A general contractor generally completes a construction technology classroom program or receives on-the-job training through work experience or a formal apprenticeship. Technical colleges and trade schools offer one- or two-year certificate programs and associate's degrees in construction, while apprenticeships are available from industry groups and last 3-5 years. Education Portal[1] reports that although there is no required educational program for general contractors, those wishing to work in supervisory or construction management roles should consider attaining an associate's or bachelor's degree and related work experience.
Typical costs:
A certificate program in construction technology costs $1,800-$9,000. Casper College[2] in Casper, WY, offers a nine-month Construction Technology certificate program for $1,848 for residents and $5,112 for non-residents. Franklin Tech Joplin[3] in Joplin, MO, offers a 950-hour certificate in construction technology for $8,845.
An associate's degree in construction technology costs $1,200-$18,000. An associate's degree from El Camino College[4] in Torrance, CA, costs $1,224 for state residents or $8,058 for non-residents. Texas State Technical College[5] offers an associate's degree in building construction technology for $7,788 for state residents and $17,886 for non-residents over the five-semester program.
An apprenticeship in construction costs $0-$1,000. The Local 199 Labor Union[6] in Wilmington, DE, offers an apprenticeship program for $300. IBEW-NECA Technical Institute[7] in Chicago offers apprenticeships for $1,000, which includes an administration fee and the cost of hand tools. Apprentices may also earn a partial wage while working under the supervision of a general contractor.
State licensing for general contractors costs $50-$300. Florida[8] issues licenses from $250 for two years, with an optional online exam review for $150. North Carolina's unlimited license costs $100 plus $15 for a license packet, while Georgia[9] 's license costs $200 plus a $106 exam fee.
Apprenticeships in construction last 3-5 years and include at least 144 hours of classes plus on-the-job training, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[10] .
Certificate and associate's degree programs should cover basic subjects like mathematics, mechanical drawing and woodworking, and the basic skills necessary to begin a career in construction. A bachelor's degree should cover project development, site planning, design, construction methods and materials, cost estimating and accounting, according to Education Portal[11] .
Additional costs:
Additional costs for carpentry students range from $500-$15,000. For example, Imperial Valley College in Imperial, CA, estimates that building construction students will pay $1,656 for books and supplies for the certificate program. The University of New Mexico[12] in Taos, N.M., estimates room, board, transportation and miscellaneous costs for the certificate program at $9,000-$15,000 per year.
Discounts:
Scholarships may be available to qualified students attending a construction training program. The Construction Industry Advancement Program of New Jersey[13] offers scholarships of $2,500-$5,000, while the South East Iowa Builder's Association[14] offers several $1,000 scholarships each year. Associated General Contractors of America[15] issues up to 100 scholarships each year for $7,500.
Shopping for becoming a general contractor:
National Contractors offers a searchable database[16] of general contractor licensing requirements by state.
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I got my Class A - RBC - Residential Building Contractor license in Virginia by going to a boot-camp style exam prep. I used https://contractortrainingcenter.com/ and they had everything I needed. $1,200 and about 3 days spread out over a week. You have to take the prelicense course online, then the class A class, then the class A test, then the RBC class, then the RBC test. Sounds like a lot, but it was pretty easy once you know what you are doing.
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