Online contractor license schools help aspiring general contractors meet state-specific licensing requirements with on-demand courses. We reviewed general contractor schools available nationally and chose the top three; we also included the best schools in California, Florida, and Michigan to represent major regions. All schools were reviewed based on pricing, course format, reviews, and customer support.
Top National Contractor License Schools Online 2019
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Contractor License School Online |
Best For |
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(Best Overall) Professionals wanting pre-licensing, continuing education, and professional development courses |
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Contractors who want to build their career with additional certifications like OSHA training |
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Aspiring contractors who want access to à la carte, subject-specific practice tests |
Top State-Specific Contractor License Schools Online 2019
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State-Specific Contractor License School Online |
Best For |
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Professionals who want to earn a contractor’s license in California |
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Aspiring Florida contractors who want a state-specific licensing school |
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Michigan contractors who want exclusively online contractor courses |
How We Evaluated Contractor License School Online Options
Preparing for your state’s general contractor licensing exam can be expensive and time-consuming. However, general contractor schools online are an effective and convenient way to prepare for the licensing exam, meet continuing education requirements, and build your career with certifications and professional development. To help you choose the best courses, we evaluated online providers based on criteria like price, course format, and customer support.
The criteria we used to evaluate the best general contractor schools online include:
- Pricing: When choosing a contractor license school online, it’s important to consider the cost per course and availability of affordable course packages. We evaluated each option based on advertised prices for course packages as well as individual courses. We included options that fit within a range of budgets.
- Geographic availability: General contractor licensing requirements vary by state so it can be difficult to find a course provider that offers classes in all 50 states. For that reason, we reviewed nationally-available online contractor license schools first and then reviewed state-specific schools in three major regions to identify the best options in California, Florida, and Michigan.
- Course format: Pre-licensing and continuing education courses can be largely text-based or include more interactive features like video, voice-overs, and student forums. We evaluated the format of each provider to help you identify the best fit for your learning style.
- Course selection: Some contractor education providers offer a large selection of certification courses in addition to basic licensing materials. We evaluated each provider to better understand the breadth of course offerings.
- User reviews: We considered customer reviews to evaluate the user-friendliness and quality of each course provider.
- Customer support: When you’re trying to meet your state’s contractor licensing requirements, it’s important to have access to the course provider’s tech support team. For this reason, we only included platforms that offer multiple ways of contacting customer support.
Based on the criteria above, we identified Builder License Training Institute (BLTI) as the best nationwide contractor license school online. Not only does BLTI feature pre-licensing and continuing education courses, it offers professional development classes. This makes it our best option overall and ideal for professionals who want a one-stop-shop for their contractor education needs.
We also identified the best state-specific contractor license schools in the Southeast, Midwest, and on the West Coast. Online contractor license schools that offer nationwide courses often excel at on-demand courses but state-specific schools offer more targeted courses and have teachers who are experienced in the state’s unique requirements. Plus, they often offer courses for students who prefer in-classroom learning. Review our state-specific options below.
Builders License Training Institute (BLTI) is an online contractor education platform that offers pre-licensing, continuing education, and professional development courses in all 50 states. Course selection varies by state but courses generally cost between $19 and $178. Try BLTI if you want a contractor course provider that will provide education at every stage of your career.
Builders License Training Institute Pricing
The cost of BLTI courses varies depending on the state and the type of course. For example, the Contractor License Complete Course Package in California costs $178, while individual exam prep courses each cost $99. Individual professional development classes range in price from $19 to $89 and practice tests are $14 each.
Builders License Training Institute Features
Builders License Training Institute offers aspiring contractors and licensed professionals a wide range of courses, including affordable pre-licensing packages. The school offers students on-demand, mobile-friendly courses and access to instructor assistance to simplify the contractor licensing process. Try BLTI if you want a course provider that offers everything from pre-licensing to professional development courses.
Geographic Availability
Like other national providers on our list, Builders License Training Institute is available in all 50 states. However, as with other providers, course offerings vary by state depending on each state’s contractor licensing requirements.
