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