Contractor licensing by state
How to Get a Contractor License in Alaska
Alaska requires a state license for every trade we track. The main contractor license is the Construction Contractor Registration, General Contractor, which costs $700 to start and needs the Alaska residential contractor exam. Of the 9 trades we could rate, concrete flatwork is the easiest to get licensed for and general contracting the hardest.
The Alaska contractor license
| License | Construction Contractor Registration, General Contractor (with Residential Contractor Endorsement for homes of 1 to 4 units) |
|---|---|
| Covers | Foundation repair and general contracting |
| Fee | $700 (general contractor with residential endorsement, $100 application + $250 registration + $100 endorsement application + $250 endorsement (biennial)) |
| Exam | Alaska residential contractor examination. |
| Experience | No years required for registration; the residential endorsement needs the Alaska Craftsman Home Program (or an approved equivalent or an arctic engineering course) within the 2 years before applying. |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). Source |
| Bond | $25,000. Source |
| Renewal | Every 2 years; endorsement renewal needs 16 contact hours of continuing competency. |
How to apply
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- For homes of 1 to 4 units, pass the residential contractor exam, finish the Alaska Craftsman Home Program or equivalent, and apply for the endorsement within 12 months.
The exam fee and processing time is not confirmed here. Call the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing to confirm.
State license requirements for each trade in Alaska
| Foundation repair | General Contractor registration | $350 | Alaska residential contractor examination | 2 years | Moderate or harder · 48+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General contracting | General Contractor registration with Residential Contractor Endorsement | $700 | Alaska residential contractor examination | 2 years | Hard or harder · 55+ |
| Roofing | Specialty Contractor registration, Roofing Contractor | $350 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 15 |
| Plumbing | Mechanical Contractor registration with a licensed Mechanical Administrator | $350 | Mechanical administrator examination, plumbing category | 4 years | Hard or harder · 50+ |
| Electrical | Electrical Contractor registration with a licensed Electrical Administrator | $320 | Electrical administrator examination | None listed | Moderate or harder · 29+ |
| HVAC | Mechanical Contractor registration with a licensed Mechanical Administrator | $350 | Mechanical administrator examination, HVAC category | 4 years | Hard or harder · 50+ |
| Irrigation | Specialty Contractor registration, Landscaping Contractor | $350 | None listed | None listed | Not rated |
| Concrete flatwork | Specialty Contractor registration, Concrete and Paving Contractor | $350 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 15 |
| Drainage and detention | Specialty Contractor registration, Excavation Contractor | $350 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 15 |
| Demolition | Specialty Contractor registration, Demolition Contractor | $350 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 15 |
Tap a column to sort. Difficulty covers the state license only. Checked October 18, 2026.
Trades ranked from easiest to hardest in Alaska
- Concrete flatwork, easy (15)
- Demolition, easy (15)
- Drainage and detention, easy (15)
- Roofing, easy (15)
- Electrical, moderate or harder (29+)
- Foundation repair, moderate or harder (48+)
- HVAC, hard or harder (50+)
- Plumbing, hard or harder (50+)
- General contracting, hard or harder (55+)
Landscape irrigation is not rated because its rules are not fully published.
Details for each trade
Foundation repair
| License | General Contractor registration; Residential Contractor Endorsement when the alteration is over 25 percent of the home value |
|---|---|
| Board | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing |
| Fee | $350 (first registration, $100 nonrefundable application + $250 biennial registration) |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $25,000 general contractor ($20,000 residential-only with endorsement). |
| Background check | Required. Endorsement is refused for listed fraud or dishonesty offenses in the prior 7 years. |
| Continuing education | 16 hours per 2 years for endorsement holders. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
AS 08.18.025 requires the residential endorsement to construct or alter a privately owned 1 to 4 unit home, and defines alteration as changes worth more than 25 percent of the structure value. Foundation repair below that is general contractor work. No separate foundation category exists. Engineer letters are set by the local building department (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and others run their own).
