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Contractor License in Ohio

Trade-specific

Ohio has no state-level general-contractor license. The state, through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), licenses only five commercial trades: electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, and refrigeration. General contracting is licensed locally by individual cities and counties.

Quick facts

When a license is neededState trade licenses apply to commercial work in the five OCILB trades. Local general-contractor thresholds vary by municipality (some cities license work above roughly $1,000).
ExperienceYes for the OCILB trades. Typically a minimum of five years of experience in the trade (or equivalent education plus experience).
ExamYes for OCILB trades. Applicants pass a PSI Business and Law exam plus a trade-specific exam (about 70% to pass each).
InsuranceOCILB trades require at least $500,000 general liability insurance with OCILB named as certificate holder. Workers' compensation is required if you have employees.
FeesOCILB application fee is about $25, plus separate PSI exam fees.
RenewalAnnual for OCILB licenses, with 8 hours of continuing education.
Main agencyOhio Construction Industry Licensing Board
Official sitehttps://elicense.ohio.gov/
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Ohio board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Ohio

  1. Confirm your work falls under an OCILB trade (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, or refrigeration); otherwise check local city/county licensing for general contracting.
  2. Document at least five years of trade experience (or equivalent education plus experience).
  3. Pass the PSI Business and Law exam and the trade-specific exam.
  4. Obtain at least $500,000 general liability insurance naming OCILB as certificate holder.
  5. Submit the OCILB application and fee through the Ohio eLicense portal.

Frequently asked questions

Does Ohio issue a state general-contractor license?

No. Ohio only licenses five commercial trades through OCILB. General contractors are licensed by local cities and counties.

Which trades does OCILB license?

Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, and refrigeration contractors performing commercial work.

What insurance does OCILB require?

At least $500,000 in general liability insurance naming OCILB as certificate holder, kept in force for the life of the license, plus workers' compensation if you have employees.

How much experience is needed for an OCILB trade license?

Generally a minimum of five years of experience in the trade, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

How often does an OCILB license renew?

Annually, with 8 hours of continuing education.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Ohio licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.