Article Index
Washington Contractor Licenses
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) enforces regulations related to Providers, Businesses, and Workers to ensure safe and up-to-code practices. At the same time, the Department of Labor & Industries is the entity responsible for licensing construction contractors in the State of Washington. Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries distinguishes between seven construction license categories, depending on the Board that handles the issuing, the type of work, the application requirements, and the examination process: General and Specialty contractor licenses; Plumbing licenses & certifications; Electrical licenses & certifications; Elevator contractor licenses; Mobile Home Installation certifications; Boiler licenses; and Asbestos licenses.
Washington has designated several testing companies to administer the contractor examinations depending on the license category. PSI© is the company in charge of administering the license exams for electrical and plumbing licenses. Contractor examinations for mobile home installation certifications and elevator licenses are managed by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) itself. The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors administers the boiler license examinations. Finally, applicants for asbestos licenses must take a test that is part of the training program that has to be completed.
Below is a list of all Contractor Licenses in Washington with their corresponding information on the overall process to obtain the classification chosen.
Appliance Repair (7D)
Maintenance of small appliances (250 volt, 60 amp, single phase)
Appliances, Equipment
Install and replace appliances that require minimal gas and water connections, excluding dishwashers, hot water tanks, and garbage disposals
Asbestos and Lead
Work on piping systems, floor and ceiling tiles, sheet flooring, acoustical finishes, wall, and attic insulation materials, shingles, and siding materials for asbestos and lead handling
Asbestos
Contract for removal and encapsulation of asbestos-containing material
Asbestos Supervisor
Supervise for work related to asbestos removal and encapsulation
Asbestos Worker
Hande all types of asbestos such as chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos
Awnings, Canopies, Patio Covers and Exterior Screens
Installation and repair of window awnings, door hoods, exterior screens, freestanding/attached canopies, and patio covers
Backflow (PL30)
Maintain and repair only existing backflow prevention assemblies
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector
Inspect active, inactive, out-of-service, and scrapped boilers and pressure vessels
Boiler Operator
Operate boilers in the State of Washington
Boiler, Steam Fitting, Process Piping
Perform work on power boiler installations, hot water heating systems, chimney connections, flues, refractories, burners, thermal insulation, process and specialty piping, pneumatic and electrical control, sheet insulation, and associated solar heating equipment
Cabinets, Millwork and Finish Carpentry
Install different items of finish carpentry such as cabinets, countertop frames, cases, and sashes, among others
Central Vacuum Systems
Central vacuum systems, pneumatic tube dispatching systems, and any other pipeline systems of reduced pressure for industrial and residential cleaning
Closets
Perform all work related to closets, storage and shelving systems, racks, rails, and drawers
Commercial and Residential (02)
Includes only residential conveyances like wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters, incline chairlifts, and residential elevators
Commercial/Industrial Refrigeration
All work related to refrigeration equipment and systems used for processing, storage, and display of food products and other perishable commodities
Concrete
Process and place concrete of all materials common to the concrete industry; placing film barriers, sealing, and waterproofing
Construction Clean-Up
Clean up and remove debris resulting from construction projects from buildings, grounds, or structures
Demolitions and Salvage
Wreck existing structures intended for disposal and salvage; erect temporary ramps, barricades, and pedestrian walkways for demolition purposes
Domestic Well (3A)
Circuit extensions and controls of 7.5 horsepower or less at 250 volts
Domestic Well (PL03A)
Install, maintain and repair equipment related to drinking or irrigation water, using pumps not exceeding 100 gallons per minute or 7.5 horsepower
Door, Gate, and Similar Systems (10)
Electric gates, doors, windows, awnings, movable partitions, curtains and similar systems
Doors, Gates and Activating Devices
Work on all types of residential, commercial, and industrial doors
Drain Cleaning and Snaking
Perform camera examination, cleaning or snaking of building drainage, and vent/sewer pipes
Drilling, Blasting and Soil Sampling