Ask the city or borough building office whether the repair needs a permit and an engineer letter or sealed design.
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- Pull the local permit where the city or borough has a building department.
Difficulty 48+, moderate or harder (exams 15, experience 10, fees 7, bond 8, background check 4, continuing education 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance); 12 AAC 02.180 contractor fees; 12 AAC 21 contractor regulations and specialty trades.
General contracting (residential remodels, additions and home improvement)
| License | General Contractor registration with Residential Contractor Endorsement |
|---|---|
| Board | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing |
| Fee | $700 ($100 application + $250 registration + $100 endorsement application + $250 endorsement, biennial) |
| Exam | Alaska residential contractor examination. |
| Experience | Alaska Craftsman Home Program or equivalent within the prior 2 years. |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $25,000 ($20,000 if residential-only with endorsement). |
| Background check | Required. No sentence for forgery, theft, extortion or dishonesty felonies in prior 7 years. |
| Continuing education | 16 contact hours per 2-year renewal. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Needed to build or substantially alter (over 25 percent of value) a privately owned home of 1 to 4 units. Endorsement needs the residential contractor exam, the Alaska Craftsman Home Program or equivalent, and a clean record for listed offenses.
Ask the city or borough building office about building permits for remodels and additions.
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- Take the Alaska Craftsman Home Program course, pass the residential exam, and apply for the endorsement within 12 months.
Difficulty 55+, hard or harder (exams 15, experience 10, fees 14, bond 8, background check 4, continuing education 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance); 12 AAC 02.180 contractor fees; 12 AAC 21 contractor regulations and specialty trades.
Roofing
| License | Specialty Contractor registration, Roofing Contractor (12 AAC 21.460) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Construction Contractors) |
| Fee | $350 (first registration, $100 nonrefundable application + $250 biennial registration) |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 surety bond ($5,000 if every project is $10,000 or less). |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, $250. |
Registered under AS 08.18 in the trade described in 12 AAC 21.460. A specialty contractor may perform work using up to three trades. Covers roof sheathing, weatherproofing and repair of structural damage to the roof support system, but not new roof framing.
Ask the city or borough building office whether a reroof needs a permit.
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- Pull the local permit where the city or borough has a building department.
Difficulty 15, easy (fees 7, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance); 12 AAC 02.180 contractor fees; 12 AAC 21 contractor regulations and specialty trades.
Plumbing
| License | Mechanical Contractor registration with a licensed Mechanical Administrator (plumbing category); workers need a DOLWD plumber certificate of fitness |
|---|---|
| Board | Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing + DOLWD Mechanical Inspection |
| Fee | $350 (administrator, $150 application + $200 biennial license; contractor registration adds $100 + $250) |
| Exam | Mechanical administrator examination, plumbing category. |
| Experience | About 4 of the prior 6 years as a journeyman plumber or field superintendent (unlimited commercial category). |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 mechanical contractor bond. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
A mechanical contractor must be or employ a mechanical administrator licensed in the plumbing category (AS 08.18.028). Plumbers doing the work need a certificate of fitness from DOLWD Mechanical Inspection.
Ask the city or borough building office who may pull plumbing permits.
- Hold a DOLWD plumber certificate of fitness.
- Qualify and pass the mechanical administrator exam in the plumbing category.
- Register the business as a mechanical contractor with bond and insurance.
Difficulty 50+, hard or harder (exams 15, experience 20, fees 7, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against 12 AAC 39 Mechanical administrators; 12 AAC 02.245 fees; DOLWD Mechanical Inspection FAQ; AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance).
Electrical
| License | Electrical Contractor registration with a licensed Electrical Administrator; electricians need a DOLWD certificate of fitness |
|---|---|
| Board | Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing + DOLWD Mechanical Inspection |
| Fee | $320 (administrator, $150 application + $170 biennial license; contractor registration adds $100 + $250) |
| Exam | Electrical administrator examination. |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 specialty contractor bond. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
AS 08.18.026 bars registering an electrical contractor unless the applicant is or employs a licensed electrical administrator (AS 08.40).
