General Contractor License Requirements in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) |
| License Type | General Contractor |
| Experience Required | No specific year/hour experience requirement for General Contractor registration. Residential Contractor Endorsement requires completion of 16-hour cold climate building course and passing the residential endorsement exam. |
| Education Substitute | 16-hour cold climate course is mandatory for residential endorsement; no general education substitute |
| Exam Required | Yes — Residential Contractor Endorsement Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $25,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $300 |
| Cold climate course | $500 |
| Est. Initial Total | $800 |
Renewal: $300 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Residential Contractor Endorsement Exam
Exam provider: CBPL
Notes
- License required for projects exceeding $10,000
- Residential Contractor Endorsement required for new home construction or work exceeding 25% of structure value
- All licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years (next: 9/30/2026)
- 2026 regulatory updates: new centralized licensing regulations effective March 6, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska requires a statewide general contractor license through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Alaska?
The estimated initial cost is $300, including application, exam, and license fees. A $25,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Alaska?
No specific year/hour experience requirement for General Contractor registration. Residential Contractor Endorsement requires completion of 16-hour cold climate building course and passing the residential endorsement exam. Education substitute: 16-hour cold climate course is mandatory for residential endorsement; no general education substitute
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Alaska?
You must pass the Residential Contractor Endorsement Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by CBPL.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Alaska?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond is required. General contractors: $25,000 bond. Residential-only general contractors: $20,000 bond. Handyman contractors (projects $10,000 or less): $5,000 bond. Accepted forms: surety bond, cashier's check, or time certificate of deposit from AK-authorized bank.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Alaska?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Alaska?
No, Alaska does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: CBPL