Blasting work, soil sampling, and different types of drilling (core and post, hole, horizontal, charges placement)
Drywall
Lay out and install gypsum wall board, interior lath, and plaster repair
Electrical Specialty
Electrical wires and equipment for light, heat, or power, and remote control, signaling, power limited, or communication circuits or systems
Electrical Administrator Appliance Repair (7D)
Ensure compliance with code of elevator appliance repair mechanics
Electrical Administrator Domestic Well (3A)
Supervise the work of Domestic Well (3A) contractors for code compliance
Electrical Administrator Door, Gate, and Similar Systems (10)
Make sure that the work performed on electrical door/gate/similar systems is up to code
Electrical Administrator Equipment Repair (7E)
Ensure Equipment Repair (7E) electricians abide by the state electrical laws and regulations
Electrical Administrator General (AD01)
Be assigned to a general electrical contractor no matter the specialty
Electrical Administrator HVAC/Refrigeration - Restricted (6B)
Guarantee that all work performed by HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted (6B) electricians complies with code regulations
Electrical Administrator HVAC/Refrigeration System (EL06A)
Cannot perform the type of work covered by the HVAC/Refrigeration System (EL06A) license but ensures it is up to code regulations
Electrical Administrator Limited Energy System (EL06)
Supervise work performed on low-voltage circuits for compliance with laws and regulations
Electrical Administrator Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit (7A)
Work alongside Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit (7A) electricians to supervise the work performed
Electrical Administrator Nonresidential Maintenance (EL07)
Ensure that all work performed by Nonresidential Maintenance (EL07) electricians follows state regulations and laws
Electrical Administrator Pump and Irrigation (EL03)
Oversee the work performed by Pump and Irrigation (EL03) electricians to ensure compliance with code regulations
Electrical Administrator Residential (EL02)
Review Residential (EL02) electricians’ work following state electrical dispositions
Electrical Administrator Residential Maintenance (7B)
Supervise the work performed on equipment and circuits of a maximum of 250 volts, 60 amperes and ensure it is up to code regulations
Electrical Administrator Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance (7C)
Ensure Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance (7C) electricians abide by the state electrical dispositions
Electrical Administrator Signs (EL04)
Work with Signs (EL04) electricians and supervise the work for code compliance
Electrical
Contract, as a business, for electrical work
Electrical Trainee
Work under the supervision of a certified electrician
Elevator Specialty
Perform all types of work related to elevators, conveyances, and equipment associated with the operation of elevators
Elevator
Employ elevator mechanics and bid on public and private contracts related to elevator services
Emergency Elevator Mechanic (10)
Install, alter, maintain, and inspect conveyances during a state of emergency
Employees of Public Agencies (08)
Maintenance and non alteration repair of conveyances limited to employees of public agencies
Equipment Repair (7E)
Service utilization equipment of no more than 60 volts
Excavation, Grading and Land Clearing
Dig, move, and alter materials that form the Earth’s surface
Fencing
Construction, alteration, and repair of fences, corrals, cribs, guard rails, backstops, posts, flagpoles, etc.
Fire Protection
Lay out, fabricate and install fire protection systems and the equipment related to their functioning
Fireproofing and Coating
Apply different types of fireproofing and coating materials
Floor Covering and Counter Tops
Perform work on floor covering materials and related accessories
Framing and Rough Carpentry
Perform tasks related to the installation and repair of framing systems, and engage in all phases of rough carpentry
General Elevator Mechanic (01)
Work on all types of elevators and conveyances in any location under the Revised Code of Washington
General Journey Level Electrician (EL01)
Can work on all specialty electrical categories without restriction
Glass and Glazing
Select, alter, assemble, and repair all types of glass and glass work, including installing and glazing different structures such as frames, sashes, glass doors, etc.
Gutters and Downspouts
Installation, repair, and maintenance of gutters and exterior downspouts of several materials (metal, wood, plastic)
Handyman
Perform, by themselves, more than one unrelated specialty trade as long as it is minor and casual work under $2,000
Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
Assembly, installation and service of equipment used for heating and cooling of indoor air, like duct work, air filtering devices, thermal and acoustical insulation, etc.
