Wisconsin Commercial General Contractor License: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to start your commercial construction business in Wisconsin, one of the first things you need to do is get a commercial general contractor license. This license allows you to legally operate your business and perform construction work in the state of Wisconsin. In this article, we will go over the requirements and steps you need to take to obtain a Wisconsin commercial general contractor license.

What is a Commercial General Contractor License?

A commercial general contractor license is a state requirement that allows a business to legally operate in the construction industry. The license is issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). To become a licensed commercial general contractor in Wisconsin, you need to meet specific criteria and pass the required examinations.

Requirements to Obtain a Wisconsin Commercial General Contractor License

To obtain a license, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational Requirements: You need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to qualify for a Wisconsin commercial general contractor license.

2. Work Experience: You must have at least four years of experience working in the commercial construction industry. You need to prove your experience by providing references and documents that show the projects you have worked on in the past.

3. Financial Requirements: You must show proof of financial ability to operate a commercial construction business. This includes providing a financial statement, bonding information, and proof of insurance.

4. Examination Requirements: You must pass two examinations, which are the business and law exam and the trades exam. The business and law exam covers topics such as accounting, finance, taxes, and business management. The trades exam covers topics such as building codes, safety regulations, and construction techniques.

Steps to Obtain a Wisconsin Commercial General Contractor License

To obtain a Wisconsin commercial general contractor license, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the Educational Requirements – Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience – Work for at least four years in the commercial construction industry.

Step 3: Meet Financial Requirements – Prepare and submit financial statements, bonding information, and insurance documents to the DSPS.

Step 4: Pass the Examinations – Pass the business and law exam and the trades exam.

Step 5: Submit your Application – Submit your application to the DSPS, along with the required fees.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Wisconsin commercial general contractor license is a crucial step for anyone who plans to work in the commercial construction business in Wisconsin. Meeting the educational, work experience, financial, and examination requirements will help you obtain your license and start your business legally. If you have any questions or need further information, you can contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Good luck!