Contractor licensing by state
How to Get a Contractor License in Connecticut
Connecticut requires a state license for every trade we track. The main contractor license is the Home Improvement Contractor registration, which costs $220 to start. Of the 8 trades we could rate, concrete flatwork is the easiest to get licensed for and plumbing the hardest.
The Connecticut contractor license
| License | Home Improvement Contractor registration (DCP) |
|---|---|
| Covers | Foundation repair, general contracting, roofing, concrete flatwork, and drainage and detention work |
| Fee | $220 (nonrefundable application fee) |
| Insurance | General liability insurance of at least $20,000. Source |
| Renewal | Annual. |
How to apply
- Buy general liability insurance of at least $20,000.
- Register online with DCP as an individual or legal entity and pay $220.
- Get the local building permit from the town building official.
New homes need the separate New Home Construction Contractor registration ($360, made up of a $240 registration fee and a $120 guaranty fund fee).
State license requirements for each trade in Connecticut
| Foundation repair | Home Improvement Contractor | $220 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General contracting | Home Improvement Contractor | $220 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 13 |
| Roofing | Home Improvement Contractor | $220 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 13 |
| Plumbing | P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor | $150 | P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor examination | 2 years | Moderate · 28 |
| Electrical | E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor | $150 | E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor examination | 2 years | Moderate · 28 |
| HVAC | S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping and Cooling Contractor | $150 | S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping and Cooling Contractor | 2 years | Moderate or harder · 28+ |
| Irrigation | J-3 Limited Lawn Sprinkler Contractor | $150 | J-3 Limited Lawn Sprinkler Contractor examination | 2 years | Moderate · 28 |
| Concrete flatwork | Home Improvement Contractor | $220 | None listed | None listed | Easy · 13 |
| Drainage and detention | Home Improvement Contractor | $220 | None listed | None listed | Not rated |
| Demolition | Demolition license, Class B | None listed | 3 years | Not rated |
Tap a column to sort. Difficulty covers the state license only. Checked October 18, 2026.
Trades ranked from easiest to hardest in Connecticut
- Concrete flatwork, easy (13)
- Foundation repair, easy (13)
- General contracting, easy (13)
- Roofing, easy (13)
- Electrical, moderate (28)
- HVAC, moderate or harder (28+)
- Irrigation, moderate (28)
- Plumbing, moderate (28)
Drainage and detention work and demolition are not rated because their rules are not fully published.
Details for each trade
Foundation repair
| License | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection |
| Fee | $220 (nonrefundable application fee) |
| Insurance | General liability insurance of at least $20,000. |
| Background check | Required. Criminal conviction worksheet if applicable. |
| Renewal | Annual (registration year Dec 1 to Nov 30 per the DCP guide). |
DCP defines home improvement as repair, remodeling or alteration of residential property, listing waterproofing among the examples. Foundation repair on an existing home falls under this registration. Town building officials decide whether structural repairs need an engineer stamp. Registration, not a license; no exam. Contracts under $200, subcontracted work, commercial work and work inside a trade license scope are excluded.
Ask the town building official whether the repair needs a permit and an engineer letter or sealed design.
- Buy general liability insurance of at least $20,000.
- Register online with DCP as an individual or legal entity and pay $220.
- Get the local building permit from the town building official.
Difficulty 13, easy (fees 4, insurance 5, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP Home Improvement definition and exclusions; DCP Home Improvement Contractor application ($220, $20,000 liability); DCP Home Improvement guide (registration period).
General contracting (residential remodels, additions and home improvement)
| License | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection |
| Fee | $220 (nonrefundable application fee) |
| Insurance | General liability insurance of at least $20,000. |
| Background check | Required. Criminal conviction worksheet if applicable. |
| Renewal | Annual (registration year Dec 1 to Nov 30 per the DCP guide). |
Covers remodeling, additions and repairs to existing homes. Building a new home needs the New Home Construction Contractor registration ($360) instead. Registration, not a license; no exam. Contracts under $200, subcontracted work, commercial work and work inside a trade license scope are excluded.
Ask the town building official about building permits for remodels and additions.
- Buy general liability insurance of at least $20,000.
- Register online with DCP as an individual or legal entity and pay $220.
- Get the local building permit from the town building official.
Difficulty 13, easy (fees 4, insurance 5, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP Home Improvement definition and exclusions; DCP Home Improvement Contractor application ($220, $20,000 liability); DCP Home Improvement guide (registration period); DCP New Home Construction Contractor ($360).