House Moving
Raise, lower, crib, underpin, and move structures
HVAC/Refrigeration - Restricted (6B)
Work on class 2 low-voltage HVAC/Refrigeration and telecommunications systems, except on systems located in residential occupancies of more than three stories
HVAC/Refrigeration System (EL06A)
HVAC/R systems of 30 volts and less, installation of bonding conductor for metal gas piping only when terminations can be made external to electrical panelboards, switchboards, or other distribution equipment
Industrial Equipment/Machines
Install industrial machinery (generators, compressors, and bolted or permanently attached to structures processors)
Industrial Sites and Grain Terminals (03)
Electric and hand-powered manlifts, special-purpose elevators, and belt manlifts
Institutional Equipment, Stationary Furniture, Lab Tables, Lockers
Equipment and furniture that becomes a permanent part of a structure, such as stationary desks, lockers, chalkboards, shelving, storage, and seats in an auditorium
Insulation and Acoustical
Installation, alteration, and repair of insulation materials used for the control of heat, sound, and moisture
Irrigation Sprinkler Systems
Install, repair, and maintain sprinkler systems for irrigation, dust, and soil erosion control using equipment, materials, and fittings common to the industry
Journey Level Master Electrician
Supervise electricians and electrical work as designated by an electrical contractor
Journey Level Plumber (PL01)
Perform work in all the phases of plumbing construction
Landscaping
Construct, install, maintain, repair, and develop landscape systems and facilities. Prepare land and use materials and equipment common to the industry. Companies that only deliver material are exempt from registration
Lathing and Plastering
Coat surfaces to create a permanent surface coating for the means of fireproofing or soundproofing. May install materials to provide a base or bond for such coating
Limited Energy System (EL06)
Limited to the installation of signaling and power-limited circuits, related equipment, and low-voltage circuits. Includes installing systems such as telecommunications, and similar low-energy circuits and equipment
Limited Residential (06)
Limited to installing, altering, maintaining, inspecting, relocating, decommissioning and repairing residential wheelchair lifts, residential dumbwaiters, and residential incline chairlifts
Locks, Security Alarms and Warning Systems
Set up, install, maintain and repair doors, gates, locks, and devices such as locking devices, jail and prison locking devices, and built-in safes, among others. May also require an electrical license
Manufactured/Mobile Home Installer
Perform all aspects of home-installation work, including but not limited to constructing the foundation system, installing support piers, and skirting
Manufactured/Mobile Home Set Up
Install, alter or prepare mobile homes for the purpose of sitting the home. Installation of electrical equipment that conveys power to the home requires an electrical license
Masonry
Install materials for refractory work. Includes the fabrication and installation of masonry component units for structural load bearing and other components. Includes chimney cleaning and repair
Master Appliance Repair (7D)
Supervise electrical work which Includes the servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing household appliances, small commercial/industrial appliances, and other small electrical utilization equipment
Master Domestic Well (3A)
Supervise electrical work limited to the extension of a branch circuit to signaling circuits, motor control circuits, motor control devices, and pumps which do not exceed 7 1/2 horsepower at 250 volts AC single phase input power
Master Door, Gate, and Similar Systems (10)
Supervise electrical work under this specialty, which may install, service, maintain, repair, or replace door/gate/similar systems, electrical operator wiring, and equipment
Master Equipment Repair (7E)
Supervise electrical work for the servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of utilization equipment
Master HVAC/Refrigeration - Restricted (6B)
Supervise electrical work for the installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance of HVAC/refrigeration systems. Limited to telecommunications and class 2 low-voltage control circuit wiring/components
Master HVAC/Refrigeration System (EL06A)
Supervise electrical work on the installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of HVAC/refrigeration systems regardless of the number of stories above grade and not limited by voltage, phase, or amperage
Master Limited Energy System (EL06)
Supervision of electrical work limited to the installation of signaling and power-limited circuits and related equipment. This specialty is restricted to low-voltage circuits
Master Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit (7A)
Electrical work supervision limited to working within the housing of existing nonresidential luminaires for work related to repair, service, maintenance of luminaires, and installation of energy-efficient lighting retrofit upgrades
Master Nonresidential Maintenance (EL07)
