Contractor licensing by state
How to Get a Contractor License in Alabama
Alabama requires a state license for every trade we track except landscape irrigation. The official sources do not settle the state rule for landscape irrigation. The main contractor license is the Residential Home Builder License, which costs $350 to start and needs two exams, Alabama HBLB Business and Law plus Alabama HBLB Skill. Of the 6 trades we could rate, HVAC work is the easiest to get licensed for and plumbing the hardest.
The Alabama contractor license
| License | Residential Home Builder License (Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board) |
|---|---|
| Covers | Foundation repair, general contracting, roofing, and concrete flatwork |
| Fee | $350 (first year, $235 annual license + $15 recovery fund + $100 processing) |
| Exam | Alabama HBLB Business and Law; Alabama HBLB Skill Exam. Given by Prov. Exam fee $130. $130 same day or $80 per exam. |
| Experience | No set years; exams plus credit report. |
| Insurance | The HBLB says its law does not require insurance to be licensed; other state laws may. Source |
| Processing time | About 3 to 4 weeks. |
| Renewal | Annual, with 6 CE hours. |
How to apply
- Download the unlimited license application package from the HBLB site.
- Pass the Alabama HBLB Business and Law exam and the Skill exam through Prov.
- Have a credit reporting agency send your credit report straight to the Board.
- Send the notarized application with the $100 processing fee, the $235 license fee and the $15 recovery fund fee.
- Wait for Board review, usually 3 to 4 weeks, then pull permits with your local building department.
Required when you contract directly with a homeowner and the job is over $10,000 (over $2,500 for residential roof work). Work below that amount does not need this license.
State license requirements for each trade in Alabama
| Foundation repair | Residential Home Builder License without limitation | $350 | Alabama HBLB Business and Law | None listed | Moderate · 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General contracting | Residential Home Builder License without limitation | $350 | Alabama HBLB Business and Law | None listed | Moderate · 40 |
| Roofing | Residential Home Builder License with limitation, limited to residential roofing | $250 | Alabama HBLB Business and Law | None listed | Moderate · 42 |
| Plumbing | Master Plumber certification | $250 | Master Plumber exam | 1 years | Moderate · 43 |
| Electrical | Electrical Contractor License | $150 | Alabama Electrical Contractor examination | None listed | Not rated |
| HVAC | Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor certification | $220 | Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors Examination | None listed | Moderate · 31 |
| Irrigation | Not settled | Not rated | |||
| Concrete flatwork | Residential Home Builder license | $350 | Alabama HBLB Business and Law | None listed | Moderate or harder · 32+ |
| Drainage and detention | General Contractor license | None listed | None listed | Not rated | |
| Demolition | General Contractor license for demolition of $100,000 or more | None listed | None listed | Not rated |
Tap a column to sort. Difficulty covers the state license only. Checked October 18, 2026.
Trades ranked from easiest to hardest in Alabama
- HVAC, moderate (31)
- Concrete flatwork, moderate or harder (32+)
- Foundation repair, moderate (40)
- General contracting, moderate (40)
- Roofing, moderate (42)
- Plumbing, moderate (43)
Electrical work, landscape irrigation, drainage and detention work, and demolition are not rated because their rules are not fully published.
Details for each trade
Foundation repair
| License | Residential Home Builder License without limitation (unlimited) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board |
| Fee | $350 (first year, $235 annual license + $15 Homeowners Recovery Fund + $100 nonrefundable processing) |
| Exam | Alabama HBLB Business and Law; Alabama HBLB Skill Exam. Given by Prov (provexam.com). Exam fee $130. $130 if both taken the same day, $80 each on separate days. |
| Experience | No set number of years; the passed exams and a credit report show ability and financial responsibility. |
| Background check | Required. Credit report sent directly from a credit reporting agency. |
| Continuing education | 6 credit hours per year, 2 of them on Alabama-specific topics. |
| Processing time | About 3 to 4 weeks, reviewed at a Board meeting. |
| Renewal | Annual. |
The HBLB rules use a foundation contractor as an example. A $15,000 foundation job contracted directly with a homeowner needs the license without limitation, because it affects the structural integrity of the home. Jobs of $10,000 or less are under the threshold. Commercial or public work, and any project, of $100,000 or more (labor and materials) needs a license from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, which requires a Business and Law exam plus a trade exam through PSI and a $300 prime contractor application.