Roofing
| License | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection |
| Fee | $220 (nonrefundable application fee) |
| Insurance | General liability insurance of at least $20,000. |
| Background check | Required. Criminal conviction worksheet if applicable. |
| Renewal | Annual (registration year Dec 1 to Nov 30 per the DCP guide). |
Roofs are listed as home improvement work. Registration, not a license; no exam. Contracts under $200, subcontracted work, commercial work and work inside a trade license scope are excluded.
Ask the town building official whether a reroof needs a permit.
- Buy general liability insurance of at least $20,000.
- Register online with DCP as an individual or legal entity and pay $220.
- Get the local building permit from the town building official.
Difficulty 13, easy (fees 4, insurance 5, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP Home Improvement definition and exclusions; DCP Home Improvement Contractor application ($220, $20,000 liability); DCP Home Improvement guide (registration period).
Plumbing
| License | P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut DCP, Plumbing and Piping Work Board |
| Fee | $150 (nonrefundable application fee; renewal $150 a year) |
| Exam | P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor examination. Given by PSI. Paid to PSI when scheduling; amount not on the DCP page. |
| Experience | 2 years as a licensed P-2 journeyperson, or equivalent experience and training. |
| Renewal | Annual. |
Plumbing and pipefitting licenses expire every October 31. Application fee $150 for contractors.
Ask the town building official who may pull plumbing permits.
- Hold a P-2 journeyperson license for 2 years.
- Apply online ($150) and wait for the PSI eligibility postcard.
- Pass the PSI exam and renew every October 31.
Difficulty 28, moderate (exams 15, experience 10, fees 3).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP plumbing licensing (fees, renewal); DCP plumbing license types and scope.
Electrical
| License | E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut DCP, Electrical Work Board |
| Fee | $150 (nonrefundable application fee; renewal $150 a year) |
| Exam | E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor examination. Given by PSI. Paid to PSI when scheduling; amount not on the DCP page. |
| Experience | 2 years as an unlimited licensed journeyperson, or other equivalent experience. |
| Renewal | Annual. |
Electrical licenses expire every September 30.
Ask the town building official who may pull electrical permits.
- Hold the E-2 journeyperson license for 2 years.
- Apply online ($150) and pass the PSI exam.
- Renew every September 30.
Difficulty 28, moderate (exams 15, experience 10, fees 3).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP electrical licensing (fees, renewal); DCP electrical license types and scope.
HVAC
| License | S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping and Cooling Contractor (D-1 limited warm air, air conditioning and refrigeration) |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut DCP, Heating, Piping, Cooling and Sheet Metal Work Board |
| Fee | $150 (nonrefundable contractor application fee (from the DCP trade pages)) |
| Exam | S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping and Cooling Contractor (D-1 limited warm air, air conditioning and refrigeration) examination. Given by PSI. Paid to PSI when scheduling; amount not on the DCP page. |
| Experience | 2 years as a journeyperson (per the scope page). |
| Renewal | Annual. |
S-1 covers all heating, piping, cooling and sheet metal work under CGS 20-330.
Ask the town building official who may pull mechanical permits.
- Hold the matching journeyperson license.
- Apply online and pass the PSI exam.
Difficulty 28+, moderate or harder (exams 15, experience 10, fees 3).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP heating, piping and cooling license types; DCP trade license fee pages.
Irrigation
| License | J-3 Limited Lawn Sprinkler Contractor |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut DCP, Plumbing and Piping Work Board |
| Fee | $150 (nonrefundable contractor application fee) |
| Exam | J-3 Limited Lawn Sprinkler Contractor examination. Given by PSI. Paid to PSI when scheduling; amount not on the DCP page. |
| Experience | 2 years as a journeyperson or equivalent experience and training. |
| Renewal | Annual. |
Permits installing, repairing and maintaining lawn sprinkler systems.
Ask the town building official and the water utility about permits and backflow devices for the water connection.
- Work 2 years as a J-4 lawn sprinkler journeyperson.
- Apply online and pass the PSI exam.
Difficulty 28, moderate (exams 15, experience 10, fees 3).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP plumbing license types (J-3, J-4); DCP plumbing licensing fees.
Concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks and work in the public right-of-way)
| License | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection |
| Fee | $220 (nonrefundable application fee) |
| Insurance | General liability insurance of at least $20,000. |
| Background check | Required. Criminal conviction worksheet if applicable. |
| Renewal | Annual (registration year Dec 1 to Nov 30 per the DCP guide). |
Driveways and patios are listed as home improvement work. Registration, not a license; no exam. Contracts under $200, subcontracted work, commercial work and work inside a trade license scope are excluded.
