North Dakota Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
North Dakota uses a blended contractor licensing system. Core trade and business licenses are issued at the state level, while certain activities are additionally licensed by individual cities. Understanding which authority covers your trade and project scope is the fastest way to get compliant.
This guide walks you through the state-level licenses administered by the North Dakota Secretary of State, the State Electrical Board, the State Plumbing Board, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Environmental Quality, then highlights local HVAC and roofing licenses issued by cities such as Grand Forks and Fargo. We highlight several representative licenses and authorities for North Dakota below; this guide is updated periodically as additional jurisdictions are researched or requested.
If you work across multiple cities, expect to maintain your state credential(s) and meet any applicable local licensing in each jurisdiction. When in doubt, verify with the state authority and the local building department where the job is located.
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Overview of North Dakota Contractor Licensing
In North Dakota, multiple agencies regulate contractor licensing. The North Dakota Secretary of State (SOS) issues contractor licenses (Class A–D) for projects totaling more than $4,000 under NDCC ch. 43-07. Electricians are licensed by the North Dakota State Electrical Board, and plumbers by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. Specialty state credentials include water well contractors through the Department of Water Resources and asbestos abatement contractors through the Department of Environmental Quality.
Local governments may license certain trades in addition to state requirements. Two examples in this guide are the City of Grand Forks, which licenses mechanical (HVAC) contractors, and the City of Fargo, which licenses home roofers and heating/air conditioning contractors. Always check both layers—state and local—to confirm what applies to your scope of work and project location.
State-level licenses are summarized in the next section. Local trade licenses (e.g., HVAC and roofing) are covered within their dedicated trade sections further below. You can verify state contractor licenses and file applications through the SOS FirstStop portal at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov.
State-Level Licenses in North Dakota
State-level licenses are issued by North Dakota agencies and apply statewide. These credentials include the SOS contractor licenses (Class A–D), electrician licenses through the State Electrical Board, plumbing licenses through the State Plumbing Board, and specialty credentials (water wells and asbestos abatement).
Below are the principal state-level licenses by trade: Electrician, Plumbing, General Contractor (Class A–D under the Secretary of State), and Specialty (Water Well Contractor; Asbestos Abatement Contractor).
State-Level Electrician Licenses
Apprentice Electrician
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com/licensing
Exam: Not required for registration as an apprentice. Work must be supervised by a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
Core requirements:
- Register as an apprentice with the ND State Electrical Board.
- Perform electrical work only under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master.
Renewal: Annual.
Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: For future journeyman/master testing, use comprehensive PDF study guides typically with 1,500–2,500 NEC-focused questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Journeyman Electrician
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com/licensing
Exam: Required. Covers the National Electrical Code and North Dakota electrical laws and rules. Exam provider: contact the Board to verify current arrangements.
Core requirements:
- Complete the required period of supervised experience as a registered apprentice.
- Meet Board qualifications and pass the Journeyman examination.
Renewal: Annual; continuing education is required on topics such as NEC updates and North Dakota regulations.
Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
North Dakota Journeyman Electrician Practice Test: PDF study guide typically with 1,500–2,500 NEC-based questions, complete answer keys, and code reference locators. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. North Dakota Journeyman Electrician Practice Test.
Master Electrician
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com/licensing
Exam: Required. Focuses on advanced NEC application, ND statutes/rules, and supervision/design responsibilities. Exam provider: contact the Board to verify current arrangements.
Core requirements:
- Hold a North Dakota journeyman license and document additional Board-required experience.
- Pass the Master examination.
Renewal: Annual; continuing education required (hours and course approvals set by the Board).
Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
North Dakota Master Electrician Practice Test: PDF study guide typically with 1,500–2,500 NEC-based questions, complete answer keys, and code reference locators. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. North Dakota Master Electrician Practice Test.
Electrical Contractor
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board — https://www.ndseb.com/licensing
Exam: Not specified as required for the business license; the entity must designate a responsible North Dakota-licensed master electrician.
Core requirements:
- Designate a responsible master electrician licensed in ND.
