Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Wyoming
Contractor, WY
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Wyoming?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Wyoming?
Types of Contractor Licenses in Wyoming
What Are the Requirements of a Wyoming Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Wyoming?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Wyoming?
Wyoming Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Wyoming Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Wyoming?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Wyoming?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They are 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 men and women 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). Wyoming employs 840 managers and 2,940 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033; for laborers and helpers, it’s 8%. In Wyoming, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is more than double the national number at 20%, and for managers it’s also higher at 18%. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the contractor licensing requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Wyoming?
The state of Wyoming doesn’t issue a general contractor license at the state level. Instead, most licensing requirements are up to municipalities. However, Wyoming does require most Wyoming businesses to obtain a business license from the Attorney General’s Office. Licensure for HVAC and refrigeration techs, plumbers, roofing contractors, and other trades is also done at the local level. The only trade that requires a state-issued license is electrical contractors.
Cheyenne offers several classifications of general contractor licenses, and each one requires a specific amount of documented work experience. Licenses are issued by the Contractor Licensing Board, which is a division of the City of Cheyenne Department of Building Permitting & Licensing.
Casper also has several classifications for general contractor licenses and strict experience requirements for each license. Licenses are issued by the City of Casper Department of Building and Inspections.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Wyoming?
Aside from registering your business with the Secretary of State’s Office, the process to become a licensed contractor varies depending on the locality.
In Cheyenne, all contracting businesses must have at least one qualified supervisor. This individual must obtain the required amount of work experience for the license classification and pass the ICC National Exam. In addition to completing the contractor license application and paying license fees, the contractor must obtain workers’ compensation and liability insurance. You can find more information on the city website.
In Casper, you must obtain the required amount of work experience for the license classification and pass a licensing exam. In addition to completing the contractor license application and paying license fees, the contractor must obtain workers’ compensation and liability insurance. All applicants must submit a written affidavit verifying the minimum amount of work experience. You can find more information on the city website.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Wyoming
There are several classifications for Building Contractors in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Class A license entitles the holder to apply for permits for the construction, alteration, or repair of any type or size of structure, provided the contractor employs properly licensed subcontractors for all trades listed in the project.
The Class B license entitles the holder to apply for permits for the construction, alteration, addition, or repair of residential buildings or structures covered by the International Residential Code of two stories or less, and the construction of one-story commercial buildings with 7,500 square feet total area or less, provided the contractor employs properly licensed subcontractors for all trades listed in the project.
The Class C license entitles the holder to apply for permits for trade-specific work, including masonry, drywall, and general roofing. Class C license holders are not permitted to hire subcontractors.
The Class D license covers contractors who perform a specialty trade not covered by a Class C license, including flooring, painting, and siding. Class D license holders are not permitted to hire subcontractors.
The Class R license entitles the holder to apply for permits for the construction, alteration, addition, or repair of detached single-family dwellings not more than three stories above-grade in height and their accessory structures.
Cheyenne also issues separate licenses for low-voltage electrical work, plumbing, and more.
The city of Casper offers five classifications for general contractors.
The Class 1 license authorizes the contractor to construct, repair, or alter any size or type of structure. Every applicant must show a minimum of eight years of experience in the construction trades to qualify for licensure. Testing covers the latest edition of the International Building Code.
The Class 2A license authorizes the construction, alteration, or repair of all residential and commercial structures up to 12,000 square feet of total area within the building footprint. Every applicant must show a minimum of six years of experience in the construction trades to qualify for licensure. Testing covers the latest edition of the International Building Code.
The Class 2B license authorizes the construction, alteration, or repair of residential structures up to 12,000 square feet and apartment buildings up to four dwelling units. Every applicant must show a minimum of six years of experience in the construction trades to qualify for licensure. Testing covers the latest edition of the International Building Code.
The Class 3 license authorizes the contractor to repair, remodel, or alter single-family residences up to 25% of the assessed value. Every applicant must show a minimum of four years of experience in the construction trades to qualify for licensure. Testing covers the International Residential Building Code.
The Class 4 license authorizes the maintenance and repair of residential and commercial buildings. Every applicant must show a minimum of two years of experience in the construction trades to qualify for licensure. Testing covers the International Residential Building Code.
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is that you need to be licensed to do any kind of initial residential or commercial construction, repair, or maintenance in most cities in the state of Wyoming. Here’s how you go about getting licensed in Cheyenne and Casper.