Ask the town building official about driveway, sidewalk and right-of-way permits.
- Buy general liability insurance of at least $20,000.
- Register online with DCP as an individual or legal entity and pay $220.
- Get the local building permit from the town building official.
Difficulty 13, easy (fees 4, insurance 5, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP Home Improvement definition and exclusions; DCP Home Improvement Contractor application ($220, $20,000 liability); DCP Home Improvement guide (registration period).
Drainage and detention (grading, drainage, stormwater and detention ponds)
| License | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection |
| Fee | $220 (nonrefundable application fee) |
| Insurance | General liability insurance of at least $20,000. |
| Background check | Required. Criminal conviction worksheet if applicable. |
| Renewal | Annual (registration year Dec 1 to Nov 30 per the DCP guide). |
Landscaping and waterproofing are listed as home improvement; grading and detention work on residential lots is not named. Registration, not a license; no exam. Contracts under $200, subcontracted work, commercial work and work inside a trade license scope are excluded.
Ask the town building official about grading, drainage and stormwater approvals.
- Buy general liability insurance of at least $20,000.
- Register online with DCP as an individual or legal entity and pay $220.
- Get the local building permit from the town building official.
Checked October 18, 2026 against DCP Home Improvement definition and exclusions; DCP Home Improvement Contractor application ($220, $20,000 liability); DCP Home Improvement guide (registration period).
Demolition
| License | Demolition license, Class B (structures 2.5 stories / 35 feet or less) or Class A (taller) |
|---|---|
| Board | Connecticut DAS, Office of State Fire Marshal |
| Experience | Class B 3 years, Class A 5 years supervisory demolition experience. |
| Insurance | Evidence of financial responsibility. |
State law requires a demolition license to engage in the business of demolishing buildings. Fees are not confirmed here.
Ask the town building official about demolition permits.
- Complete the Experience and Qualifications form.
- Apply on the eLicense site with proof of financial responsibility.
Checked October 18, 2026 against DAS demolition license types; DAS demolition eligibility; DAS demolition apply page.
Exams for a Connecticut license
| Connecticut P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor | PSI, for the Department of Consumer Protection | $59 per portion (trade, and business and law) | $59 per portion again; unlimited retests while the one year eligibility lasts, and a passed portion stays valid for 2 years | Open book | 80 | 3 hours | 70% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor | PSI, for the Department of Consumer Protection | $59 per portion (trade, and business and law) | $59 per portion again; unlimited retests while the one year eligibility lasts, and a passed portion stays valid for 2 years | Open book | 100 | 4 hours | 70% |
| Connecticut S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping and Cooling Contractor (D-1 is 70 questions in 3 hours) | PSI, for the Department of Consumer Protection | $59 per portion (trade, and business and law) | $59 per portion again; unlimited retests while the one year eligibility lasts, and a passed portion stays valid for 2 years | Open book | 80 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Connecticut J-3 Limited Lawn Sprinkler Contractor | PSI, for the Department of Consumer Protection | $59 per portion (trade, and business and law) | $59 per portion again; unlimited retests while the one year eligibility lasts, and a passed portion stays valid for 2 years | Open book | 50 | 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 Connecticut P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor are International Plumbing Code, NFPA 54 and the other listed references. Contractors also pass a 50 question Business and Law portion (2 hours, 70%) on the NASCLA Connecticut guide.
- Study references for Connecticut E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor are National Electrical Code 2020 or 2023 and the other listed references. Contractors also pass a 50 question Business and Law portion (2 hours, 70%) on the NASCLA Connecticut guide.
- Study references for Connecticut S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping and Cooling Contractor (D-1 is 70 questions in 3 hours) are Mechanical code commentary, NFPA 54 and the other listed references. Contractors also pass a 50 question Business and Law portion (2 hours, 70%) on the NASCLA Connecticut guide.
- Contractors also pass a 50 question Business and Law portion (2 hours, 70%) on the NASCLA Connecticut guide.
Checked October 18, 2026 against PSI Connecticut occupational licensing Candidate Information Bulletin, updated February 4, 2026; PSI Connecticut occupational licensing Candidate Information Bulletin, updated February 4, 2026; PSI Connecticut occupational licensing Candidate Information Bulletin, updated February 4, 2026; PSI Connecticut occupational licensing Candidate Information Bulletin, updated February 4, 2026.
Official sources
- Department of Consumer Protection, License Services
- DCP occupational trade license scopes
- DAS Office of State Fire Marshal, demolition licensing
Licensing pages for nearby states cover Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice. Confirm with the licensing board before you apply or bid.