People aspiring to become general contractors should consider online education as an option. This will allow them to build a strong knowledge base, prepare for their state licensing exam, and improve their skills to start a successful contracting career. I have thoroughly reviewed several general contractor schools available nationwide and have chosen the six best contractor license schools online based on specific criteria like course format, reviews, and geographic availability.
- @HomePrep: Best for additional operational certifications like OSHA training
- Contractor Training Center: Best for online education with individualized support
- My Contractor’s License: Best for exam prep course with pass guarantee and refund policy
- Builders License Training Institute: Best for engaging course format options
- Contractor School Online: Best for access to a la carte, subject-specific practice tests
- AGC The Construction Association: Best for industry insights and continual support
@HomePrep: Best for Additional Operational Courses
Pros
- It provides price match guarantee and financing options.
- It offers visual, audio, and live courses.
- It offers 12 months of course access.
Cons
- It does not provide career assistance.
- It does not offer interactive study groups.
- It does not have a mobile app.
My Expert Opinion on @HomePrep
@HomePrep provides online general contractor courses through Stautzenberger College, including prelicensing, exam prep, and continuing education (CE). Its standout feature that I love is its wide variety of national and specialty courses, including construction, business, design, manufacturing, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). @HomePrep offers financing options, instructor access, and live customer support. However, it could be improved by providing in-person courses or a mobile app.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are offered only within 30 days and if less than 10% of the course has been accessed.
- Course format variety: Courses are offered through recorded video, audio narration, and live seminars.
- Additional resources: In addition to various national courses, there is a fully stocked bookstore and application processing services.
As of this writing, there are no online reviews for @HomePrep. Nonetheless, the online general contractor course was easy to follow and included good information on all the required areas: excavation, formwork, concrete, masonry, wood framing, steel structures, roofing, and finishes. However, it doesn’t offer in-person general contractor license training and job placement assistance. Consider the Contractor Training Center for a school with more extensive career development.
@HomePrep offers prelicensing and exam prep courses in every US state except Pennsylvania, with pricing dependent on the required number of course hours. It also provides state-approved continuing education courses in 35 states
Contractor Training Center: Best for One-on-one Support
Pros
- It has multiple video course format options.
- It has state-specific courses for specialties.
- Refund guarantee is offered.
Cons
- Personalized coaching and consulting can be expensive.
- In-person options are only offered in Virginia.
- CE is only offered in Florida and Georgia.
My Expert Opinion on Contractor Training Center
The Contractor Training Center offers general contractor online classes, including exam prep courses, seminars, and practice tests. It also provides state-specific courses for specialties like electricians, mold remediation, and roofing. We also like that its classes are offered through a live webinar with an instructor, in a prerecorded video format, or in a classroom. Students can purchase a contractor licensing consultation or one-on-one tutoring. However, it could be improved by offering courses in more states.
- Accreditation: National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA)
- Refund/cancellation policy: For classroom and livestream courses, refunds are offered within 24 hours of purchase, or students can switch to a self-paced course; students are eligible for an online course refund within 14 days.
- Additional support: You can purchase a licensing consultation, license application review, application processing services, and private tutoring.
- Specialty courses: It offers prelicensing and exam prep courses for both residential and commercial contractors, as well as additional specialties.
Over 4,000 students have given Contractor Training Center a favorable rating of 4.7 out of 5. The students have praised the courses for being engaging, the instructors for being helpful, and the books for being well organized and easy to understand. One student even mentioned that they had tried another school, but it didn’t compare to the Contractor Training Center.
However, a few less enthusiastic students pointed out some issues with the general contractor online course, such as the lack of a chat function and difficulty searching for suitable courses. If you want a more user-friendly online course, check out the Builders License Training Institute.
Contractor Training Center’s pricing structure is straightforward, and its prelicensing and exam prep courses are affordable compared with other contractor licensing schools. Although continuing education is only offered in two states, it is inexpensive and engaging. Additional consulting and tutoring services are provided as a la carte options.
Visit Contractor Training Center
My Contractor’s License: Best for Exam Pass Guarantee
Pros
- Course demo is free.
- It provides 24/7 customer service.
- It has a wide range of exam prep options.