Course Format & Availability
As with @Home Prep and Contractor School Online, BLTI’s course offerings vary by state. Contractor licensing courses include pre-licensing courses, exam prep and practice tests, and professional development classes for continuing education. Courses are self-paced and mobile-friendly so students can learn on their own schedule or on the go. Course instructors are generally available by email or telephone during normal business hours to answer questions.
Additional Features
Unlike other options we evaluated, BLTI offers students financial aid and scholarship options to make contractor licensing courses more affordable. This makes BLTI’s comprehensive course offerings even more accessible to aspiring contractors, bolstering the platform’s number-one position on our list.
Builders License Training Customer Support
The Builders License Training Institute’s customer support team is accessible via phone, email, and an online contact form. Customers can also contact the company using the website’s live chat platform. Additionally, the BLTI website offers answers to state-specific FAQs so aspiring contractors can better understand their state’s licensing requirements. Finally, enrolled students have access to a remote support team for technical issues.
What Users Think About Builders License Training Institute
In general, BLTI students recommend the school to other aspiring professionals. In contrast, one user reported that they had trouble passing their exam and that BLTI didn’t allow them to retake the course; however, this problem was addressed by BLTI customer support.
Where to Find Builders License Training Institute
If you want an online contractor licensing course provider that offers courses for all states, check out Builders License Training Institute. Their wide selection of pre-licensing, continuing education, and professional development courses can help you learn everything you need to start and build a career as a general contractor. Click here to get started.
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Best for Additional Operational Certifications: @Home Prep
@Home Prep is an online contractor licensing school offered through Stautzenberger College. The school offers pre-licensing, continuing education, and certification courses for $79.99 to $199.99 and stands out because of its wealth of certification options. Check out @Home Prep to advance your career with additional skills and certifications like OSHA training.
@Home Prep Pricing
@Home Prep offers a General Building Contractor License Course for $149.99 to $199.99. The standard Law and Business Course is available for $149.99 and continuing education courses are offered for $79.99 (eight hours), $139.99 (16 hours), and $169.99 (32 hours). The school also offers a competitive price guarantee.
@Home Prep Features
@Home Prep provides students access to the courses they need to earn and secure and maintain a contractor’s license in each state. What’s more, the school offers a wide range of continuing education courses and additional certifications to help you build your resume. Check out @Home Prep if you want to get licensed and develop your career with advanced certifications.
Geographic Availability
@Home Prep is available in all 50 states but, as with other options that made our list, course selection varies by state. However, unlike other multi-state options we considered, @Home Prep will let you retake courses you have taken in other states for a fee of $29.99 per course. This makes it easier to get licensed in multiple states with similar course requirements.
Course Format & Availability
The @Home Prep platform offers students standard online courses that include fully narrated and animated lectures. Courses are self-paced and both iOS and Android compatible. Plus, students have access to course materials for one year after registering. Once a course is completed, students get instant access to their completion certificate and the appropriate state licensing board automatically receives notice, making it easy to meet licensing requirements.
Additional Features
In addition to basic pre-licensing and continuing education courses available through other providers on our list, @Home Prep has a robust offering of contractor certifications. These certifications include courses like basic electricity, OSHA Training, blueprint reading, and project management. These courses make @Home Prep the best option for contractors who are already licensed but want to earn additional certifications to build their business.
@Home Prep Customer Support
@Home Prep can be contacted via phone, email, or online form submission. What’s more, the school’s website boasts that students and potential customers will receive a response within 24 hours of submitting a question. @Home Prep also has a technical support-specific email and online tech support resources with answers to common course-related questions. Plus, students who don’t pass their exam on their first or second attempt are eligible for a course fee refund.
What @Home Prep is Missing
Unlike other options we evaluated, @Home Prep does not offer any courses in Washington, D.C. The platform’s course offerings are extremely robust otherwise.
What Users Think About @Home Prep
We were unable to find any reviews regarding the quality of @Home Prep’s contractor licensing materials. Furthermore, the only online reviews for @Home Prep’s parent company, Stautzenberger College, are for classroom-based courses and not relevant to the online contractor licensing materials.
