In the Buckeye State you need a license to be a plumbing contractor. Below we outline the steps and requirements to get an Ohio plumbers license.
Note that there are exceptions to this mandate. Individual plumbers don’t need to have a license in this state. This allows some plumbers to eliminate the need for a professional license.
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Ohio doesn’t require individual plumbers to have licenses. However, if you plan to work as a plumbing contractor, you’ll need a license issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Follow these three steps to get your plumbing contractor license:
You must submit a notarized Ohio plumber license application for contractors. You will need to include your contracting company name on this application. Attach W-2s from the past five years and include a check for the $25 application fee.
Upon approval of your application, the Board will notify you by mail. Then, you must obtain a BCI and FBI background check and submit it to the Board.
After the Board approves your background check, you’ll receive information on scheduling your licensure exam. PSI conducts all exams using computer-based testing at a number of locations throughout the state. The open-book exam consists of two parts:
The cost to take both parts of the exam is $138. You must score 70% or better on each part of the exam to pass.
You will receive your results immediately after completing your exam. You must submit a copy of your exam results, a $25 check and a certificate of liability insurance coverage to the Board to receive your license.
You may renew your plumbing contractor license in one-year or three-year increments. Different fees and continuing education requirements apply for each renewal option:
To become a licensed plumbing contractor in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal alien. In addition, you’ll need to meet specific requirements in three categories:
You must fulfill one of the two following work experience requirement options:
You must carry a minimum of $500,000 in plumbing contractor liability coverage. See more details below.
You must not have any convictions that would disqualify you from holding a plumbing contractor license. The state of Ohio considers certain crimes of moral turpitude to be disqualifying offenses.
If you’re unsure whether your criminal history prohibits you from applying, contact the Board for more information.
You must show proof of contractor liability insurance with at least $500,000 in coverage by submitting a certificate of liability insurance to the Board. This insurance must be assigned to the same contracting company listed on your license application.
Ohio business insurance can help you protect your work as a licensed plumbing contractor. The following are some of the types of insurance available for plumbing professionals.
You must show proof of general liability insurance to get your plumbing contractor license. This insurance can help cover the costs of work-related accidents to third-parties, property damage and more.
In Ohio, all employers must either be self-insured or have workers’ compensation insurance. If you or one of your employees gets injured at work, this insurance can help provide wage protection and other benefits.
Tools and equipment insurance can help provide repair and replacement coverage for damaged or stolen gear that you need to do your job.
If you drive for work, commercial auto insurance can help cover costs related to accidents, such as property damage and medical expenses.
In the event of damage or vandalism, commercial property insurance in Ohio can help provide coverage for equipment, inventory and owned or rented property.
The Board allows plumbing contractors from the following states to apply for a reciprocal license in Ohio:
To get your license via reciprocity, you must submit a state-specific reciprocity application available for download on the Board’s website.
Many cities and counties in Ohio require that all plumber contractors be registered and bonded. For example, in Hamilton County, plumbing contractors must register with the Hamilton County Public Health department and submit proof of a $10,000 bond.
Check with your local government to find out if there are any bond requirements for plumbing contractors in the area where you plan to work.
NEXT helps you get the right plumber insurance to satisfy Ohio’s licensing requirements and protect your business.
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Ashley Henshaw was a contributing writer at NEXT. She specializes in small business topics, covering everything from insurance and branding to web hosting and cryptocurrency.
Her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, AOL City's Best, Citysearch, USA Today, The San Francisco Chronicle and Livestrong.