Follow these steps to register as a contractor in Cheyenne:
GAIN NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: Cheyenne contractor license qualifications each mandate a specific amount of work experience, including: Class A - 7 years, Class B - 5 years, Class C - 3 years, Class D - 1 year, Class R - 5 years.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After gaining experience, complete the application process for your license application: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class R. All applications must be printed and mailed to the Contractor Licensing Board.
PAY APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: The license application fees in Cheyenne are as follows: Class A - $650, Class B - $450, Class C - $250, Class D - $250, Class R - $450.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The qualified supervisor on the license must pass an International Code Council exam as approved by the Licensing Board.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: As part of the application process, you must attest if you have ever had a license denied or revoked in the past or faced any criminal penalties or civil judgments.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must submit a certificate of general commercial liability insurance showing the City of Cheyenne Building Safety department as the certificate holder and also submit proof of registration with the Division of Worker’s Compensation in the Department of Workforce Services for the State of Wyoming.
Follow these steps to register as a contractor in Casper:
GAIN NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: The experience requirements for a Casper license are as follows: Class 1 - 8 years, Class 2A and Class 2B - 6 years, Class 3 - 4 years, Class 4 - 2 years.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After gaining experience, complete the license application for your classification. Applications must be completed in full and returned to the Community Development Department for review by the Chief Building Official.
PAY APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: The application fees in Casper are as follows: Class 1 - $300, Class 2A and Class 2B - $150, Class 3 and Class 4 - $150.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Class 1 and Class 2 contractors must pass the latest edition of the International Building Code exam. Class 3 and Class 4 applicants must pass the International Residential Building Code exam. The city of Casper may waive exam requirements if you’ve passed an equal exam from another jurisdiction in the state.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must obtain liability insurance in the minimum amount of $250,000 and workers’ compensation insurance.
Getting a specialty license
Wyoming issues state-level licenses only for apprentice, journeyman, and master electricians, as well as electrical contractors. To qualify for a journeyman electrician license, you must obtain 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician, and complete 576 hours of classroom instruction. To qualify for a master license, you must work for an additional four years as a journeyman electrician.
The Electrical Board of the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety is responsible for issuing electrical licenses.
For more, check out our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumbing license, or electrical license in Wyoming.
What Are the Requirements of a Wyoming Contractor License?
The requirements for licensure as a contractor in Wyoming 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 age, knowledge/experience, and financial prerequisites in many localities.
In general, you must be at least 18 years of age.
You must have either a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number.
Obtain the necessary work experience for your specific license classification.
Complete the license application
Take and pass all parts of the licensing examinations.
Pay all fees.
Attest to any criminal convictions or penalties.
Obtain workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Wyoming?
In Cheyenne, it will take a minimum of one year to qualify for a Class D license. However, this is the lowest level of licensure and allows you to perform only limited services. A Class A license in Cheyenne requires seven years of experience.
In Casper, it will take a minimum of two years to qualify for a Class 4 license and eight years to qualify for a Class 1 license.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Wyoming?
In Cheyenne, the licensing fees range from $250 to $650, depending on the license class. In Casper, the license fee ranges from $150 to $300. You will also incur expenses for obtaining liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
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Wyoming Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Both Cheyenne and Casper require a minimum amount of experience to qualify for a contractor license. Many candidates gain their experience by working directly for a licensed contractor, or by completing an apprenticeship. One option is to join a program through Wyoming Apprenticeships. Apprentices get paid while they learn valuable job skills, and the program website states 90% of candidates retain employment after their apprenticeship ends and make a starting average salary over $80,000.
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 Cowboy State that offer these types of programs. The following schools offer a Construction Management Bachelor of Science or Associate degree.
There are also many Wyoming Community Colleges throughout the state that offer Construction Management programs and associate degree and certificate options.
Does Wyoming Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
No. Because the state lacks a statewide contractor license, Wyoming doesn’t allow license reciprocity.
However, many cities will waive the qualifying exam if you’ve passed a similar exam from another jurisdiction.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Wyoming?
To keep your state-issued active license current in Cheyenne, you must renew it annually. The renewal fee in Cheyenne ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the license classification.
In Casper, you must renew your contractor license each year. The renewal fee for all license classifications is $75.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Wyoming?
Because contractor licenses are issued at the municipal level, penalties for unlicensed work vary across Wyoming. In Cheyenne, the licensing board has the authority to issue a stop-work order for any unlicensed work. In Casper, anyone who performs unlicensed work is guilty of a misdemeanor, which may result in a fine of up to $750 for each offense.
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
Though Wyoming does not require continuing education to renew your license, 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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