Construction Work Regulated:

Virtually every aspect of commercial, residential and public works construction exceeding $2,000 per project requires registration by the state.

Electrical and plumbing work requires state licensing.

License Requirements

Contractors:

• Applicants shall submit a statement of good standing from the Workers' Compensation Bureau verifying coverage as well as a certificate of liability insurance from their insurance carrier.
• Annual renewal fees are $60, $40, $30 and $10 respectively.
• The average processing time on applications is ten days. There were 5,000 registered contractors as of October 1995.

Electricians:

• Applicants must pass a trade examination with a minimum score of 70% and provide documentation of four years of experience for a journeyman and one year as a journeyman for a master. A $2,000 bond is also required for electrical classification.

Plumbers:

• Applicants must pass a trade examination with a minimum score of 80% and provide experience documentation. The annual renewal fee is $165. There were 450 licensees as of October 1996.

Other:

• Public works contracts exceeding $25,000, except for special municipal improvements, require a bond in an amount equal to the contract price. A 5 percent bid bond is required for public building contracts valued higher than $50,000.

Reciprocal Agreements

North Dakota has electrical reciprocity agreements with Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Idaho.

Plumbing reciprocity agreements are in effect with Minnesota, Montana and South Dakota.

License Types

General Contractor:

• Class A - Unlimited value contracts
• Class B - Up to $250,000 per contract
• Class C - Up to $120,000 per contract
• Class D - Up to $ 50,000 per contract

Every contractor is required to pass the OSHA exam.