- Maintain liability insurance as required by the Board.
Fees: Annual electrical contracting license and renewal fees are required (amounts set by the Board).
Renewal: Annual.
Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: For code knowledge and staff development, use comprehensive PDF guides typically with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and code reference locators. Study offline at your pace. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
State-Level Plumbing Licenses
Apprentice Plumber
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Plumbing Board — https://ndplumbing.com/licensing
Exam: Not required for apprentice registration.
Core requirements:
- Register as an apprentice under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
- Comply with supervision rules established by the Board.
Renewal: Annual.
Contact the North Dakota State Plumbing Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: When advancing to journeyman/master, use comprehensive PDF study guides typically with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and code reference locators. No time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Journeyman Plumber
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Plumbing Board — https://ndplumbing.com/licensing
Exam: Required. Covers North Dakota plumbing code, statutes/rules, and practical installation requirements. Exam provider: contact the Board to verify current arrangements.
Core requirements:
- Complete the Board-required term as a registered apprentice with documented on‑the‑job training.
- Meet eligibility and pass the Journeyman examination.
Renewal: Annual; continuing education is required as determined by the Board.
Contact the North Dakota State Plumbing Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: Comprehensive PDF study guides typically with 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and code reference locators. Study offline at your own pace. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Master Plumber
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Plumbing Board — https://ndplumbing.com/licensing
Exam: Required. Focuses on advanced code application, design, supervisory responsibilities, and ND statutes/rules. Exam provider: contact the Board to verify current arrangements.
Core requirements:
- Hold a journeyman license and meet additional Board experience requirements.
- Pass the Master examination.
- Liability insurance is typically required for plumbing contractors employing a master plumber (details set by the Board).
Renewal: Annual; continuing education required (amount set by Board rules).
Contact the North Dakota State Plumbing Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: PDF study materials typically with 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and code reference locators. Offline study; no time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Sewer and Water Installer
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Plumbing Board — https://ndplumbing.com/licensing
Exam: Required. Covers standards for building sewer and water service installation and applicable state code requirements. Exam provider: contact the Board to verify current arrangements.
Core requirements:
- Meet Board requirements for practical experience in building sewer/water service installation.
- Pass the Sewer and Water Installer examination.
Renewal: Annual.
Contact the North Dakota State Plumbing Board to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: Comprehensive PDFs with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and code reference locators to support code mastery. Self-paced; no time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
State-Level General Contractor Licenses
Contractors performing work totaling more than $4,000 must hold a North Dakota contractor license (Class A–D) issued by the Secretary of State. Applications and renewals are handled through the FirstStop portal.
North Dakota Contractor License – Class A
Regulatory authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors
Exam: Not required.
Core requirements:
- Sign a statement of contractor experience and qualifications in the FirstStop portal.
- Provide a certificate of liability insurance in the exact business name, listing the North Dakota Secretary of State (600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505) as certificate holder.
- If you have employees in North Dakota, provide a Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) certificate of payment or good standing.
Renewal: Annual, on or before March 1; renewal fee: $90. A late filing fee applies after March 1 (amount set by SOS).
Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm fees beyond renewal, insurance minimums, experience details, and any additional documentation before applying.
Exam Prep: Build code proficiency with PDFs typically including 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and reference locators. Great for in-house training and permit exam readiness. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
North Dakota Contractor License – Class B
Regulatory authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors
Exam: Not required.
Core requirements:
- Statement of experience and qualifications via FirstStop.
- Certificate of liability insurance naming the SOS as certificate holder.
- WSI documentation if you employ North Dakota workers.
Renewal: Annual, on or before March 1; renewal fee: $60. Late filing fee applies after March 1.
Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm fees beyond renewal, insurance minimums, experience details, and any additional documentation before applying.
Exam Prep: PDF guides with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and code references help teams stay code-current. No time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
North Dakota Contractor License – Class C
Regulatory authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors
Exam: Not required.
Core requirements:
- Statement of experience and qualifications via FirstStop.
- Certificate of liability insurance listing the SOS as certificate holder.
