Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who needs a Public Works Contractor License?

A: Any contractor or subcontractor who wishes to construct, repair, or reconstruct any project that involves public funding of contracts/purchase orders with the State of Idaho, or any other political subdivision of the state authorized to let or award contracts for public work if the estimated cost of the entire project is $50,000 or more.

Persons wishing to engage in private residential or private commercial contracting do not require a Public Works Contractor License but should become registered as a general contractor by contacting DOPL at (208) 334-3233.

Q: Why do I need a Public Works Contractor License?

A: The Idaho Legislature has determined it to be in the best interest of the people of Idaho to assure that with respect to public facilities, only experienced and qualified contractors with sufficient financial wherewithal perform work in which they have specific expertise.

Q: How can I get a Public Works Contractor application?

A: Applications may be requested by phone request at (208) 334-4057 or (800) 358-6895 or can be downloaded from the Application and Renewal page. All applications must be submitted to Public Works Contractor Licensing.

Q: Where can I find more information about Public Works Contractor Licensing?

A: More information regarding Public Works Contractor Licensing can be found on the Public Works Program Additional Information Fact Sheet.

Q: Who needs a Construction Manager License and Why?

A: The State of Idaho requires that construction managers (CM’s) be licensed to assure the public that CM’s have the level of education and experience required for successful management of public construction projects. A license is required for any individual who wishes to act as a construction manager in public works construction or offers to perform construction management services on any project where the estimated cost of the entire project is $50,000 or more and where the project involves public funding from the State of Idaho or any other political subdivision of the state that is authorized to let or award contracts for any public work.

Q: What is the cost of a Construction Manager license?

Construction Manager $200
Certificate of Authority $100

Q: How can I get a Public Works Construction Manager License application?

A: The Public Works Construction Manager License Application may be downloaded from the Application and Renewal page. Applications and forms may also be requested by phone request at (208) 334-4057 or (800) 358-6895.

All applications must be submitted to: Public Works Contractor Licensing

Q: What documentation will I need to provide to get a Construction Manager license?

• The Construction Manager application must be completed and submitted to the Public Works Contractors Licensing Program along with the license fee.
• Education transcripts
• Four (4) years of work history with a degree in CM or architectural, engineering or
• Five (5) years of work history with no degree in CM or architectural, engineering
• Three (3) letters of reference relating to applicable work history.
• Certification by CMAA that you have successfully passed the exam.

Q: How can I order a Construction Manager study guide?

A: The CM Standards of Practice Study Kit may be purchased online at: https://cmaanet.org/cmaa-bookstore

Create a drop down and label it as “General Public Works Questions”.

What information do I need to submit in order to get a Public Works Contractor license?

• A contractor application form must be completed and submitted to Public Works Contractors Licensing along with the appropriate license fee.
• A current financial statement.
• Three (3) contractor references.
• The appropriate examination form for the class of license you are applying for.

Q: What Public Works Contractor test will I need to take?

A:

• If you are applying for a Class D license, complete the Class D Examination included with the application materials and available under Forms & Applications and submit it with your application. Your license will be issued when your application has been approved and you have passed your examination with a score of 70% or higher.
• If you are applying for a Class Unlimited, AAA, AA, A, B, CC or C license you will need to complete the License Examination Information form (pwf-106a) available under Forms & Applications and submit it with your application. Once your application has been approved, you will be notified by The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) via email to schedule your examination at one of our testing sites. Your license will be issued when we receive confirmation that you attained a score of 70% or higher.

Q: How can I order Public Works Contractor study reference information?

A: The Class D study information is always included with mailed out applications. It consists of the Idaho Public Works Statutes and Rules which relate to Public Works Contractor licensing. It can also be acquired by calling (800) 955-3044 or is available for download by clicking the link above.

The Class Unlimited, AAA, AA, A, B, CC, or C study information is the Idaho Public Works Statutes and Rules AND the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Contractor’s Business and Law Reference Manual. They can be acquired by calling (800) 955-3044 or are available by download by clicking the links above.

Q:  How do I determine the type(s) of Public Works Contractor license(s) I may need?

A: There are four (4) types of Public Works Contractor licenses:

• Heavy Construction
• Highway Construction
• Building Construction
• Specialty Construction

The type establishes the work that can be performed as a Public Works Contractor. To determine the appropriate type, contractors must submit detailed work history and reference letters.

Q: How do I determine which class of license I may need?

• There are eight (8) classes of licenses: Unlimited, AAA, AA, A, B, CC, C and D.
• The class of license determines the dollar amount a Public Works Contractor may bid for on a Public Works project.
• Classes of licenses are determined by the company’s net worth, working capital and the dollar amount of projects they have completed.
• The chart below will help you choose the appropriate class of license.

	Net Worth	Working Capital	Completed Project Amounts	Bid Limit by Class
Unlimited	$1,000,000	$600,000	$3,500,000	Unlimited
AAA	$600,000	$200,000	$2,100,000	$5,000,000 or less
AA	$450,000	$150,000	$875,000	$3,000,000
A	$300,000	$100,000	$420,000	$1,250,000
B	$150,000	$50,000	$280,000	$600,00
CC	$75,000	$25,000	$140,000	$400,000
C	$25,000	$7,500	$35,000	$200,000
D	$10,000	$3,000	No Minimum Dollar Amount	$50,000 or less

Q: What are the financial statement requirements for each class of license?

A:

Class	Type of Financial Statement Required
D or C	Financial statements must either be on our approved, multi-purpose balance sheet pgs. 1 – 8 provided (information cannot be more than six months old), on QuickBooks or otherwise prepared by a CPA or LPA. Statements prepared by a CPA or LPA must include the accountant’s report and may be compiled, reviewed or an audited balance sheet. Financial statements more than 12 months old will not be accepted
CC or B	Requires a Compiled financial statement prepared by a CPA or LPA. It MUST include the accountant’s report and cannot be more than 12 months old.
A, AA, AAA or Unlimited	Requires either a Reviewed or Audited financial statement prepared by a CPA or LPA. It MUST include the accountant’s report and cannot be more than 12 months old.
Parent Co.	Parent company financial statements submitted for qualification must reflect the company’s name in the financial statement and include a guarantor letter.

 

Q: How often will I have to renew my Public Works Contractor license?

A: Licenses are renewed annually on the anniversary date of your original license issue.

Q: If awarded a Public Works project, can I let another contractor perform work under my license?

A: No. A Public Works Contractor license cannot be used by another contractor. As a licensed Public Works Contractor, you have the option of sub-contracting work to another licensed Public Works Contractor or putting the unlicensed contractor’s employees on your payroll to perform that portion of the work. If you choose the latter option, you must pay the employees directly and provide them with a form W-2.

Q: Why do I have to list Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical Subcontractors when bidding on a Public Works project?

A: This requirement falls under Title 67-2310. Please use the following link to review this statute: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title67/T67CH23SECT67-2310.htm

Q: Why do I have to take the same test for an electrical, plumbing or HVAC contractor’s license as I do for a Public Works Contractor license?

A: The contractor portions of the exams are the same and are required to only be passed once. The trade portion of the exams is different. 12.Why is the state involved in my business and what does my license fee do for me?

The licensing process assures that you are experienced and qualified to perform the work you are bidding on, that you have the financial wherewithal to complete the project and that you are able to obtain bonding. The fees cover administrative costs of the licensing process and assist us in investigating complaints against those who do not comply with Title 54-19.