In both residential and commercial construction, becoming a general contractor can be a great business move.
But before you get started, you'll probably want to take a training course to make sure you're up to date on all the regulations in your state.
Many companies offer programs online that are designed to prepare you for the general contractor's licensing exam.
With these courses, you can typically learn at your own pace and go into the exam with the confidence that you know the material.
Best Online General Contractor Courses
Read on for more details on the top general contractor courses and training programs available online.
1. At Home Prep Education
At Home Prep Education offers online licensing exam prep courses for every state in the country.
With thousands of courses available across dozens of subjects, you're sure to find the general contractor training you need.
At Home Prep Education also has courses available to prep you for specialty licenses and certifications.
Complete contractor packages start at around $1,799.99 with shorter courses available for under $100.
2. Contractor Training Center
Contractor Training Center has exam preparation, application assistance, and coaching services — all available online.
Courses and assistance are available for aspiring general contractors in 20 states, as well as national exam prep, which is accepted in 16 states.
The center boasts that more than 30,000 contractors have become licensed with their help, achieving a more than 90% first-time pass rate.
Exam prep courses start at $89, with a full refund available if you don't pass your state's licensing exam on the first try.
3. Contractor School Online
Contractor School Online has courses, practice tests, and materials for contractor license exams in 47 states.
These online programs and materials are available 24/7, so you can study when it is convenient for you.
Professional consultants are also available to help you prep for your state, county, or city licensing exam.
Exam prep courses start at $87. Other options are available for specialty exams and certifications.
4. Kaplan Contractor School
Kaplan Contractor School offers everything you need to get your general contractor license and become EPA-Lead Safe certified.
The school also has continuing education courses available if you've already got your general contractor license and it's time to renew.
Kaplan focuses on general contractor requirements in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, but other states might be covered as well.
Exam prep courses start at $249. The courses are self-paced, with students having six months from purchase to complete the course.
5. University of Houston
If you want to take your training up a notch, check out the University of Houston's professional certificate in construction management.
The program consists of four courses, all delivered 100% online:
- Construction Management Principles
- Contract Administration
- Cost Analysis and Bidding
- Project Planning and Management
You must complete all four courses to earn the professional certificate. You'll also earn 16 continuing education units.
Tuition for each course is $1,500. The total tuition for the certificate program is $6,000. Payment plans are available.
6. Wisconsin Contractor Training
Wisconsin Contractor Training has dwelling contractor and electrician training available online for aspiring and current general contractors.
These courses are good for either licensing exam prep or to fulfill continuing education requirements if you're already licensed.
Courses are 100% online and mobile friendly so you can complete your course right from your phone in your downtime wherever you are.
The pre-licensing training course costs $95. Continuing education courses are available for $45 or $20.
7. Zack Academy
Zack Academy has a 100% online general contractor training workshop if you're prepping for the North Carolina residential contractor exam.
The course is pre-recorded and available online anytime so you can train and become certified when it suits your schedule.
Zack Academy has courses and training programs available for other states as well, including Massachusetts, Michigan, and Louisiana.
The North Carolina course costs a total of $149. Once you purchase the course, you have six months to complete it.
FAQs about Online General Contractor Training Programs
Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about online general contractor courses.
Can You Train to Be a General Contractor Online?
Absolutely! Any training you need to run your contracting business according to state regulations can be accessed online.
Make sure the training program you use is specifically designed for the state where you plan to work as a general contractor.
What Education Do You Need to Be a General Contractor?
Most general contractors have a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED, plus some additional training.
Some general contractors get a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, especially if they are starting a small business.
What Is Required to Get a General Contractor License?
The license requirements vary greatly from state to state. Some states don't even require general contractors to be licensed.
The states that require licenses typically require you to pass a licensing exam and show proof of financial responsibility.
Find the Right School for General Contractor Training Today
If you're interested in becoming a general contractor, get the training you need online to ensure you'll pass your state licensing exam.
