Kentucky does not issue a statewide general contractor license. General contracting is regulated at the city and county level. Trade-specific licenses are issued by divisions of the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC). DHBC trade licenses: - Electrical (Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor, Journeyman Electrician, Apprentice). Administered by the DHBC Electrical Division under KRS 227A and 815 KAR Chapter 35. Master Electrician: 8 years (approximately 16,640 hours) of experience, minimum 2 years holding a KY Journeyman license. Journeyman Electrician: 4 years (approximately 8,000 hours) plus completion of an approved training program, or 6 years of documented work. The Master Electrician exam cut score is 75 percent; Journeyman and Electrical Contractor exam cut score is 70 percent. - HVAC (Master HVAC Contractor, Journeyman HVAC Mechanic, Apprentice). Under 815 KAR 8:010. Master: 4 years (approximately 8,000 hours). Journeyman: at least 3,000 hours and 2 years under a licensed master. - Plumbing (Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Apprentice). Under KRS Chapter 318 and 815 KAR 20:030. Journeyman: 2 consecutive years as an apprentice (or approved training plus 1 year apprentice). Master: Kentucky Journeyman license plus 2 additional years under a licensed master. Master exam cut score 80 percent per section; Journeyman 75 percent per section. Continuing education. 6 hours per year for each category (electrical, HVAC, plumbing). Renewal is annual by the last day of the licensee's birth month. Business registration. Kentucky businesses register with the Kentucky Secretary of State. A local occupational license (business license) is typically required in the city or county where the business operates. Kentucky also imposes a Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) on LLCs, corporations, and S corporations; the minimum is $175 annually. Local general contracting. Cities including Louisville Metro, Lexington-Fayette Urban County, and others require local contractor registration. Confirm each local ordinance before bidding or pulling permits.
KY · Contractor licensing
Contractor licensing in Kentucky
State contractor license requirements, bond, and insurance minimums.
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