Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Kansas
Contractor, KS
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Kansas?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Kansas?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Kansas
What Are the Requirements of a Kansas Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Kansas?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Kansas?
Kansas Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Kansas Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Kansas?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Kansas?
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). Kansas employs 2,610 managers and 8,410 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Kansas, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate formanagers and laborers is lower at 7% and 6%, respectively. 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 Kansas.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Kansas?
The only state-level requirement for general contractors in Kansas is to register their business (corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships) with the Kansas Secretary of State. General partnerships and sole proprietors are exempt from having to register.
Some cities and counties enforce their own regulations for general contractors. For example, Johnson County requires a contractor license through the Department of Planning, Housing, and Community Development for residential and commercial construction. Sedgwick County, which includes Topeka and Wichita, requires a general contractor license through the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD).
Other counties, like Wyandotte County (Kansas City) simply require contractors to obtain a business license.
It’s essential to check with the local jurisdiction where you plan to work to ensure compliance with its specific licensing or registration requirements.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Kansas?
To register a business with the Kansas Secretary of State, you must create an account and follow the prompts online. The process to become a licensed contractor varies depending on the locality.
In Johnson County, applicants need U.S. government-issued identification and to pass an International Code Council (ICC) exam or obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture, engineering, construction science, or construction management from an Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET) or American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited program. They are also required to obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees (or a notarized waiver otherwise), as well as a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State. There is a $100 application fee and a $225 license fee, totaling $325. You can find all the information you need to apply on the County’s website.
In Sedgwick County, applicants must pass an exam, obtain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance (or submit a waiver), get a certificate of good standing, and pay an application fee (dependent on the class type). The full process is spelled out on the County’s website.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Kansas
Kansas does not issue statewide contractor licenses, but certain municipalities, such as Johnson and Sedgwick counties, have established their own licensing processes.
There are three classes for Sedgwick and Johnson County general contractor licensing. The license types include:
Class A General Contractor license: Allows the license holder to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish any structure. This includes framing, roofing, swimming pool construction, non-structural remodeling, tenant finish, or repairs of all structures, regardless of occupancy or height.
Class B Building Contractor license: Allows the license holder to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish all structures up to three stories in height. This includes framing, roofing, swimming pool construction, non-structural remodeling, tenant finish, or repairs of all structures, regardless of occupancy or height.
Class C Residential Building Contractor license: Allows the license holder to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish single-family or duplex residences and accessory buildings. This includes framing, roofing, swimming pool construction, non-structural remodeling, or repairs when associated with single-family and two-family dwellings, or accessory structures.
Getting a general contractor license
To register with the Kansas Secretary of State, visit the website, create a log-in, and follow the prompts.
Follow these steps to obtain a contractor license in Johnson County:
MEET EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants are required to either:
Pass the required ICC exam with a 75% or higher.
Obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture, engineering, construction science, or construction management from an ABET or ACCE-accredited program.
OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: Applicants need general liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage and a minimum $1,000,000 completed operations provisions, and workers’ compensation insurance with a $100,000 limit per occurrence if they have employees, or a notarized waiver if they don’t. A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State is required as well.
SUBMIT APPLICATION: Fill out the required application and submit it to Johnson County Contractor Licensing at 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 1000, Olathe, Kansas 66061 or contractor.licensing@jocogov.org. You must also pay the application fee ($100) and license fee ($225).
Follow these steps to obtain a contractor license in Sedgwick County:
PASS EXAM: Pass the required class exam with a 75% or higher.
OBTAIN REQUIRED INSURANCE: Applicants must obtain general liability insurance of at least $300,000 showing MABCD as the certificate holder and workers’ compensation insurance, or fill out an exemption waiver. A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State is required for all business entities except sole proprietors.
SUBMIT APPLICATION: Fill out the required license application and submit it to MABCD via fax at 316-660-1810 or mail at 271 W 3rd, Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67202. A $50 application fee applies as well as a license fee dependent on class:
Class A: $1,000
Class B: $600
Class C: $450
Getting a specialty license
For those interested in specific trade licenses, we recommend consulting our comprehensive guides to getting an electrician, plumber, HVAC license, or roofing contractor license in Kansas to understand the full scope of requirements and opportunities.
What Are the Requirements of a Kansas Contractor License?
Since there is no statewide license for contractors in Kansas, contractors must look to the local level for financial, education, and insurance requirements.
All contractors are required to register with the Kansas Secretary of State.
In Sedgwick and Johnson counties, general liability insurance and workers’ compensation certificates of insurance are required.
Both counties require an exam.
Both counties require an application fee.
Check in the locality you serve to know the exact requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Kansas?
The length of time depends on the city in which you are obtaining licensure. In Johnson County, one of the pathways to licensure is through obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years. Applicants can omit the degree if they pass the ICC exam.
Sedgwick County requires passing an exam as well. From there, it’s relatively quick to complete the application process and become licensed.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Kansas?
In Johnson County, there’s a $100 application fee and a $225 license fee. The required exam is $105.
Sedgwick County charges a $50 application fee, and a license fee dependent on the license class:
Class A: $1,000
Class B: $600
Class C: $450
The required exam incurs a $115 fee.
Kansas Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Education is one pathway to licensure in Johnson County. And while the state and other counties may not mandate a degree, 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 higher education options throughout The Sunflower State 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. To become an apprentice, apply directly with employers or create a job seeker account on www.KansasWorks.com to view opportunities.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Does Kansas Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Since there is no state-level general contractor license requirement, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states. This also means there’s a low barrier to entry for out-of-state contractors, who only have to meet and comply with local requirements and register their business with the state.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Kansas?
Yes, local licenses must be renewed. In Johnson County, all licenses expire at the end of the calendar year on Dec. 31, and can be renewed for $225.
Sedgwick County contractor licenses expire Dec. 31 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is the same as the license fees:
Class A: $1,000
Class B: $600
Class C: $450
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Kansas?
Since there’s no state license, penalties are up to each jurisdiction. Johnson and Sedgwick counties both address this in their zoning ordinances. In Johnson County, operating without the required license can incur up to a $500 penalty fee with each separate day counting as an additional offense. In Sedgwick County, operating without a license is considered a misdemeanor and punishable up to a $500 penalty fee.
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
Johnson County contractors must earn eight hours of continuing education credits prior to license renewal. Johnson County Contractor Licensing hosts spring and fall conferences in which contractors can earn these credits for free.
Even for counties that don’t require continuing education, such as Sedgwick County, you will 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 company’s 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.
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