Ask the city or borough building office who may pull electrical permits.
- Hold a DOLWD electrician certificate of fitness.
- Pass the electrical administrator exam.
- Register the business as an electrical contractor with bond and insurance.
Difficulty 29+, moderate or harder (exams 15, fees 6, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against 12 AAC 32 Electrical administrators; 12 AAC 02.210 fees; DOLWD Mechanical Inspection FAQ; AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance).
HVAC
| License | Mechanical Contractor registration with a licensed Mechanical Administrator (HVAC/sheet metal or heating, cooling and process piping category) |
|---|---|
| Board | Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing |
| Fee | $350 (administrator, $150 application + $200 biennial license; contractor registration adds $100 + $250) |
| Exam | Mechanical administrator examination, HVAC category. |
| Experience | About 4 of the prior 6 years as an HVAC journeyman or superintendent (unlimited category). |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 mechanical contractor bond. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Same mechanical contractor rule as plumbing; the administrator must hold the category that matches the work.
Ask the city or borough building office who may pull mechanical permits.
- Qualify and pass the mechanical administrator exam in the HVAC category.
- Register as a mechanical contractor with bond and insurance.
Difficulty 50+, hard or harder (exams 15, experience 20, fees 7, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against 12 AAC 39 Mechanical administrators; 12 AAC 02.245 fees; AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance).
Irrigation
| License | Specialty Contractor registration, Landscaping Contractor (12 AAC 21.370) is the closest category |
|---|---|
| Board | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Construction Contractors) |
| Fee | $350 (first registration, $100 nonrefundable application + $250 biennial registration) |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 surety bond ($5,000 if every project is $10,000 or less). |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, $250. |
Registered under AS 08.18 in the trade described in 12 AAC 21.370. A specialty contractor may perform work using up to three trades. Irrigation is not named in the trade list; landscaping covers drainage systems and ponds. Potable water connections are plumbing. Ask the Division which category fits.
Ask the city or borough building office and the water utility about permits and backflow devices for the water connection.
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- Pull the local permit where the city or borough has a building department.
Checked October 18, 2026 against AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance); 12 AAC 02.180 contractor fees; 12 AAC 21 contractor regulations and specialty trades.
Concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks and work in the public right-of-way)
| License | Specialty Contractor registration, Concrete and Paving Contractor (12 AAC 21.270) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Construction Contractors) |
| Fee | $350 (first registration, $100 nonrefundable application + $250 biennial registration) |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 surety bond ($5,000 if every project is $10,000 or less). |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, $250. |
Registered under AS 08.18 in the trade described in 12 AAC 21.270. A specialty contractor may perform work using up to three trades. Covers cast-in-place concrete, curbs and sidewalks, and asphalt paving.
Ask the city or borough building office about driveway, sidewalk and right-of-way permits.
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- Pull the local permit where the city or borough has a building department.
Difficulty 15, easy (fees 7, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance); 12 AAC 02.180 contractor fees; 12 AAC 21 contractor regulations and specialty trades.
Drainage and detention (grading, drainage, stormwater and detention ponds)
| License | Specialty Contractor registration, Excavation Contractor (12 AAC 21.330) or Landscaping Contractor (12 AAC 21.370) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Construction Contractors) |
| Fee | $350 (first registration, $100 nonrefundable application + $250 biennial registration) |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 surety bond ($5,000 if every project is $10,000 or less). |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, $250. |
Registered under AS 08.18 in the trade described in 12 AAC 21.330 and 21.370. A specialty contractor may perform work using up to three trades. Excavation covers grading, ditches and culverts; landscaping covers water drainage systems, dewatering and ponds but not land preparation for buildings.
Ask the city or borough building office about grading, drainage and stormwater approvals.