Cons
- It does not offer continuing education or professional development.
- Courses can be expensive.
- It does not have a mobile app.
My Expert Opinion on My Contractor’s License
My Contractor’s License offers exam prep for residential and commercial contractors and state-specific licenses like the Alabama Home Builder or the Florida NASCLA Commercial Builder license. This online contractor license school offers a 110% pass guarantee on your first exam attempt. If you don’t pass the exam on the first try despite taking the courses as instructed, you’ll get a 110% refund for the exam prep course. However, the school only offers courses in 17 states, so it could improve by expanding its offerings.
- Accreditation: NASCLA
- Refund/cancellation policy: It offers a 15-day hassle-free return policy on online courses.
- Additional resources: The Bookstore offers a wide variety of additional course topics, and many courses include coaching and support.
- Engaging course format: Courses include physical and audio components as well as study tools like digital study guides, practice quizzes, and online workshop classes.
There are no third-party reviews for My Contractor’s License. However, its website hosts nearly 100 5-star customer reviews. Students said that the practice exams were well organized and highly detailed and that the study tools helped them study and feel fully prepared. Many reviewers noted that they could successfully pass their exam on the first try because of this general contractor training online.
Since there is a 110% pass guarantee, there is virtually no risk in trying these courses. However, consider AGC The Construction Association, if you’d prefer to have career assistance and interactive study groups.
My Contractor’s License offers exam prep courses for various general contractor licenses and certifications in 17 states. Each course is priced based on the number of hours and includes study tools, so check each course for details.
Builders License Training Institute: Most Engaging Course Materials
Pros
- It provides video, audio, and printable course material.
- It offers various course package options.
- It offers mobile-friendly courses.
Cons
- Exam prep courses are only offered in 20 states.
- CE is only offered in 16 states.
- It does not offer livestream or webinar learning format.
My Expert Opinion on Builders License Training Institute
Builders License Training Institute (BLTI) uniquely provides contractor licensing and CE courses in Spanish. Each general contractor online course from BLTI includes a range of video and audio components. It also offers preprinted book tabs, including free bonus video courses like “Social Media for Contractors.” BLTI is ideal for aspiring and current contractors who want the most user-friendly and engaging course options. However, BLTI is only available in 25 states, so there is room for improvement by adding availability in more states.
- Accreditations: Certified Training Institute, Architects Training Institute, Plumbers Training Institute, Real Estate Training Institute, and NASCLA
- Refund/cancellation policy: Online courses are eligible for refunds within seven days of purchase if the course is unused; books may also be returned within seven days.
- Additional resources: It offers a private tutoring package and a full bookstore.
- Financial aid and scholarships: It offers discounts and scholarship options for military members and students.
Although there are a limited number of online reviews for BLTI, it has a good overall rating of 4 out of 5. Many students praised the well-structured course material, which covered all necessary topics. Additionally, students appreciated the knowledgeable instructors who provided great explanations, helping them feel confident in passing their exams.
A few of the cons mentioned by BLTI students were the long class hours. One student noted that they preferred having more options for in-person course schedules. If you want the option of in-person courses and engaging course formats, @HomePrep might be a better choice.
Courses from the BLTI vary in price based on the number of hours, included features and tools, and the course format. Check out the courses needed for your specific state and license.
Visit Builders License Training Institute
Contractor School Online: Best for Subject-specific Practice Tests
Pros
- It has the largest selection of practice tests.
- Construction glossary is free.
- It offers exam prep courses in 47 states.
Cons
- It offers only three months of course access.
- It does not have live chat and 24/7 customer support.
- It does not offer CE or professional development options.
My Expert Opinion on Contractor School Online
All Contractor School Online courses help students prepare for the contractor exam with online practice tests, study guides, and course manuals in 47 states. This general contractor school offers simple exam prep courses for a variety of state-specific construction licenses. For example, it provides over 40 exam prep courses for California contractors, including fencing, masonry, roofing, landscaping, and fire protection courses. However, it could be improved by offering interactive study groups and 1:1 coaching and training.
- Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are not offered.
- Free construction glossary: It provides an easy-to-access glossary with topic-specific terms.
- Large topic variety: It provides over 2,000 online practice tests and manuals.
