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Construction Work Regulated?

Who Regulates Construction?

Requirements?

Reciprocal Agreements

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Construction Work Regulated?

New home construction and home improvement contractors are regulated through a state registration program. Electrical and plumbing contractors must obtain the appropriate state-issued licenses. Contractors performing state-funded work must obtain the required classification before bidding on or performing any state project.

Who Regulates Construction?

New home builders may obtain registration information from:

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Bureau of Homeowner Protection
101 South Broad Street
Post Off ice Box 805
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-7910 Fax (609) 292-2839
https://www.state.nj.us/dca/codes

Home improvement contractors may obtain registration information from:

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection Regulated Business Section
124 Halsey Street, 7th Floor
Post Office Box 45028
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6200 Fax (973) 273-8035
https://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/HIC

Electrical contractors may obtain licensing information from:

New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Division of Consumer Affairs Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
Post Office Box 45006
Newark, NJ 07101
(973)504-6410 Fax (973)648-3355
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec/Pages/default.aspx

Plumbing contractors may obtain licensing information from:

New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Division of Consumer Affairs State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
Post Office Box 45008
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6420 Fax (973) 648-3355
https://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nonmedical/plumbers.htm

All Refrigeration and HVAC Contractors registration informat ion may be obtained from:

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors
Post Office Box 47031
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6250 Fax (973) 648-3355
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr

State facility classification information may be obtained from:

New Jersey State Department of Treasury Division of Property Management and Construction
Contractor Classification
33 West State Street, 9th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 633-2725 Fax (609) 7n-1970
https://www.nj.gov/treasury/dpmc

Request for classification application processing fee: $100.

Requirements?

Home Builders

New home builders must register with the state. The registration fee is $200 and is valid for two years, with a $200 renewal fee. Builders are also required to provide a 10-year warranty on each new home through either the State Plan or an approved private warranty program. State Plan warranty fees are based on the builder's experience and claims history.

Home Improvement Contractors

Applicants must submit a registration application, a Disclosure Statement, and proof of commercial general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 per occurrence. A $110 non-refundable application fee is required. Contractors renewing an expired registration must submit a reinstatement application.

Electrical Contractors

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet the state's experience requirements. Qualifying experience may include:

Five years of practical hands-on electrical work;
Completion of an approved four-year apprenticeship plus one year of practical experience;
Qualification as a journeyman electrician plus one year of practical experience;
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering plus two years of practical experience; or
Five years of experience in the electrical contracting industry.

Applicants must pass a three-part examination covering trade, business and law, and alarm systems. Candidates who fail the exam must wait six months before retesting.

Businesses must obtain a permit by providing a $1,000 surety bond and proof of general liability insurance with at least $300,000 in coverage. Continuing education is required for license renewal. Electrical licenses are valid for three years, and the average application processing time is approximately 60 days.

License Type / Application Fee / 3 Year License Fee / 2 Year License Fee / 1 Year License Fee / 3 Year Renewal Fee

Electrical Contractors / $100 / $150 / $100 / $50 / $150

Business Permit / N/A / $75 / $50 / $25 / $75

Plumber Licensing Requirements

Experience Requirements

Applicants for a New Jersey Master Plumber license must complete one of the following pathways:

A U.S. Department of Labor-approved four-year apprenticeship, including required propane services education, followed by one year (at least 1,200 hours) of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey; or
A bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college or university, including the required propane services education, followed by one year (at least 1,200 hours) of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey.

Practical hands-on experience includes the installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, and removal of plumbing systems and fixtures. Supervisory, engineering, estimating, and other managerial duties do not qualify toward the experience requirement.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for the Master Plumber licensing examination, applicants must:

Be at least 21 years of age;
Meet the required education and experience qualifications;
Submit a completed application with supporting documentation verifying experience; and
Pay the required application fee.

After reviewing the application, the Board will notify applicants of their eligibility and, if approved, provide the date, time, and location of the licensing examination.

Medical Gas Piping Installer Certification

Applicants for Medical Gas Piping Installer certification must submit a completed application, two affidavits attesting to their good moral character, documentation showing they meet the state's qualification requirements, proof of completing 32 hours of approved classroom training based on the ASSE Series 6010 Professional Qualifications Standards for Medical Gas Systems Installers, and the required application and certification fees.

To qualify for certification, applicants must also successfully complete one of the following:

Pass the NITC Medical Gas Installer Examination; or
Pass an AWS brazing examination and complete a medical gas installation training program approved by a major medical gas equipment manufacturer.
Master HVACR Contractor Licensing Requirements

Applicants for a New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor license must be at least 21 years old, meet the state's education and experience requirements, submit a completed application, provide a recent passport-sized photograph, and pay the required application fee. Once the application is approved, eligible applicants are notified of the date, time, and location of the licensing examination.

Applicants may qualify by meeting one of the following education and experience pathways:

Five years of HVACR industry experience, including:
Four years in a U.S. Department of Labor-approved HVACR apprenticeship or training program that includes instruction on refrigerant management and propane services; and
One year of experience as an HVACR journeyperson.
A bachelor's degree in HVACR from an accredited college or university, including required refrigerant management and propane services education, plus one year of practical HVACR experience.
A bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university, including required refrigerant management and propane services education, plus three years of practical HVACR experience.

Completion of an accredited HVACR program at a technical school, trade school, county college, or community college may satisfy up to two years of the required experience.

Required propane services training must meet New Jersey's approved curriculum standards.

Initial License Fee / 2-Year Renewal Fee
$160+$25 pressure seal fee / $160

Reciprocal Agreements

Master Plumbers

The New Jersey State Board may grant a Master Plumber license without examination to applicants licensed in another state, provided that:

The applicant's home state offers reciprocal licensing privileges to New Jersey Master Plumbers; and
The licensing requirements of that state are substantially equivalent to those of New Jersey.

Master HVACR Contractors

Individuals licensed as HVACR contractors in another state may qualify for a New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor license without taking the state examination if:

The other state's licensing standards are equal to or substantially comparable to New Jersey's requirements; and
The other state provides reciprocal licensing privileges to qualified New Jersey Master HVACR licensees.