Washington Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Washington is a 'registration' state for contractors, not a 'licensing' state. General and specialty contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under the Contractor's Registration Act (RCW 18.27). No trade exam or experience is required for contractor registration itself. However, electricians and plumbers must obtain separate individual certifications with exams through L&I. HVAC work requires both contractor registration and electrical specialty certification (06A/06B). Bond amounts increased significantly on July 1, 2024 (general: $12,000 to $30,000; specialty: $6,000 to $15,000).
General Contractor
RequiredExperienceNone
ExamNo
Est. Cost$141.1
Electrician
RequiredExperience4 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$280.2
Plumber
RequiredExperience4 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$497.7
HVAC Technician
RequiredExperience2 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$313.7
Roofing Contractor
RequiredExperienceNone
ExamNo
Est. Cost$141.1
Reciprocity Agreements
Washington has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
oregon — Direct reciprocity for 01 General Journey Level Electricians. Oregon General Journeyman (J) license holders can obtain WA EL01 certification without retaking the trade exam, provided they completed an 8,000-hour state-approved apprenticeship with 576 classroom hours and passed Oregon's written exam.
idaho — Reciprocal certification for journey level plumbers. Idaho-licensed journey level plumbers may waive the trade portion of the WA licensing exam.