Ask the city or county building department whether the repair needs a permit and an engineer letter. The HBLB tells building officials to deny permits to unlicensed builders.
- Download the unlimited license application package from the HBLB site.
- Pass the Alabama HBLB Business and Law exam and the Skill exam through Prov.
- Have a credit reporting agency send your credit report straight to the Board.
- Send the notarized application with the $100 processing fee, the $235 license fee and the $15 recovery fund fee.
- Wait for Board review, usually 3 to 4 weeks, then pull permits with your local building department.
Difficulty 40, moderate (exams 15, business and law exam 5, fees 10, background check 4, continuing education 4, processing time 2).
Checked October 18, 2026 against HBLB, How to get licensed; HBLB, Applicant FAQ; HBLB law and rules (eff. Nov 14, 2025), fees at 465-X-4-.04; HBLB exam bulletin (Prov); HBLB, Building officials; Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Law; GC Board, How to apply.
General contracting (residential remodels, additions and home improvement)
| License | Residential Home Builder License without limitation (unlimited) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board |
| Fee | $350 (first year, $235 annual license + $15 Homeowners Recovery Fund + $100 nonrefundable processing) |
| Exam | Alabama HBLB Business and Law; Alabama HBLB Skill Exam. Given by Prov (provexam.com). Exam fee $130. $130 if both taken the same day, $80 each on separate days. |
| Experience | No set number of years; the passed exams and a credit report show ability and financial responsibility. |
| Background check | Required. Credit report sent directly from a credit reporting agency. |
| Continuing education | 6 credit hours per year, 2 of them on Alabama-specific topics. |
| Processing time | About 3 to 4 weeks, reviewed at a Board meeting. |
| Renewal | Annual. |
Covers residential construction, remodeling, repair and additions over $10,000 when you contract with the homeowner. A single trade that does not affect structure (siding is the Board example) can use the license with limitation instead, which needs no exam. Commercial or public work, and any project, of $100,000 or more (labor and materials) needs a license from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, which requires a Business and Law exam plus a trade exam through PSI and a $300 prime contractor application.
Ask the city or county building department about permits. The HBLB tells building officials to deny permits to unlicensed builders.
- Download the unlimited license application package from the HBLB site.
- Pass the Alabama HBLB Business and Law exam and the Skill exam through Prov.
- Have a credit reporting agency send your credit report straight to the Board.
- Send the notarized application with the $100 processing fee, the $235 license fee and the $15 recovery fund fee.
- Wait for Board review, usually 3 to 4 weeks, then pull permits with your local building department.
Difficulty 40, moderate (exams 15, business and law exam 5, fees 10, background check 4, continuing education 4, processing time 2).
Checked October 18, 2026 against HBLB, How to get licensed; HBLB, Applicant FAQ; HBLB law and rules (eff. Nov 14, 2025), fees at 465-X-4-.04; HBLB exam bulletin (Prov); Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Law; GC Board, How to apply.
Roofing
| License | Residential Home Builder License with limitation, limited to residential roofing (Roofers License) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board |
| Fee | $250 (first year, $150 annual license + $100 processing) |
| Experience | Copy of a city or county contractor business license held now or within the past year. |
| Bond | $10,000 License/Permit Bond naming the Board as obligee. |
| Continuing education | 6 credit hours per year. |
| Processing time | About 3 to 4 weeks. |
| Renewal | Annual. |
Required for residential roof repair or replacement over $2,500 contracted with the homeowner. An unlimited Home Builder license also covers roofing; a limited license does not. Roof work that needs truss or framing repair and costs over $10,000 needs the unlimited license.
Ask the city or county building department whether a reroof needs a permit.