Where to Find @Home Prep
If you want to become a general contractor for the first time or earn a certification in a specialized area like LEED Green Building, consider @Home Prep. Plus, their reciprocity program can help you get licensed in multiple states. Click here to learn more.
Contractor School Online is an online course provider that offers national contractor licensing practice tests. Prep materials cost between $114 and $521, depending on the exam. Choose Contractor School Online if you want to focus your pre-licensing studies primarily on practice tests.
Contractor School Online Pricing
Contractor School Online pricing varies by state and is dependent on the materials and subject matter. Practice tests generally cost between $114 and $521. In some cases, manuals are available individually for $80 or as part of a course package.
Contractor School Online Features
Contractor School Online offers a range of courses and practice exams that meet contractor licensing requirements in each state. Students can purchase course packages or individual, subject-specific practice tests, which makes it the perfect option for aspiring contractors who want to focus on practice tests before the licensing exam.
Geographic Availability
Like BLTI and @Home Prep, Contractor School Online offers general contractor licensing materials in 50 states plus the District of Columbia. Course offerings vary between states and depend largely on the extent of each state’s licensing requirements.
Course Format & Availability
Contractor School Online offers primarily practice tests but also provides some courses with construction books, CDs, and DVDs. Once you sign up for a course, you will have three months of access to all of the materials and they will be available 24/7. The platform also offers over 2,000 online practice tests and manuals that are specific to each licensing test and written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Additional Features
In addition to the school’s contractor license education materials and practice tests, Contractor School Online provides aspiring contractors a construction glossary. This free online resource is available even to non-students and includes subject-specific content ranging from general engineering to more narrow subjects like alarm systems.
Contractor School Online Customer Support
Current and potential customers can contact Contractor School Online via phone or email. There is also an online contact form where interested customers can submit questions about course offerings, as well as a basic construction glossary for easy reference. In spite of these offerings, Contractor School Online has the least extensive customer support offerings of the three national providers on our list.
What Contractor School Online is Missing
Unlike Builder License Training Institute and @Home Prep, Contractor School Online does not offer continuing education and professional development courses. Instead, the school focuses primarily on practice tests. For this reason, the platform is best for students who prefer to learn by taking practice exams.
What Users Think About Contractor School Online
Like @Home Prep, we were unable to find any reviews regarding the courses and practice tests available through Contractor School Online. However, the school’s website indicates the company has over 25 years of experience in the contractor education industry.
Where to Find Contractor School Online
If you’re the type of student who benefits from practice tests, check out Contractor School Online. In addition to offering licensing courses in some states, the platform offers subject-specific practice tests across the country. Click here to learn more about the school’s contractor licensing materials.
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Best California Contractor License School Online
Before obtaining a General Building Contractor License in California, applicants must pass two exams: Business and Law and their trade exam. To prepare for these exams, aspiring contractors can take an online course, like those offered by Contractor License School, to learn the necessary materials and familiarize themselves with the exam structure.
California General Contractor License Requirements
California requires a General Building Contractor License for projects that exceed $500. License candidates must submit an application, receive state approval, and sit for the Business and Law and trade exams. To qualify for the exams, applicants must have four years’ experience as a journeyman, foreman/supervisor, contractor, or owner-builder. Applicants must also have a working capital of at least $2,500 and file a bond with the registrar in the amount of $10,000.
Best Online Course Provider for California: Contractor License School
Contractor License School is an online and in-person contractor licensing school located in Southern California. The school offers a variety of online course packages ranging from $175 to $499 as well as classroom-based learning at one of their six locations. We chose Contractor License School as our top pick in California because of its range of price points to fit every aspiring contractor’s budget.
Contractor License School Pricing
Online course packages through Contractor License School range from $175 to $499. Package 1 costs $499 and includes the most robust combination of course materials, including books, video, and audio resources. Package 8, the most limited offering, is available for $175 and only includes a course book. In-classroom courses are $699 each.
Contractor License School Features
Like the other state-specific options we considered, Contractor License School offers online and in-person course packages. The platform is easy to use and includes a range of online tools, depending on which package you choose.
Features of California’s Contractor License School include:
- Course selection: Contractor License School offers eight online pre-licensing course packages that include a range of course materials. This enables students to choose a course that fits their budget and learning style.