Supervise electrical work limited to the maintaining, repairing, and replacing existing electrical equipment and conductors, including the installation and connections of temporary conductors and equipment for load testing
Master Pump and Irrigation (EL03)
Supervise electrical work limited to the electrical connection of circuits, feeders, controls, low voltage, related telecommunications, and services to supply. May also perform the work defined for Domestic Well
Master Residential (EL02)
Supervision of electrical work limited to telecommunications, low voltage, and line voltage wiring for one-family or multifamily dwellings. Wiring is limited to nonmetallic sheathed cable and includes the wiring for ancillary structures
Master Residential Maintenance (7B)
Supervise electrical work in the Maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing electrical utilization equipment and all permit-exempted work. Limited to residential and multistory dwelling structures with or without commercial facilities
Master Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance (7C)
Supervision of electrical work in the maintenance, repair, or replacement of electrical utilization equipment. May disconnect and reconnect low-voltage control and line voltage supply whips not over six feet in length
Master Signs (EL04)
Supervise electrical work limited to placement and connection of signs and outline lighting, the electrical supply, related telecommunications, controls, and associated circuit extensions. May also perform work on retrofit kits
Material Lifts (05)
Limited to installing, altering, maintaining, inspecting, relocating, decommissioning, removing, and repairing material lifts
Medical Gas Piping Installer (MG01)
Perform work on medical gas piping systems with a medical gas piping installer endorsement
Metal Fabrication/Sheet Metal
Fabricate, install and repair architectural and general products made of sheet metal. Does not include structural metal fabrication
Nonresidential Lighting Maintenance and Lighting Retrofit (7A)
Repair, service, and maintain nonresidential luminaires. Install energy efficient lighting retrofit upgrades. Limited to the luminaire body
Nonresidential Maintenance (EL07)
Limited to maintaining, repairing, and replacing like-in-kind existing electrical equipment and conductors. Includes installing and connecting temporary conductors and equipment for load testing, not exceeding 600 volts
Overhead/Garage Doors
Install wood, wood panel, steel panel, or steel roll-up doors and the rails and support systems common to the industries. Includes installation of power or hand-operated opening/closing motors and devices
Painting and Wall Covering
Install surface coverings and apply materials for decorating or protective purposes. Includes surface preparation, caulking, pressure washing, sandblasting and cleaning preparatory to painting/wall covering
Paving/Striping/Seal Coating
Install, excavate, grade, compact and repair the application of asphalt or cement to areas such as streets, parking lots, etc. Includes filling cracks, applying sealants, and installing precast bumpers, traffic signs, and striping
Plumbing Specialty
Install, alter, repair, and renovate pipes, plumbing fixtures, drains, sewers, medical gas and vacuum systems, heating systems, and vents. Includes solar heating equipment attached to potable water systems
Pressure Washing
Clean and prepare surfaces with pressurized water for any protective, decorative, and functional treatment on a commercial or residential structure. Includes dust control
Pump and Irrigation (EL03)
Limited to the electrical connection of circuits, feeders, controls, low voltage, related telecommunications, and services for domestic and public water irrigation systems, not including wastewater
Pump and Irrigation (PL03)
Install, maintain, and repair equipment that is used to acquire, treat, store, or move water suitable for drinking or irrigation purposes
Residential (EL02)
Limited to telecommunications, low voltage, and line voltage wiring for one-family or multifamily dwellings. Wiring is limited to nonmetallic sheathed cable and includes the wiring for ancillary structures
Residential (PL02)
Install, maintain, and repair plumbing in single-family dwellings, duplexes, and apartment buildings that do not exceed three stories
Residential Inclined Elevators (07)
Limited to the installation, alteration, maintenance, inspection, relocation, decommission, and repair of residential inclined elevators
Residential Maintenance (7B)
Maintain, repair, or replace (like-in-kind) existing electrical utilization equipment, and all permit exempted work. limited to residential and multistory dwelling structures with or without commercial facilities
Residential Service (PL04)
Repair or replace existing fixtures, piping, and fittings in duplexes and single-family dwellings. Perform drain cleaning and pipe, fitting, or fixture leak repairs in residential structures. May supervise plumber trainees
Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance (7C)
Maintain, repair, or replace electrical utilization equipment. May disconnect and reconnect low-voltage control and line voltage supply whips not over six feet in length