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- Pull the local permit where the city or borough has a building department.
Difficulty 15, easy (fees 7, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance); 12 AAC 02.180 contractor fees; 12 AAC 21 contractor regulations and specialty trades.
Demolition
| License | Specialty Contractor registration, Demolition Contractor (12 AAC 21.280) |
|---|---|
| Board | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Construction Contractors) |
| Fee | $350 (first registration, $100 nonrefundable application + $250 biennial registration) |
| Insurance | Workers compensation as required by AS 23.30, plus liability of at least $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury to one person and $100,000 injury to more than one person (not required if every project is $2,500 or less). |
| Bond | $10,000 surety bond ($5,000 if every project is $10,000 or less). |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, $250. |
Registered under AS 08.18 in the trade described in 12 AAC 21.280. A specialty contractor may perform work using up to three trades. Covers demolition of structures and removal and capping of utilities. Explosives users may also need a DOLWD certificate of fitness.
Ask the city or borough building office about demolition permits.
- Form the business and get an Alaska business license.
- Buy the surety bond and liability insurance the statute requires.
- Apply for contractor registration with the $100 application fee and $250 registration fee.
- Pull the local permit where the city or borough has a building department.
Difficulty 15, easy (fees 7, bond 8).
Checked October 18, 2026 against AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (registration, bond, insurance); 12 AAC 02.180 contractor fees; 12 AAC 21 contractor regulations and specialty trades.
Exams for a Alaska license
| Alaska Residential Contractor Endorsement | PSI, for the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing | $150 | Exam fee paid again (12 AAC 21); not on the same day | Open book | 100 | 240 minutes | 70% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Mechanical Administrator, plumbing categories | PSI, for the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing | $150 per exam | Fee paid again; unlimited retakes during the one year eligibility | Open book for Residential Plumbing and Hydronic Heating (listed references allowed) | 100 | 240 minutes | 70% |
| Alaska Electrical Administrator (Unlimited Commercial Wiring shown) | PSI, for the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing | $150 per exam | Fee paid again; unlimited retakes during the one year eligibility | Open book | 100 (Unlimited Commercial Wiring) | 240 minutes (Unlimited Commercial Wiring) | 70% |
| Alaska Mechanical Administrator, HVAC categories | PSI, for the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing | $150 per exam | Fee paid again; unlimited retakes during the one year eligibility | 65 (Residential HVAC) or 100 (Unlimited HVAC and Sheet Metal; Heating, Cooling and Process Piping) | 120 minutes (Residential HVAC) or 240 minutes | 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 Alaska Residential Contractor Endorsement are Alaska contractor statutes and regulations, ANSI/AWC NDS-2018 and the other references listed in the bulletin. Taken at a test center only, not remotely.
- Study references for Alaska Mechanical Administrator, plumbing categories are Uniform Plumbing Code 2018 and the Alaska statutes and regulations listed. Residential Plumbing and Hydronic Heating and Unlimited Commercial and Industrial Plumbing are separate exams.
- Study references for Alaska Electrical Administrator (Unlimited Commercial Wiring shown) are National Electrical Code 2020, Alaska electrical administrator statutes and regulations. Each category has its own exam; residential wiring is 75 questions in 180 minutes.
Checked October 18, 2026 against PSI Alaska Residential Contractor Endorsement Candidate Information Bulletin, updated October 15, 2026; Alaska construction contractor statutes and regulations (12 AAC 21); PSI Alaska Mechanical Administrators Candidate Information Bulletin, updated October 15, 2026; PSI Alaska Electrical Administrators Candidate Information Bulletin, updated October 15, 2026.
Official sources
- AS 08.18 Construction Contractors (Alaska Legislature)
- 12 AAC 21 Construction Contractors regulations
- Alaska DOLWD Mechanical Inspection FAQ
Licensing pages for nearby states cover Washington.
Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice. Confirm with the licensing board before you apply or bid.