- Course format: Courses are offered online and in-person at one of the school’s six locations. Home study courses include a mix of written manuals, CDs, DVDs, and practice tests that varies by package. Students also receive a range of digital downloads, including a course checklist and various professional resources.
- Additional features: In addition to standard learning resources, Contractor License School provides students an online exam evaluator to monitor their progress. The school also offers state license application assistance to ensure aspiring contractors have everything they need to get licensed.
Contractor License School Customer Support
Contractor License School’s customer support team can be reached via phone, email, or online submission form. In addition, the school has six office locations throughout Southern California so you can visit in-person. Plus, the school has a satisfaction guarantee: If you pass the online tests, you’ll pass the state tests.
What Contractor License School is Missing
As with the other state-specific schools on our list, Contractor License School does not offer classes in all 50 states. However, this means the classes are specifically tailored to California’s unique contractor licensing requirements and all of the teachers are dedicated to understanding and teaching state-specific content. In addition, the school does not offer continuing education or professional development courses like other platforms we considered.
What Users Think About Contractor License School
Like some of the national providers we evaluated, we were unable to find any reviews regarding the quality of Contractor License School’s licensing classes.
Where to Find Contractor License School
If you want to obtain a General Contractors License in California, consider preparing for your licensing exams with Contractor License School. The online platform offers basic licensing courses for as little as $175 and has a package for every budget. Click here to learn more.
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Best Florida Contractor License School Online
Like many other states, Florida requires professionals to take and pass a state exam before obtaining a contractor’s license. Applicants for the certified license are also required to have four years of experience or a combination of college and experience. To prepare for the licensing exam, aspiring contractors should take an online course, like those offered by Gold Coast Schools, that’s tailored to the state’s unique examination requirements.
Florida General Contractor License Requirements
To obtain for a contractor license in Florida, applicants must be at least 18 years old, show proof of financial solvency, and submit electronic fingerprints. Aspiring contractors must also pass the Florida State Construction Examination, which covers contract administration, project management, and business and finance. Finally, applicants must provide proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance and submit an application and related fees.
Best Online Course Provider for Florida: Gold Coast Schools
Gold Coast Schools is an online and classroom-based Florida school that offers Florida-specific contractor licensing classes. In addition to its contractor pre-licensing course, which is available for $899, Gold Coast offers online practice exams and continuing education courses. This makes it perfect for aspiring and already-licensed contractors who want an all-in-one licensing school in Florida.
Gold Coast Schools Pricing
Unlike other options we evaluated, Gold Coast Schools only offers one pre-licensing option—a comprehensive exam prep course for $899. Exam simulators are available for between $39.95 and $79.95 and continuing education courses are offered for $25 to $149.
Gold Coast Schools Features
Gold Coast Schools not only offers a general contractor pre-licensing course for new construction professionals; it also provides an exam simulation package and a wide variety of continuing education courses. What’s more, the school offers both online and classroom-based courses, making it extremely convenient for busy professionals.
Features of Florida’s Gold Coast Schools include:
- Course selection: Gold Coast Schools offers a comprehensive range of courses from a pre-licensing course to continuing education credits. The platform also offers a general exam simulator package plus subject-specific exam simulators.
- Course format: Gold Coast courses are available online and at one of the school’s six Florida locations. The online pre-licensing course includes online learning modules and practice exams plus live weekly webinars with instructors. The course also includes comprehensive study guides with workbooks, exhibits, and subject-specific online modules.
- Additional features: In addition to contractor licensing courses, Gold Coast Schools offers a wide range of real estate and property-related courses for professionals.
Gold Coast Schools Customer Support
The Gold Coast Schools customer support team can be reached via phone, fax, email, live chat, or by submitting an online support ticket. Gold Coast’s contact options are the most extensive of the schools we considered so students should receive timely support when they need it.
What Gold Coast Schools is Missing
Gold Coast Schools does not have classroom locations throughout the state. Instead, just as the name suggests, its six locations are limited to Florida’s Gold Coast. Even so, the platform offers robust online courses for aspiring and licensed contractors.