Roofing
Install and repair materials that form a water-tight, weather-resistant surface for roofs and decks. Includes roofing-related architectural sheet metal
Sandblasting
Work using compressed air with abrasive materials. May prepare surfaces for any protective, decorative, or functional treatment on a commercial or residential structure
Sanitation Systems and/or Side Sewers
Fabricate and install sewage disposal and drain systems outside building structures. Includes laying any hardware needed for those systems, as well as any related excavating, grading, trenching, surfacing, and backfilling
Scaffolding and Safety Railings
Erect metal or wood scaffolding, including temporary sidewalk-sheltered construction work barricades, safety railings, stages, and bleachers
Service Station Equipment and Maintenance
Install auto hoisting equipment, hydraulic systems, grease racks, compressors, air hoses, fuel dispensing, cathodic and other service station equipment. May also require an electrical license
Siding
Install all types of exterior siding, including but not limited to wood, wood products, vinyl, aluminum, and metal siding to new or existing buildings
Signs (EL04)
Limited to placement and connection of signs and outline lighting, the electrical supply, related telecommunications, controls, and associated circuit extensions. May also perform work on retrofit kits
Signs
Fabrication and installation of all types of signs. May also require an electrical license
Steel Erectors
Fabricate and erect structural steel shapes and plates which are or may be used as structural members for buildings and structures
Structural Pest Control
Construct, repair, and install ventilation screens, bird exclusion devices, and caulking cracks and holes to exclude and repel pests. Includes the replacement of bird-blocking screens
Suspended Ceilings and Acoustical Tile
Install, modify or repair all types of suspended ceilings, including but not limited to lay-in-grid and other types of systems involving solid, perforated, or translucent ceiling panels
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
Construct, alter, and repair permanent swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs, including associated equipment. Includes repair of materials in standard bathtubs or showers. May require an electrical license
Tanks and Tank Removal
Install and remove fuel storage grain and other tanks that have been or will be used for dispensing gasoline or other chemicals. Includes the installation and removal of all incidental tank-related piping. May require an electrical license
Telecommunications Administrator
Supervise the work of telecommunications contractors to ensure adherence to the state electrical laws, rules, and regulations on the installation, maintenance, and testing of telecommunications systems
Telecommunications
Limited to installing, maintaining, and testing telecommunications systems and equipment. Includes systems such as open-wiring, audio or paging, closed circuit video monitoring, and more
Temporary and Special Purpose Conveyances (04)
Install, alter, maintain, inspect, relocate, decommission, remove, and repair temporary personnel hoists, temporary material hoists, and special purpose elevators
Temporary Elevator Mechanic License (09)
Install, alter, maintain, inspect, relocate, decommission, remove, and repair conveyances in the category for which the license is sought
Tile, Ceramic, Mosaic and Natural and Manufactured Stone
Prepare surfaces, install any tile units set in the traditional or innovative tile methods, excluding hollow or structural partition tile. May require a plumber certification
Tree Removal
Fall or remove trees, stumps, or branches on a residential or commercial property or near a residential or commercial structure, outbuilding, or fence
Utilities and Telecommunications
Perform excavation, cabling, horizontal boring, grading, and backfilling necessary to construct a utility or telecommunication system. Also fabricates and installs pipes and piping for gases and other substances
Water Conditioning Equipment
Install water conditioning or water treatment equipment with only such pipes and fittings necessary for a water supply system. May also require a plumber certification
Welding and Ornamental Metal
Install, alter, remove, or repair all architectural, structural and decorative steel, aluminum or other materials in welding techniques
Well Drilling
Install and repair water wells and pumps to supply uncontaminated water by boring, drilling, excavating, and more. Install water conditioning equipment and perform soil sampling. May require a plumber certification
Window Coverings
Installation of window treatment rods and other handling devices, covering products, and treatments applied for temperature control
Wood/Pellet and Gas Stove
Install wood, pellet, gas stoves, zero clearance, and fireplace inserts. The installation of piping, ducting, and equipment for transmitting the heated air or water produced by the devices may also require an electrical license
- Details
- Written by Aengels G.
