC Contractors Exam. Some cities require the passing of the exam to be within a certain time window, so be sure to check with your local regulatory authority to ensure you are testing for it.             

There are many different options for testing, and which test you take will depend on which type of license you need. At Contractor Training Center, we offer training and prep work for the following ICC exams:  

• General Contractor Class A (F11 Exam): This exam is suited for those that work in the addition, alteration, construction, demolition, or repair of any building or structure.
• Building Contractor Class B (F12 Exam): This exam is suited for those that work in the addition, alteration, construction, demolition, or repair of structures or buildings that the International Building Code classifies as less than a high rise.
• Residential Contractor Class C (F13 Exam): This exam is suited for those that work in the addition, alteration, construction, demolition, or repair of one and two-family residences.  

At Contractor Training Center, we will help you determine which exam is right for your business and how to start preparing for the exam. You can do all your preparation online with us as well. We have expert staff that can take care of your prep. 

Get in touch with us to start the process. 

Do You Need A Contractor’s License In Texas?

At the state level, you do not need a contractor’s license. However, you may need a contractor’s license to work in your municipality. Texas has specific licensing requirements depending on what city you live in, so you’ll need to research those requirements to ensure the work that you’re performing is legal. We can help you get started with our Start-Up Consultation with one of our dedicated Licensing Professionals! We also offer exam prep courses and reference materials for the exams that are required in various municipalities.

Exam Prep Courses And Materials We Offer

A - ICC F11 Exam For Seguin And San Marcos Texas

This exam corresponds with the Class A General Building Contractor license.

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B - ICC F12 Exam For Seguin And San Marcos Texas

This exam corresponds with the Class B Building Contractor license.

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C - ICC F13 Exam For Seguin And San Marcos Texas

This exam corresponds with the Class C Residential Building Contractor license.

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Pay The Appropriate Fees Associated With Application 

Some cities in Texas may require you to pay fees that accompany the application. If you are in a city that only requires a permit, you may have permit fees to pay as well. 

If you don’t have one, consider creating an online escrow account with the city. You can use it to pay application fees and any future fees that come with your contract work. 

Get Any Insurance Required By Your Local Municipality

Make sure you check to see if your local city requires general liability insurance. How much your policy needs to cover depends on the type of license you need (whether that be commercial, residential, or otherwise). 

Take The Exam 

If you live in a city that requires it, you will need to take an ICC exam and pass before your application/permit is officially approved. So keep that in mind when you think of the timeline for your application. 

You will need a few weeks to study for the exam, take it, and receive your official results from the International Code Council. 

Exam Times And Dates 

Your exam dates and times will depend on what type of exam you are taking and the state in which you’re operating. The good thing about the ICC exams is that many of them can be taken online from the comfort of your own home. 
It is easy to build your exam around your busy schedule. ICC proctoring programming makes it easy to schedule your exam. 

You can learn more about the exams by visiting ICC's website here.