What Users Think About Gold Coast Schools
Gold Coast Schools has excellent reviews across the web. Satisfied students report that the school’s instructors are extremely knowledgeable and prepare them for real estate licensing exams. However, some students who use the school’s in-person courses found the facilities to be uncomfortable and reported that the classroom instructors do not dedicate enough time to answering questions after the course ends.
Where to Find Gold Coast Schools
If you want to earn or maintain your contractor licensing in Florida, Gold Coast Schools offers flexible options for online and classroom-based learning. Not only do its courses offer excellent value, they cover a wide variety of subjects in various course formats. Click here for a free trial of one of their courses.
Best Michigan Contractor License School Online
Michigan imposes different licensing requirements for different types of contractor projects. Aspiring Michigan contractors can prepare for their career by taking an online course like those offered by MIContractorTraining.com.
Michigan General Contractor License Requirements
The application process for a Michigan contractor’s license varies depending on the desired scope of work and value of your projects. Generally, projects over $600 require a residential builder’s license or a maintenance and alteration contractor’s license, both of which require applicants to complete pre-licensure courses and licensing exams.
Best Online Course Provider for Michigan: MIContractorTraining.com
MIContractorTraining.com is a Michigan-based contractor education platform that offers pre-licensing and continuing education courses for residential contractors. Courses cost between $19 and $379, depending on the course, and are available exclusively online. Try MIContractor Training.com if you want to earn and maintain your Michigan residential builder’s license.
MIContractorTraining.com Pricing
MIContractorTraining.com offers 60-hour contractor pre-licensing course packages for between $349 and $379. The platform also offers various one-hour continuing education courses for $19, three-hour courses for $49, four-hour courses for $59, and a 21-hour continuing education course for $160.
MIContractorTraining.com Features
MIContractorTraining.com offers students pre-licensing and continuing education classes that are exclusively offered online. This makes MIContractorTraining.com a great option for aspiring and licensed contractors who want a convenient way to meet Michigan’s licensing requirements.
MIContractorTraining.com features include:
- Course selection: MIContractorTraining.com does not offer professional development courses but the platform does provide pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Course format: The platform’s pre-licensing course consists of 60 hours of self-paced, state-approved online instruction that feature videos, animated slides, and interactive quizzes.
- Additional features: MIContractorTraining.com makes the state’s required licensing education more accessible by offering students a four-installment payment plan without a credit check.
MIContractorTraining.com Customer Support
Like other options on our list, aspiring contractors can contact MIContractorTraining.com via phone, email, and online submission form. If you use the online contact form, you can ensure your question is answered efficiently by indicating whether it is related to sales, support, or state completion reporting.
What MIContractorTraining.com is Missing
Unlike the state-specific schools we identified in California and Florida, MIContractorTraining.com does not offer classroom-based courses. Instead, the course is 100% online. Though this format doesn’t work for all learning styles, it offers a convenient way to meet Michigan’s licensing requirements from home.
What Users Think About MIContractorTraining.com
MIContractorTraining.com’s parent company, At Your Pace Online, has excellent user reviews across the internet. Students report that the prices are reasonable and that the courses offer the information they need to obtain the Michigan Residential Builder license. Users also report that the online format is extremely convenient. Some users reported technical issues with their accounts but generally indicate the customer support team is responsive and helpful.
Where to Find MIContractorTraining.com
If you want to earn or maintain your Michigan Residential Builder license, MIContractorTraining.com offers a range of pre-licensing and continuing education courses to help. The school is state-approved and lets you take the requisite courses entirely online and then easily print your certificate of completion. Click here to learn more.
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Bottom Line — Contractor License School Online
The best contractor license schools online help aspiring and licensed professionals meet licensing, exam, and continuing education requirements across the country. We considered dozens of online courses to identify the three best nationwide options as well as options in different geographic regions. As part of our analysis, we considered factors like price, course format and materials, and customer support.
Builders License Training Institute is the best nationwide general contractor school because of the extensive availability of courses and affordable pre-licensing packages. What’s more, the platform can support you throughout your construction career with its continuing education and professional development courses. Click here to get started.
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