Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Alaska
Contractor, AK
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Alaska?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Alaska?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Alaska
What Are the Requirements of an Alaska Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Alaska?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Alaska?
Alaska Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Alaska Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Alaska?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Alaska?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these people to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Alaska employs 1,380 managers and 2,790 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Alaska, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers and managers is 9% for each. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started as a registered contractor in the state of Alaska.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Alaska?
A contractor license is necessary to perform most work legally in the state of Alaska. Licensing is overseen by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
The contractor licensing requirement serves multiple crucial purposes. It protects consumers by ensuring contractors meet specific professional standards, carry appropriate insurance, and have the necessary skills to complete construction work safely and effectively. Licensing helps maintain quality standards in the construction industry, provides accountability, and gives property owners confidence when hiring contractors. By regulating who can perform construction work, Alaska aims to prevent substandard work, reduce potential safety risks, and ensure contractors are financially responsible and professionally qualified.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Alaska?
The process is all spelled out on the state website. If you’re a corporation or LLC, you must register your business entity with the Corporations Division before your application can be processed. If you plan to operate under any name besides your legal name, you need to reserve it. Applicants are required to have a Social Security number. A foreign citizen who’s unable to obtain a U.S. SSN may apply for exemption by completing a Request for SSN Exemption Form.
Proof of current general liability insurance is required, with limits of at least $20,000 for damage to property, $50,000 for injury, including death, to any one person, and $100,000 for injury, including death, to more than one person. General contractors are also required to have a bond in an amount dependent on the license type. Businesses with employees, or corporations or LLCs, also require workers’ compensation insurance.
The Residential Endorsement requires taking a course and passing an exam.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Alaska
The contractor license types in Alaska include:
General Contractor without Residential Endorsement: Contractors whose operations require the use of three or more trades or the use of mechanical or specialty contractors and subcontractors who are supervised by the contractor.
General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement: Contractors completing construction or alterations of a privately owned residential structure of one to four units. General contractors who oversee new home construction or perform residential work greater than 25% of the value of the structure being altered must have this endorsement.
Specialty Contractor: Contractors who provide a limited use of specific construction techniques or materials as part of one specialty trade, such as flooring, carpentry, drywall, masonry, sheet metal, and painting.
Handyman Contractor: Contractors who work on one project with an aggregate contract price of $10,000 or less, including all labor, materials, and other items.
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is that you need to be licensed to do any kind of initial residential work or commercial work, including construction, repair, or maintenance, in the state of Alaska. The application process for obtaining a General Contractor license includes:
REGISTER BUSINESS ENTITY: Corporations or LLCs are required to register their business entity with the Corporations Division before an application can be processed. If you plan to operate under any name besides your legal name, you need to reserve it.
OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: Proof of current general liability insurance is required, with limits of at least $20,000 for damage to property, $50,000 for injury, including death, to any one person, and $100,000 for injury, including death, to more than one person. General contractors are also required to post a $25,000 bond. Businesses with employees, or corporations or LLCs, must obtain workers’ compensation insurance.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Applicants should fill out the contractor license application via the MY LICENSE self-service portal. A $100 application fee and $250 registration fee applies.
Getting a residential or specialty license
A Specialty Contractor license follows the above process, with a lower bond amount of $10,000. The General Contractor Handyman license follows the same process, but with just a $5,000 bond required.
A General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement license follows the same process as above, but applicants are also required to take a 16-hour cold climate course and pass an exam. There’s a $150 exam fee. The required bond amount for residential work is slightly less, at $20,000.
For those interested in specific trade licenses, we recommend consulting our comprehensive guides to getting an electrician, plumber, or HVAC/mechanical contractor license in Alaska to understand the full scope of requirements and opportunities.
What Are the Requirements of an Alaska Contractor License?
The requirements for licensure as a contractor in California are all intended to demonstrate that an individual who will be serving the public is properly prepared to do the job right. To that end there are knowledge/experience, and financial prerequisites.
You must have a Social Security number or complete a Request for SSN Exemption Form.
All license types require general liability insurance, a surety bond, and workers’ compensation for companies with employees.
The residential endorsement requires an exam.
There is an application and registration fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Alaska?
On its website, the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing notes it generally takes several weeks to process a completed application packet.
The MY LICENSE portal allows applicants to see real-time progress on their application, including all notes and status letters from the licensing examiner. If you don’t see any notes in MY LICENSE more than four weeks after submitting your application, contact the Division via the Professional Licensing contact form.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Being efficient in the contracting world, no matter where you are in your licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one contracting software gives workers and business owners in residential field service, commercial contracting, or new construction the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it effectively.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos and financing options, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket price.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Alaska?
For all license types, a $100 application fee and $250 registration fee applies. The residential endorsement requires a $150 residential contractor endorsement exam.
It’s important to consider other potential expenses beyond license fees, including the cost of obtaining required insurance policies (general liability and workers’ compensation) and any business setup costs. These fees collectively contribute to ensuring contractors meet local and state standards for safety, competence, and professionalism.
Contractors should budget for both upfront and recurring expenses, such as annual license renewals or insurance premiums, to maintain compliance and keep their businesses running smoothly.
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Alaska Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While Alaska doesn’t mandate specific educational requirements for obtaining a contractor license, the state offers numerous pathways for professional development and skill enhancement in the construction industry. The absence of mandatory coursework provides flexibility for aspiring contractors to pursue their careers through various educational and experiential routes.
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are several higher education options throughout The Last Frontier that offer these types of programs. They include:
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships represent a dynamic alternative to traditional academic paths, offering practical, on-the-job learning experiences. Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program. The Alaska Works Partnership maintains a list of apprenticeship opportunities, including:
Alaska Carpenters Training Trust
Laborers Local 341
Does Alaska Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Unlike for electricians, the state of Alaska doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with any other states for the construction contractor licenses. Professionals from other states must complete the full Alaska licensing process. This approach ensures all contractors meet the state's specific professional standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Alaska?
Yes, all construction contractor licenses expire on Sept. 30 of even-numbered years. They can be renewed through MY LICENSE for $125.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Alaska?
Yes, a contractor operating without a license is subject to a $1,000 civil penalty for the first offense and $1,500 for subsequent offenses. In cases of severe or repeat offenses, Alaska law allows for criminal penalties in addition to the civil fine.
Beyond the direct legal penalties, unlicensed contractors risk damage to their reputation, loss of client trust, and potential civil lawsuits if their work fails to meet safety or quality standards. Additionally, contractors operating without the required insurance coverage could be held personally liable for accidents, injuries, or property damage, which can result in significant financial losses.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
The residential endorsement requires 16 hours of continuing education for license renewal. The Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing maintains a list of approved continuing education courses. Only eight hours of business-related courses count. The other eight hours have to be technical training.
For other license types that don’t require continuing education, you’ll still want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option is the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) which provides continuing education courses.
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
