New Jersey Contractor License Guide

In New Jersey, all home builders and home repair contractors must be registered with the state. Electricians, plumbers and HVACR contractors must be licensed. Several state boards oversee the various contractor specialities - be sure to contact the appropriate local agency for more detailed licensing information.

• Electrical Contractor's License - a license is required to do electrical work in New Jersey.
• Plumbing Contractor's License - a master plumber license is required to do plumbing work in the state.
• HVACR Contractors License - a license is required to install, repair and maintain heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial facilities. It is also required if you want to sell service contracts to new and existing clients.

Note: The State of New Jersey does not have reciprocity agreement with other states.

• Electrical Contractor's License: issued by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and application forms can be found here.
• Plumbing Contractor's License: issued by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. Applications can be found here.
• HVACR Contractors License: issued by the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Applications can be found here.

Note: States with similar licensing standards may allow Master HVACR contractors to gain a New Jersey license. To do so, applicants should send in evidence of equivalent education programs, their state license, and that their home state grants New Jersey licensed Master HVACR contractor a reciprocal license.

Electrical Contractor's License

• You must be at least 21 years of age
• Provide a copy of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Pass an exam with the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
• Submit work experience certification forms signed and sealed by employers. Work Experience Certification forms are to be filled out by as many employers as necessary to show five or more years’ electrical experience.
• Have one of the following:
  • five years’ experience working with tools to install, alter or repair electrical wiring for light, heat or power.
  • completion of a four-year Board-approved apprenticeship program with one year of Board-approved work experience.
  • completion of 8,000 hours of experience working with tools to install, alter or repair electrical wiring.

Plumbing Contractor’s License

• You must be at least 21 year of age
• Submit a copy of your high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Complete either:
  • A four-year apprenticeship program and one year of Board-approved work experience
  • A bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering, as well as one year of Board-approved work experience

Note: After you complete the application, find a Notary Public to notarize your signature on the application. Most bank branches have a Notary Public who can assist you, usually for a small fee

HVACR Contractors License

• Registration of Bona Fide Representative Form can be found here
• If you offer HVACR contracting services to the public, you must submit proof of liability insurance for $500,000 and a federal tax identification number for the business

Note: You will need electronic versions of any supporting documentation that you plan to attach in .TIFF, .PDF or .JPG formats. Be sure to prepare them before starting the application.

Contractor Insurance

There are several types of insurance coverages that are recommended for contractors, but the recommended coverage will vary based on your operation.

If you’d like to learn more about all of the insurance coverages available to you, please read our contractor insurance guide.

Licensing and Application Fees

• Electrical Contractor's License (All fees are non-refundable)
  • License application fee: $100
  • Business and law exam: $50
  • Trade exam: $90
  • Alarm systems exam: $85
  • NEC book rental at exam: $5

Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors issues licenses every three years which expire on March 31. A license will cost between $50 to $150, depending on when it is issued during the three-year period.

• Plumbing Contractor's License (All fees are non-refundable)
  • License application: $100
  • Business and law exam: $50
  • Trade exam: $90
  • Practical exam: $110

The State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers issues licenses every two years. A license will cost between $80 to $160, depending on when it is issued during the two-year period. Before doing any business in New Jersey, a contractor license bond must be posted with the state for $3,000.

Note: For application and exam fees, send only a check or money order, made payable to the “State of New Jersey.” If you submit a money order, fill out all sections including your name, and save the receipt portion for your records. If you are submitting a check, make sure your name is clearly printed on the check.

• HVACR Contractors License
  • License fee: $160
  • Pressure seal issued to each licensed Master HVACR contractor: $25
  • Examination application fee: $100

• Electrical Contractor's License: The Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors requires an exam to get a license. Additional requirements can be found here.
• Plumbing Contractor's License: State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers requires an exam to get a license. Additional requirements can be found here.

Note: The Board will review the application and, if approved, send information to the applicant on the exam required. For information on the exam or scheduling, contact Prometric.

• HVACR Contractors License: A person who does not qualify for a license through "grandfathering" can qualify for a license by completing educational requirements and the Board licensing examination. A person can only apply for a Master HVACR license in New Jersey if they fulfill the educational requirements set out in the licensing Act. These include one of the following:
  • A minimum of 5 years employment in HVACR contracting business, which includes at least 4 years of a HVACR or similar apprenticeship approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and 1 or more years work as an HVACR journeyman.
  • A HVACR Bachelor’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in a field that is related to HVACR. Either degree must have been issued by a college or university officially recognized by the United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education.

The application form for examination can be found here.

Once you have passed the licensing examination you will be required to submit a contractor license bond to the state.

• Electrical Contractor's License - $1,000
• Plumbing Contractor's License - $3,000
• HVACR Contractors License - $3,000

In addition to the state-wide New Jersey surety bond requirements, certain township and city governments may require contractor licenses and bonding as well. Please check with your local municipalities for up-to-date information.