- Get a city or county contractor business license first.
- Download the Roofers License application package.
- Have your surety send a $10,000 bond naming the Board.
- Send the notarized application with the $100 processing fee and $150 license fee.
- Renew every year with 6 CE hours.
Difficulty 42, moderate (exams 15, business and law exam 5, fees 8, bond 8, continuing education 4, processing time 2).
Checked October 18, 2026 against HBLB, How to get licensed; HBLB, Applicant FAQ; HBLB law and rules (eff. Nov 14, 2025), fees at 465-X-4-.04; HBLB exam bulletin (Prov).
Plumbing
| License | Master Plumber certification (plus company registration) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board |
| Fee | $250 (first year, $50 processing + $175 initial master certificate + $25 company registration (exam fees are listed under exam)) |
| Exam | Master Plumber exam (2021 IPC); Business Law exam. Given by Prov. Exam fee $260. $160 master exam, $100 Business Law exam. |
| Experience | 2 years as a registered apprentice to sit for journeyman, then 1 year of current work as a certified journeyman for the master exam. |
| Continuing education | Board offers CE classes; hours not confirmed here. |
| Processing time | Certify within 90 days of passing. |
| Renewal | Annual certificate, company registration renews by Dec 31 ($25). |
Only a master plumber may register as the principal for a plumbing business. Since January 1, 2026 master applicants must also pass a Business Law exam. Exams test the 2021 International Plumbing Code.
Ask the city or county building department who may pull plumbing permits.
- Register as an apprentice and log 2 years.
- Pass the journeyman exam and work 1 year as a journeyman.
- Pass the Master Plumber exam and the Business Law exam through Prov.
- Within 90 days send the master packet with $50 processing and $175 certificate fees.
- Register your company ($25) and renew yearly.
Difficulty 43, moderate (exams 15, business and law exam 5, experience 5, fees 10, continuing education 4, processing time 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against PGFB, How do I become licensed; PGFB, Exams; PGFB master exam application (fees); PGFB master pass packet (fees).
Electrical
| License | Electrical Contractor License (Master Electrician) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Electrical Contractors Board |
| Fee | $150 (license fee after passing the exam) |
| Exam | Alabama Electrical Contractor examination. Exam fee $165. $165. |
| Processing time | Application due 14 days before a Board meeting. |
Needed to solicit and install electrical systems. Reciprocity applicants must also pass the AECB Business and Law exam at Prov.
Ask the city or county building department who may pull electrical permits.
- Apply for the Electrical Contractor exam on paper ($165).
- Pass the exam.
- Send forms EC-1 and EC-2 with the $150 license fee.
- Board reviews the file at its next meeting.
Checked October 18, 2026 against AECB, How to get licensed.
HVAC
| License | Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor certification (active status) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors |
| Fee | $220 (annual (active status)) |
| Exam | Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors Examination. Exam fee $175. $175. |
| Bond | $20,000 performance bond in the business name, Board as obligee. |
| Processing time | Application due 10 working days before a Board meeting. |
| Renewal | Annual. |
Active status is for contractors who install, service or repair HVAC; it needs a business name and a $20,000 performance bond.
Ask the city or county building department who may pull mechanical permits.
- Apply for the exam online or on paper ($175).
- Pass the exam.
- Get a $20,000 performance bond in your business name.
- Apply for active status ($220) with forms AL-1, AL-2 and BF-1.
Difficulty 31, moderate (exams 15, fees 8, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against HACR Board, How to get licensed.
Irrigation
We could not confirm from official sources whether Alabama requires a state license for landscape irrigation.
No state irrigation contractor license was found on Alabama board sites. Irrigation jobs of $100,000 or more fall under the General Contractors Board. Ask the city whether a licensed plumber must install the water connection and backflow device. Call the General Contractors Board at (334) 272-5030 and your city to confirm.
Ask the city or county building department and the water utility about permits and backflow devices for the water connection.
- Ask your city permit office whether irrigation needs a permit and who may pull it.
- Confirm backflow device rules with the water utility.
