New York Contractor License Classifications

If you want to engage in contracting works, you may guess that a license is required. In New York State, the New York Department of Labor only issues licenses at the state level to asbestos contractors and crane operators. On the other hand, if you are looking forward to becoming a plumber, general or other type of contractor, you must abide by the contracting laws and requirements set by local counties and municipalities.

As a rule, counties and municipalities have common requirements for contractor licensure, but there may also be some differences. For example, each county offers its own types of contractor licenses, which have various classifications.

New York Contractor License Classifications

In the state of New York, local counties divide contracting work into several categories. In addition, an applicant will need to apply for the type of license, which includes their scope of work. For this particular reason, we have separated contractor license classifications that major cities and counties offer at the local level.

Crane Operator License Classifications

In New York State, any person, who wants to operate a crane, will need to hold a proper state-issued license. The Department of Labor is responsible for the licensing process and requires applicants to have three years of practical experience before applying for the license.

Class “A” License

To clarify, this is an unrestricted license, which allows the license holder to operate any crane, which has a fixed lattice boom. Furthermore, it also includes derricks, as well as other types of cranes.

Class “B” License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to operate hydraulic cranes with a farsighted object moving arm  and swinging cabs. What is more, it involves smaller trailers or self-raising cranes. Besides, it permits operating boom trucks, which have more than 28-ton manufacturer-rated capacity.

Class “C” License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to operate cranes (truck-mounted), which have a farsighted object moving arms with 28-ton manufacturer rated capacity. What is more, the license allows functioning C and D.

Class “D” License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to operate cranes (truck-mounted), which have a farsighted (telescopic) object moving arms with 3-ton manufacturer rated capacity, as well as a farsighted object moving arms of 125 feet.

Class “E” License

To clarify, this is a reserved license and is for operating cranes.

Class “F” License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to operate digger derricks with 15-ton manufacturer-rated capacity, as well as 65-foot maximum boom length.

Asbestos Removal Contractor License

In New York State, any person, who wants to become involved in asbestos removal, will need to hold a proper state-issued license.

Buffalo Contractor License Classifications

Handyman Contractor License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to operate maintain, repair, and perform contracting work. It also permits performing interior/exterior improvements on residential structures. Nevertheless, the license does not include contracting work connected with roofing, siding, and large renovations.

Construction Manager License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to manage building projects, as well as hire and schedule licensed contractors for such projects.

Specialty Contractor License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to perform contracting work on residential, commercial, or mixed structures. It is particularly for a certain trade or craft, requiring certain professional skills.

Light Commercial Contractor License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to alter, remodel and repair the commercial property. The scope of work also includes building structures, which do not exceed three stories in height.

Demolition License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder only to demolish structures (with or without the use of explosives). Nevertheless, the license does not allow construction work.

Sub-Contractor License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to perform contracting work on residential, commercial or mixed structures. It requires always being under the supervision of a primary contractor.

New Housing Contractor License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to build residential and commercial structures, which do not exceed three stories in height.

General Contractor License

To clarify, this license allows the license holder to repair, alter and perform unlimited contracting work on residential and commercial structures.

Nassau County Home Improvement License

In the state of New York, a home improvement license is typically the same thing as a general contractor license. The license, in brief, allows the license holder to remodel, alter, repair and replace buildings/structures. The scope of work also includes contracting work connected with swimming pools, central heating and air conditioning systems, landscaping, sheds, garages, and so on.

To summarize, garage builders, general, roofing, masonry, and drywall contractors need to obtain this license in order to practice in New York State.

Westchester County Home Improvement License

The Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection issues contractor licenses to qualified and skilled contractors. The license pretty much resembles a general contractor’s license. Therefore,  it is for repairing, remodeling, installing, and altering private residences, apartments, and structures, which do not exceed three units.