I could not find any reviews regarding the courses and practice tests available through Contractor School Online. However, the school’s website indicates the company has over 25 years of experience in the contractor education industry.
Plus, practice tests from Contractor School Online are very affordable. However, if you’d prefer to choose a general contractor online course with more customer reviews and study tools, BLTI may be a better fit for your needs.
Courses from Contractor School Online are priced individually based on the number of topics and practice questions included. Overall, pricing is extremely affordable.
Visit Contractor School Online
AGC The Construction Association: Best for Ongoing Support & Education
Pros
- It offers frequent professional development webinars.
- It hosts networking events.
- It provides valuable industry insights and data.
Cons
- It does not offer prelicensing or exam prep courses.
- Professional development courses can be expensive.
- It does not have a mobile app.
My Expert Opinion on AGC The Construction Association
The Construction Association, or Associated General Contractors (AGC), provides industry professionals with insights, tools, resources, and connections through ongoing membership. It offers courses for building contractors, federal and heavy construction, transportation construction, and utility construction. It also frequently delivers live online courses with additional certifications. However, it can be improved with more nationwide access and budget-friendly prices.
- Accreditations: International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), American Institute of Architects (AIA), and American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
- Refund/cancellation policy: Live online classes are eligible for a refund 14 days or more before the class begins.
- Local chapters: It has local AGC chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, plus over 150 student chapters at universities.
- Professional development: It offers courses in specific areas like law, environment, economics, risk management, safety and health, taxes, and workforce development.
Since the Construction Association is an organization that supports contractors, there aren’t any online reviews for courses. However, the cost of membership provides access to a wealth of online resources and in-person networking events. Plus, many resources offered online are free to access. However, for a contractor license school with prelicensing and exam prep in the highest number of states, look at @HomePrep Education.
AGC member dues vary by the local chapter, so find the chapter closest to you through their online directory. As a member, you’ll receive discounted pricing on professional development and certification courses.
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How We Evaluated the Top General Contractor Schools
To help you choose the best general contractor courses, I evaluated online providers based on course formats, type of education offered, customer reviews, and customer support. Based on these criteria, I identified @HomePrep as the overall best contractor license school online.
@HomePrep offers prelicensing, exam prep, and continuing education courses with video and audio components. It is also the only general contractor school to offer a price match and pass guarantee. This makes it the best option overall and ideal for professionals who want high-quality education with a satisfaction guarantee.
The criteria we used to evaluate the best contractor license school online include:
- Breakdown
- Learning Style/Course Features
- Education Provided
- Additional Features
- Customer Reviews
- Expert Score
- Help and Support
25%
Learning Style/Course Features
25% of Overall Score
This consists of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the contractors as well as ease of course accessibility
20% of Overall Score
This refers to the nationwide availability of each level of education, including prelicensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep.
25% of Overall Score
This refers to extending services past licensure, such as coaching and training and career assistance. Also, it determines whether the provider offers pass or refund guarantees for its courses.
10% of Overall Score
This is based on customer feedback for each program, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and the popularity of the provider, to certify that the course meets user satisfaction.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for money, and ease of use for each school.
10% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical support and instructor assistance.
*Percentages of overall score
Note: We did not take pricing into account in our evaluation since general contractor online courses vary widely by state and school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s important to check the rules and regulations regarding general contractor licensing in your state and local area, as they may differ from place to place. For instance, in New York City, contractors must apply to the Department of Consumer Affairs and may also need to pass an examination.
Several factors, such as your profession and location, influence the cost of obtaining a general contractor license. The expense typically ranges from $0 to over $3,800, as different states and municipalities may impose varying fees. The pricing is also affected by the learning format and additional features.
Whether or not you require a license to work as a general contractor in your area depends entirely on the city and state where you are based. The process of verifying with your state licensing board and local licensing authority is straightforward, ensuring compliance with the regulations.
Bottom Line
Enrolling in a contractor license school online can be a game-changer if you want to become a licensed contractor. It provides you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and equips you with all the necessary knowledge and skills to ace the licensing exam. Additionally, a reputable online contracting school will offer you a wide range of professional development opportunities, such as continuing education courses and certifications, which can help you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and regulations.