- WSI documentation if employing ND workers.
Renewal: Annual, on or before March 1; renewal fee: $45. Late filing fee applies after March 1.
Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm fees beyond renewal, insurance minimums, experience details, and any additional documentation before applying.
Exam Prep: Use comprehensive PDFs with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and code locators to prepare your crew. Offline study; unlimited use. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
North Dakota Contractor License – Class D
Regulatory authority: North Dakota Secretary of State — https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors
Exam: Not required.
Core requirements:
- Statement of experience and qualifications via FirstStop.
- Certificate of liability insurance listing the SOS as certificate holder.
- WSI documentation if employing ND workers.
Renewal: Annual, on or before March 1; renewal fee: $30. Late filing fee applies after March 1.
Contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to confirm fees beyond renewal, insurance minimums, experience details, and any additional documentation before applying.
Exam Prep: PDF study materials with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and code reference locators support compliance and training. Work offline at your pace. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
State-Level Specialty Licenses
Water Well Contractor
Regulatory authority: North Dakota State Board of Water Well Contractors (Department of Water Resources) — https://www.swc.nd.gov/regulations/water_well_contractors/
Exam: Required. Topics include water well construction, groundwater protection, and pertinent ND laws/rules. Exam provider: contact the Board to verify current arrangements.
Core requirements:
- Provide proof of water well drilling experience as required by the Board.
- Pass the certification examination; pay applicable certification fees.
Renewal: Annual.
Contact the State Board of Water Well Contractors to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: PDF study guides typically with 1,500–2,500 trade-relevant questions, answer keys, and code/reference locators for rapid lookup. Offline and reusable without limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Asbestos Abatement Contractor
Regulatory authority: North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality – Asbestos Control Program — https://deq.nd.gov/Environmental/Asbestos
Exam/Training: Required. Applicants must complete an approved asbestos abatement training course in the applicable category, and meet DEQ requirements for experience and certification testing. Exam provider: confirm in connection with approved training.
Core requirements:
- Approved asbestos abatement training (category-specific).
- Experience prerequisites and certification testing as determined by DEQ.
- Maintain liability insurance, and where applicable, pollution liability per DEQ regulations.
Renewal: Annual; refresher training is required at intervals specified by DEQ.
Contact the ND Department of Environmental Quality (Asbestos Program) to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exam Prep: Use comprehensive PDF materials to reinforce regulation knowledge with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and reference locators. Study offline; unlimited use. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Not sure which license you need? Review the SOS contractor license criteria and your trade’s state board page, then confirm if your city adds a local layer. For quick study support across trades, browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Electrician Licenses in North Dakota
Electrician licensing is handled by the North Dakota State Electrical Board at the state level. License types include Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Electrical Contractor. See the State-Level Electrician Licenses section above for requirements, renewal, and exam details.
Exam Prep: For journeyman/master exams, use NEC-focused PDF guides typically with 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline at your pace; no time or use limits. North Dakota Journeyman Electrician Practice Test or North Dakota Master Electrician Practice Test.
Plumbing Licenses in North Dakota
Plumbing licensing is regulated statewide by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. License types include Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Sewer & Water Installer. Refer to the State-Level Plumbing Licenses section above for experience, examination, insurance, and renewal specifics.
Exam Prep: Comprehensive PDF study guides typically with 1,500–2,500 questions covering code topics, plus answer keys and reference locators to exact sections. Offline study; no time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
HVAC Licenses in North Dakota
Some HVAC licensing is issued locally in North Dakota. Confirm local requirements in every jurisdiction where you plan to work.
Mechanical Contractor (Local Jurisdiction)
Jurisdiction: City of Grand Forks Building Safety Division — https://www.grandforksgov.com/government/city-departments/building-safety/contractor-licenses
Exam: Required — Grand Forks Master Mechanical Test (written). Passing score: 80%.
Core requirements:
- Qualify as a master mechanical installer per City of Grand Forks criteria.
- Maintain general liability insurance as required by the City.
Fees: City Master Mechanical License Fee — $170.00 per year (initial and renewal).