- For jobs of $100,000 or more, hold a General Contractors Board license.
Checked October 18, 2026 against Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Law; GC Board, How to apply.
Concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks and work in the public right-of-way)
| License | Residential Home Builder license (possibly with limitation) for homeowner jobs over $10,000; GC license for paving of $100,000 or more |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board / Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors |
The HBLB license applies to work on a residence or a structure attached or detached from it over $10,000. Whether a stand-alone driveway counts is not spelled out; ask the HBLB Legal Division. Paving of $100,000 or more needs a General Contractors Board license. Sidewalk and right-of-way work needs a city permit.
Ask the city or county building department about driveway, sidewalk and right-of-way permits.
- Ask the HBLB Legal Division whether your flatwork job needs a license.
- Get a city or county business license.
- Pull the right-of-way permit before pouring in the street right-of-way.
Difficulty 32+, moderate or harder (exams 15, business and law exam 5, fees 10, processing time 2).
Checked October 18, 2026 against HBLB, How to get licensed; HBLB, Applicant FAQ; HBLB law and rules (eff. Nov 14, 2025), fees at 465-X-4-.04; Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Law; GC Board, How to apply.
Drainage and detention (grading, drainage, stormwater and detention ponds)
| License | General Contractor license (site work, grading, sewer) for projects of $100,000 or more |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors |
The GC law covers grading, site work and sewer projects of $100,000 or more. Smaller residential drainage work has no state license found; check local land disturbance and stormwater permits.
Ask the city or county building department about grading, drainage and stormwater approvals.
- Check the project value against the $100,000 GC threshold.
- If over, apply to the GC Board and pass the Business and Law plus trade exams through PSI.
- Get the local grading or stormwater permit.
Checked October 18, 2026 against Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Law; GC Board, How to apply; GC Board, Testing.
Demolition
| License | General Contractor license for demolition of $100,000 or more |
|---|---|
| Board | Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors |
The GC law lists demolition of any building or structure at $100,000 or more. Smaller demolition has no state license found; cities issue demolition permits.
Ask the city or county building department about demolition permits.
- Check the project value against the $100,000 threshold.
- Get the local demolition permit and utility releases.
Checked October 18, 2026 against Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Law; GC Board, How to apply; GC Board, exemption changes effective Oct 1, 2026.
Exams for a Alabama license
| Alabama Home Builders Business and Law | Prov, for the Home Builders Licensing Board | $130 for both HBLB exams on the same day, or $80 each on separate days | Fee paid again; no waiting period | Open book | 40 | 2 hours | 70% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Home Builder skill exam | Prov, for the Home Builders Licensing Board | $130 for both HBLB exams on the same day, or $80 each on separate days | Fee paid again; no waiting period | Open book | 80 | 4 hours | 66% |
| Alabama Master Plumber | Prov, for the Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board | $160 to the Board | New retake form and exam fee to the Board | Open book | 100 | 4 hours 10 minutes | 70% |
| Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Business Law | Prov, for the Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board | $100 to the Board | New retake form and exam fee to the Board | Open book | 40 | 2 hours | 70% |
Tap a column to sort. Each exam name opens the provider's bulletin or exam page. A blank cell is a fact not confirmed from the provider, and the linked bulletin has the full rules.
- Study references for Alabama Home Builders Business and Law are NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Alabama Residential Construction, 4th edition.
- Study references for Alabama Home Builder skill exam are the 2015 International Residential Code and the Residential Home Builder Study Guide (Pearson).
- Study references for Alabama Master Plumber are the 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, Code of Alabama Title 34 Chapter 37 and Board rules.
- Study references for Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Business Law are NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th edition, with the Alabama supplement. Required for master certification from January 1, 2026.
Checked October 18, 2026 against Alabama Home Builders Licensing Board Candidate Information Bulletin (Prov), September 11, 2025; Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board master exam application and Prov bulletin.
Official sources
- Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
- Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
- Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
- Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
- Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
Licensing pages for nearby states cover Tennessee.
Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice. Confirm with the licensing board before you apply or bid.