How to Get a Louisiana Contractor's License
How do you get a general contractor’s license in Louisiana? This step-by-step guide makes it easy to understand the Louisiana contractor licensing process. Whether you’re working in residential or commercial construction, you’ll learn how to meet state requirements, complete the application, and take advantage of the NASCLA exam to become a licensed general contractor in Louisiana.
What Are The Benefits of Having a General Contractor's License in Louisiana
Becoming a licensed general contractor in Louisiana can take your construction career to the next level. It not only helps you stand out as a qualified professional, but also builds credibility with clients and gives you access to larger, higher-paying projects.
Stand Out
Having the title “licensed general contractor” puts you a step ahead in the construction industry. It allows you to legally pull permits and perform work that unlicensed contractors cannot.
Stay In Compliance
Unlicensed construction work is illegal in many cases. A license ensures that you are in compliance with the Louisiana State Licensing Board For Contractors.
Higher Profit
Commercial construction over $50,000 or residential construction over $75,000 requires a licensed general contractor. Earn higher profits by completing larger scaled projects with a general contractor’s license.
Your Contractor's License
NASCLA Exam
The NASCLA exam is a nationally recognized licensing exam for contractors, known for its acceptance in 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Louisiana, passing the NASCLA exam can help you qualify for your general contractor license and makes it easier to work across multiple states without retaking the test.
The Process
Louisiana General Contractor Application Requirements
Being thoroughly prepared to handle both the application and examination processes is essential when pursuing your general contractor’s license in Louisiana. For detailed guidance, visit the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Important requirements include:
1. Louisiana Contractor License Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or qualified alien
2. Meet The Financial Requirements
In Louisiana, you must have a minimum net worth of $10,000 to be approved for a general contractor’s license.
If you are going to be performing work under an entity, create your entity before you submit you contractor’s license application. Be sure that your newly formed entity has the required minimum net worth.
3. Examination Requirements
- The NASCLA exam can serve as your trade exam for a commercial and/or residential general contractor license in Louisiana
- Take the Louisiana Business, Law and Project Management course
4. Meet the Insurance Requirements
- Certificates of insurance are required for general liability and workers' compensation insurance if you are applying for Residential, Mold Remediation or Home Improvement contractor licenses.
5. Louisiana Contractor License Application Fee
- Commercial and Residential Contractor Licenses Standard Fees:
- Application Fee = $100
- Background Financial Investigation/Processing Fee = $60
- Business and Law Course Fee = $120
- Classification Fee = $100 for the first classification and $95 for each additional classification
- Administration/Transaction Fee = $120/classification
1
Study For And Pass The Exam
Study for the NASCLA exam and take the Louisiana Business, Law and Project Management course.
2
Submit Your Application
Submit your Louisiana general contractor’s license application and get approved by the Board.
3
Get Your Louisiana Contractor's License!
Obtain your contractor’s license and renew your license as needed.
Our NASCLA Prep Plans
NASCLA Practice Exam
For students already well prepared for the NASCLA
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Two attempts on a timed NASCLA practice exam
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Answer key
NASCLA Full Course
For students looking for the best all around NASCLA prep
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Tutorial Videos
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Study guides and test taking tips
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Practice quizzes for each book
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Time practice exams
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1,200+ question bank
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Unlimited quiz and exam attempts
NASCLA Book Tabs
Yes, pre-printed tabbing is allowed and encouraged!
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Pre-printed book tabs for each chapter and each book
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Additional 'Index' printed tabs
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Additional blank tabs
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Louisiana Contractor License FAQ
Have questions about getting your contractor’s license in Louisiana?
Browse our FAQs to see if your question is answered. If not, feel free to contact our team—we’re here to support you every step of the way!
An unlicensed contractor can only perform work on commercial projects up to $50,000 in Louisiana. There are steep penalties for performing work as an unlicensed contractor.
The NASCLA exam is accepted in Louisiana to obtain your commercial license. You can later apply for a residential license.
You or your entity must have a net worth of $10,000 to obtain your license.
On the application you will fill out a financial statement affidavit. This is to ensure that the contractor applicant has the appropriate financial standing to obtain a license. Louisiana does accept bonds and alternate methods if the if the applicant is unable to demonstrate a $10,000 net worth.
The application fee for a contractor license is $100.00. The background financial/investigation fee is an additional $60.00.
The application fee for the NASCLA exam is $35.00. Once approved there is an additional $130.00 fee to take the exam.
Louisiana offers an online business and law exam course. This should be taken after passing the NASCLA exam.
Louisiana offers an online business and law exam course. This should be taken after passing the NASCLA exam.
The Louisiana contractor license application fee is $120.00 for the Business and Law course and $60.00 for the financial investigation/processing fee.
You are required to have proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 and worker’s compensation insurance.
Insurance certificates should be emailed to insurance@lacontractor.org
You will need to register your business and include the business information before completing your license application in Louisiana. Your business will be the licensee whereas you, the test taker, will be the qualifier for the licensee.
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