Renewal: Annual.
Contact the City of Grand Forks Building Safety Division to confirm insurance minimums, documentation, and any continuing education before applying or renewing.
Exam Prep: HVAC/mechanical code study packs are delivered as PDFs with 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and reference locators to speed code lookup. Study offline with no time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Heating/air conditioning contractor (Local Jurisdiction)
Jurisdiction: City of Fargo (City Auditor’s Office / Inspections Division) — https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/inspections/selecting-a-contractor
Exam: Not specified by the city page. Licensing and verification are handled through the City Auditor’s Office.
Core requirements:
- Meet Fargo’s licensing criteria for heating/air conditioning contractors.
- Maintain liability insurance as required by the City of Fargo.
Renewal: Annual (city-administered).
Contact the City of Fargo to confirm application forms, fees, insurance minimums, and any competency requirements before applying or renewing.
Exam Prep: PDF guides with 1,500–2,500 code-focused questions, answer keys, and reference locators for rapid code navigation. Study offline; unlimited use. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
📍 North Dakota Uses Local Licensing
Some contractor licensing in North Dakota is handled by individual cities and counties rather than a single statewide board. Application forms, insurance minimums, exams, and renewal cycles can vary by jurisdiction.
What this means for you:
- Confirm current requirements with the city or county where you will perform work.
- Plan for multiple licenses if you operate across several municipalities.
- Insurance certificates may need to name each city/county as certificate holder.
- Track renewal cycles and any CE separately for each jurisdiction.
To prepare efficiently for local competency exams, use code-focused study materials that match the adopted code edition in your jurisdiction. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
General Contractor Licenses in North Dakota
General contractor licensing is statewide through the North Dakota Secretary of State for projects over $4,000. License classes A–D and renewal requirements are detailed in the State-Level General Contractor Licenses section above.
Exam Prep: While the SOS contractor license does not include a trade exam, many municipalities and disciplines rely on code knowledge. Use comprehensive PDFs with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and reference locators. Study offline at your pace; unlimited use. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Roofing Licenses in North Dakota
North Dakota does not issue a separate statewide roofing license beyond the SOS contractor licensing requirement for projects over $4,000. However, some cities regulate roofing locally; the City of Fargo licenses home roofers.
Home roofer (Local Jurisdiction)
Jurisdiction: City of Fargo (City Auditor’s Office / Inspections Division) — https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/inspections/selecting-a-contractor
Exam: Not specified by the city page.
Core requirements:
- Obtain a City of Fargo home roofer license before performing work within city limits.
- Maintain liability insurance as required by the City of Fargo.
Renewal: Annual (city-administered).
Contact the City of Fargo to confirm application steps, fees, insurance minimums, and documentation before applying or renewing.
Exam Prep: Roofing-related code and safety knowledge can be strengthened with PDFs typically containing 1,500–2,500 questions, full answer keys, and reference locators. Study offline; no time or use limits. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Specialty Trade Licenses in North Dakota
Several specialty activities are licensed at the state level, including water well contracting (Department of Water Resources) and asbestos abatement contracting (DEQ Asbestos Program). Other specialties may be governed by local permitting and adopted codes. Start with your project’s city or county to determine if a local credential is needed, and then check whether a state permit or certification applies to your scope.
Exam Prep: Specialty test prep is available as comprehensive PDFs—typically 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and reference locators to exact sections. Study offline with unlimited reuse. Browse North Dakota contractor license practice tests and study material.
Application Process
- Determine whether your work requires a state contractor license (projects over $4,000 in total cost require a North Dakota contractor license under NDCC ch. 43-07).
- Register your business entity or trade name with the North Dakota Secretary of State, if required, before applying for a contractor license.
- Create an account and submit the appropriate application (contractor, electrician, plumber, specialty) through the relevant authority’s online portal or forms (e.g., Secretary of State FirstStop portal, State Electrical Board, State Plumbing Board).
- Provide required supporting documents such as a signed statement of experience and qualifications, certificate of liability insurance in the exact business name, and Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) certificate of payment or good standing if you have employees in North Dakota.
