Elevators Contractor Licenses
The Department of Labor & Industries L&I regulates elevator licenses in Washington through the Elevator Program. Within this program, there are two main elevator license classifications: the Elevator Contractor license and the Elevator Mechanic License. The main difference between them is that the elevator contractor’s license allows a person to employ licensed elevator mechanics and bid on public and private contracts but does not allow the contractor to personally work on an elevator. However, applicants may obtain elevator contractor and mechanic licenses if they meet the requirements and pass the tests.
How to apply for the Elevator Contractor License?
- Be registered as a contractor with the L&I Department
- Fill out and submit a completed Licensed Elevator Contractor (LC) Operation form
- Have at least 5 years of experience performing conveyance work, which needs to be verified by current or previous elevator contractors licensed to do business or take and pass the multiple-choice examination
- The exam is administered by the L&I Department, which can be reached at 360-902-6130 or by email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Must pass with a minimum score of 70%
- The exam is administered by the L&I Department, which can be reached at 360-902-6130 or by email at
- Expect an answer from the department in regards to the license
Elevator Mechanic Licenses
The Elevator Mechanic Licenses are divided into two main categories; General and Specialty. The Specialty Elevator Mechanic License is divided into several categories with different qualification requirements depending on the category selected.
- General Elevator Mechanic (Category 01)
- Commercial and Residential (Category 02)
- Industrial Sites and Grain Terminals (Category 03)
- Temporary and Special Purpose Conveyances (Category 04)
- Material Lifts (Category 05)
- Limited Residential (Category 06)
- Residential Inclined Elevators (Category 07)
- Employees of Public Agencies (Category 08)
- Temporary Elevator Mechanic License (Category 09)
- Emergency Elevator Mechanic License (Category 10)
How to apply for an Elevator Mechanic License by Category?
Steps to apply for categories 01-08:
- Submit an Application for Licensure as an Elevator Mechanic
- Meet the experience and education requirements for each license:
- Categories 01, 02, 03, 04 and 08 must have a minimum of three years’ work experience in the elevator industry performing conveyance work which must be verified by current and previous employers licensed to do business in Washington or as an employee of a public agency
- Category 05 does not need to meet any specific educational or experience requirements to be obtained
- Category 06 must have a minimum of two years of experience in the Elevator trade performing conveyance work which needs to be verified by a current or prior employer licensed to do business in the State of Washington
- Category 07 must have a minimum of 1 year of experience in the elevator industry or 3 years of education in conveyance work. Either option must be verified by a previous or current employer
- Pass the examination administered by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program. For more information, contact them at 800-228-8220
- Expect an answer from the Department of Labor & Industries in regards to the license
Temporary Elevator Mechanic (Category 09):
- Complete 75% of the education and experience requirements in the area of specialty
- Reach out to the Labor & Industries Department to obtain the license
The Temporary Elevator Mechanic (Category 09) license is usually given to elevator trainees or apprentices enrolled in a qualifying program, qualified, out-of-state, licensed mechanics working temporarily in Washington, and qualified mechanics who are waiting on their permanent credentials to be approved by L&I. These licenses may be restricted to a specific conveyance or a geographical area. Note that a licensed elevator contractor must certify the licensee's qualifications and competency to obtain the license and that his license is only valid for a year, after which it may be renewed.
Emergency Elevator Mechanic (Category 10):
- Must have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work without direct and immediate supervision
- This is only issued during a declared state of emergency and is only valid for 30 days
- Contact the department for license issuance
Contacts & Useful Links for Elevator Licenses in Washington
Contact Information for Elevator Licenses
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Elevator Program
PO Box 44480
Olympia WA 98504
Toll-free: 1-800-705-1411
360-902-6130
Fax: 360-902-6132
National Elevator Industry Educational Program
Educational Program
11 Larsen Way, Attleboro Falls,
MA 02763
800-228-8220
