At a Glance: North Dakota Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | No state GC license |
| Application Fee | $50–$200 |
| Exam Required | ✅ Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI / ICC |
| Exam Cost | $60–$100 |
| Experience Required | Varies by trade |
| Insurance Required | Required locally |
| License Renewal | Annual |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your North Dakota Contractor License
- For GC work, register with local city/county
- For trades, apply to ND State Board for applicable license
- Pass trade exam
- Obtain business license
- Carry general liability insurance
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI / ICC
Cost: $60–$100
Topics covered: ND codes, Trade knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Required locally
Beyond what North Dakota requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
North Dakota has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the North Dakota licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for North Dakota
North Dakota has no statewide GC license. Bismarck and Fargo have local contractor registration requirements.
Official Resources
- North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.