- For trades that require examinations (electrician, plumber, water well contractor, asbestos abatement), apply for and pass the required state examination as directed by the respective board or DEQ program.
- Pay all required application, examination (if applicable), and initial license or certification fees to the appropriate authority.
- Once approved, maintain your license by renewing on time (for contractors, on or before March 1 each year) and keeping insurance, WSI, and any required continuing education or refresher training current.
Timeline: Processing times vary by authority and completeness of the application; contractor licenses filed through the Secretary of State are generally processed within several weeks after a complete application with all required documents is submitted.
Reciprocity
Selected reciprocity or endorsement pathways may be available for journeyman and master electricians and plumbers when applicants hold equivalent out-of-state licenses and have met comparable experience and examination standards. Applicants must apply directly to the State Electrical Board or the State Plumbing Board with verification of current good standing and proof of having passed an equivalent exam.
The SOS contractor license does not have a formal reciprocity program with other states. City-issued licenses (e.g., HVAC or roofing in Fargo/Grand Forks) are jurisdiction-specific and are not automatically recognized elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in North Dakota?
Timelines depend on the authority and whether your application is complete. SOS contractor licenses submitted via FirstStop are generally processed within several weeks after all required documents are received.
Can I transfer my license from another state to North Dakota?
Possibly for certain trades. The State Electrical Board and State Plumbing Board may offer reciprocity/endorsement at the journeyman and master levels if you hold an equivalent license and have passed a comparable exam. Apply directly to the appropriate board with verification of good standing and exam history. SOS contractor licenses and most local city licenses are not reciprocal.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies are set by each authority. Check the ND State Electrical Board, ND State Plumbing Board, Water Well Contractors Board, or DEQ Asbestos Program for their current retake rules.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, for several credentials. The SOS contractor license requires a certificate of liability insurance in the exact business name, listing the SOS as certificate holder. Electrical contracting businesses must maintain liability insurance per the State Electrical Board. Many cities (e.g., Fargo, Grand Forks) require liability insurance for local HVAC/roofing licenses. Check your specific license for minimums and certificate-holder details.
How do I renew my license?
Renewal cycles vary. SOS contractor licenses renew annually on or before March 1. Electrician and plumbing licenses renew annually and may require continuing education. Asbestos abatement contractor certifications renew annually with required refresher training. Local city licenses (e.g., Grand Forks mechanical; Fargo HVAC/roofing) renew annually per city rules.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
Local rules can differ and may change. Always verify with your local building department or licensing office for the jurisdiction where you plan to work.
Where can I find practice tests for North Dakota exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for North Dakota trade exams. Each set typically includes 1,500–2,500 code-relevant questions with precise answer keys and reference locators to exact sections. Study offline at your own pace. Browse North Dakota contractor practice tests.
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
-
North Dakota Secretary of State – Contractors
https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
North Dakota Secretary of State – Licensing and Registration Overview
https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
North Dakota Secretary of State – FirstStop Portal Contractor Search
https://firststop.sos.nd.gov/search/contractor
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
North Dakota State Electrical Board – Home
https://www.ndseb.com
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
North Dakota State Electrical Board – Licensing Information
https://www.ndseb.com/licensing
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
North Dakota State Plumbing Board – Licensing
https://ndplumbing.com/licensing
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
North Dakota Department of Water Resources – State Board of Water Well Contractors
https://www.swc.nd.gov/regulations/water_well_contractors/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality – Asbestos Program
https://deq.nd.gov/Environmental/Asbestos
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
City of Grand Forks, ND – Contractor Licenses (Building Safety)
https://www.grandforksgov.com/government/city-departments/building-safety/contractor-licenses
Official City Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22 -
City of Fargo, ND – Selecting a Contractor
https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/inspections/selecting-a-contractor
Official City Site | Accessed: 2026-05-22
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – See research notes:
- Website: https://www.sos.nd.gov
- Phone: 701-328-2900
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Requirements: Some licensing in North Dakota is handled at the city or county level. Always verify requirements with your local building department.