Preparing for a career as a dwelling contractor in Wisconsin can lead to a bright future.
Housing starts are up in Wisconsin in 2017, so this may be a good time for someone thinking of becoming a licensed contractor to move ahead with those plans. The highest number of housing starts, according to the Wisconsin Builders Association, are in Brown, Dane, Eau Claire, Outagamie, Ozaukee, St. Croix, Washington and Waukesha Counties. Knowing what training and education are required to be a contractor in Wisconsin takes you toward the goal of becoming one. Since Wisconsin contractors are required to take educational courses in order to become certified and retain that certification, completing the requirements through a preapproved online contractor school is a smart move.
Educational Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not have specific educational requirements before an applicant can apply for a contractor license. However, those applying for licensing generally have a lot of experience in the construction field, good skills at mathematics and other qualities that would make this type of career a success.
Obtaining Certification in Wisconsin
A law passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature requires that the contractor or person designated by that contractor obtain Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification and Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification in order to apply for a building permit for the construction of one or two-family dwellings. There are differences in the two certifications. A restricted certification is for projects under $25,000. A certification as a qualifier requires that the contractor carry liability insurance of at least $250,000 to cover property damage, injury or death. A dwelling contractor license is also required for which the contractor pays an annual fee and provides proof of insurance.
Taking the Pre-Qualifying Exam
Approved initial education of 12 hours of training courses is required in order to apply for the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification. Proof of its successful completion is included with the application for certification. These courses may be completed through a pre-approved online contractor school.
Contractors in Wisconsin can choose from a wide range of subjects to complete the continuing education requirements.
Maintaining Certification
To maintain certification, a contractor in Wisconsin has to complete 12 hours of continuing education courses every two years. The simplest way to accomplish that is through courses that have been pre-approved. Courses on the following subjects are acceptable:
- Laws and codes in construction
- Estimates, job costs, and business management
- Safety topics related to residential construction
- Changes in laws for business management and construction
- Building science and design
- Topics about sales and marketing
- Risk management, contracts, and liability
- Management of projects and personnel plus scheduling
- Accounting, taxes, and finance
- Customer service and communication
- Construction related topics such as carpentry, excavation or roofing
- Zoning, including government procedures and policies
- Environmental analysis and land use analysis
- Mitigation of hazardous materials
- Methods of energy conservation for residential structures
Studying at an Online Contractor School
PDH Contractor Academy, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Contractors Institute, offers the educational requirements needed for both the initial Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Qualifying License and for continuing education courses to maintain that license. All our courses are preapproved and can make your initial licensing and relicensing easier. Our initial licensing courses are offered online as a bundled package that completes the requirements. Continuing education courses are offered for home study or online in attractively priced bundles or individual courses to suit your needs. Start a course or learn more about what PDH Academy can do for you.