Invest in Your Construction Career with Kaplan General Contractor Courses

Kaplan Contractor School

Everything you need to get licensed in contracting and renew your license.

Ready To Get Licensed?

 

Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to prepare you for your contractor licensing exam. Our live classroom exam prep course, taught by industry experts, is packed with study tips and test-taking tactics to ensure you feel prepared for exam day.

Time To Renew Your License?

Choose from a variety of courses that will satisfy your required continuing education. All of our continuing education courses are state-approved, and many include the required hour on energy codes or energy conservation measures.

Minnesota Contracting Education

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Wisconsin Contracting Education

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Contractor Resource Center

Get the latest contractor industry news and career information.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

To become a licensed contractor you must be 18 years old, work at least two to five years in the same trade you want to apply in, pass your trade's contractor exam, obtain liability insurance, and pay the application and licensing fees. Requirements vary by state and locality.

Contractors make money from service charges above the costs involved in running their business. Their take home pay comes from money left over after paying for materials as well as other fixed and variable costs.

Contractors can make more money introducing greater efficiencies in their business strategy. These strategies include: 

  • Being selective with choosing projects based on their experience and capacity

  • Having a reliable team of subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors

  • Building relationships via networking and word-of-mouth

  • Reducing costs and cutting out waste

A contractor provides labor or services on a construction project. The main types of contractors include general, excavation, concrete, window and door, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, drywall, painting, landscaping, and many more.
Overall, a bachelor's degree in business, construction management, or general studies is the most common type of education for successful general contractors.
To start a career as a general contractor, you'll first need to consider an education in your chosen area of work - residential, commercial, remodel, renovation, supervisory, etc. After studying for and passing your state's general contractor licensing exam, you'll need to start gaining relative work experience. States typically have a minimum requirement for work experience to obtain a general contractor license - contact your state's licensing board for specific requirements. Requirements vary by state and locality.
Cross-Train to Become a Home Inspector

Thinking of expanding your skill set or changing your career direction? As an experienced contractor, breaking into home inspection is a natural transition. Home inspection can create new and exciting opportunities for you to grow your business. Kaplan offers specialized courses to get you started.

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Still Have Questions? Make an Appointment

Kaplan can help you learn where to start and ensure you have what you need to earn your contractor license. Schedule a time to talk to one of our experts and have all your questions answered—for free.

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