6 Best Contractor License Schools Online 2023

Example of national contractor courses (Source: @HomePrep)

• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are offered only within 30 days and if less than 10% of the course has been accessed
• Course format variety: Courses are offered through recorded video, audio narration, and live seminars
• Additional resources: In addition to a variety of national courses, there is a fully stocked bookstore as well as application processing services

Although there is a limited number of reviews for @HomePrep Education, the existing reviews are positive, giving the school a great rating of 4.7 out of 5. Students said they highly recommend the online general contractor course because it was easy to follow and included good information on all the required areas: excavation, formwork, concrete, masonry, wood framing, steel structures, roofing, and finishes.

There aren’t any truly unhappy reviews, but students did note that they would like an in-person general contractor license training option. Another student also noted that they would have liked job placement assistance. For a school with more extensive career development, consider Contractor Training Center.

@HomePrep offers prelicensing and exam prep courses in every U.S. state except Pennsylvania, with pricing dependent on the required number of course hours. It also offered state-approved continuing education courses in 35 states.

Contractor exam prep book bundle (Source: Contractor Training Center)

• Accreditation: National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA)
• Refund/cancellation policy: For classroom and livestream courses, refunds are offered within 24 hours of purchase, or students can switch to a self-paced course; students are eligible for an online course refund within 14 days
• Additional support: Purchase a licensing consultation, license application review, application processing services, and private tutoring
• Speciality courses: Prelicensing and exam prep courses for both residential and commercial contractors as well as additional specialties

Over 3,500 students positively rated Contractor Training Center, scoring it 4.7 out of 5. Students said that the courses were engaging, the instructors were helpful, and the books were well-organized and easy to understand. One student even mentioned that they tried another school, but it didn’t compare to Contractor Training Center.

A small number of unenthusiastic students commented about some issues with the general contractor course online, like the lack of a chat function and difficulty searching for the right courses. If you’d prefer a more user-friendly online course, check out Builder’s License Training Institute.

Contractor Training Center’s pricing structure is straightforward, and its prelicensing and exam prep courses are extremely affordable compared to many other contractor licensing schools. Although continuing education is only offered in two states, it is affordable and engaging. Additional services, like consulting and tutoring, are offered as a la carte options.

States where exam prep courses are offered (Source: My Contractor’s License)

• Accreditation: NASCLA
• Refund/cancellation policy: 15-day hassle-free return policy on online courses
• Additional resources: Bookstore offers a wide variety of additional course topics, and many courses include coaching and support
• Engaging course format: Courses include physical and audio components as well as study tools like digital study guides, practice quizzes, and online workshop classes

There are no third-party reviews for My Contractor’s License. However, its website hosts nearly 100 5-star customer reviews. Students said that the practice exams were well organized and highly detailed and that the study tools helped them study and feel fully prepared. Many reviewers noted that they were able to successfully pass their exam on the first try because of this general contractor training online.

Since there is a 110% pass guarantee, there is virtually no risk in trying these courses. However, if you’d prefer to get your contractor’s license online after viewing third-party reviews, consider Contractor Training Center.

My Contractor’s License offers exam prep courses for a variety of general contractor licenses and certifications in 17 states. Each course is priced based on the number of hours and includes study tools, so check each course for details.

Sample course
(Source: Builders License Training Institute)

• Accreditations: Certified Training Institute, Architects Training Institute, Plumbers Training Institute, Real Estate Training Institute, and NASCLA
• Refund/cancellation policy: Online courses are eligible for refunds within seven days of purchase if the course is unused; books may also be returned within seven days
• Additional resources: Private tutoring package and a full bookstore
• Financial aid and scholarships: Discounts and scholarship options for military members and students

Although there are a limited number of online reviews for Builders License Training Institute, it has a good overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. Students said the courses were user-friendly and thorough, and gave them great resources to continually reference. They also noted that they liked the course format options.

A few of the cons mentioned by BLTI students were the long class hours. One student noted that they would have preferred to have more options for the in-person course schedules. If you want the option of in-person courses and engaging course formats, @HomePrep might be a better choice.

Courses from the Builders License Training Institute range widely in price, based on the course hours, included features and tools, and the course format. Make sure to check out the courses needed for your specific state and license.

Sample practice test (Source: Contractor School Online)

• Refund/cancellation policy: No refunds offered
• Free construction glossary: Easy-to-access glossary with topic-specific terms
• Large topic variety: Over 2,000 online practice tests and manuals

We were unable to find any reviews regarding the courses and practice tests available through Contractor School Online. However, the school’s website indicates the company has over 25 years of experience in the contractor education industry.

Plus, practice tests from Contractor School Online are extremely affordable. However, if you’d prefer to choose a general contractor online course with more customer reviews and study tools, Builders License Training Institute may be a better fit for your needs.

Courses from Contractor School Online are priced individually, based on the number of topics and practice questions included. Overall, pricing is extremely affordable.

Annual events for builders (Source: Associated General Contractors)

• Accreditations: International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), American Institute of Architects (AIA), and American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
• Refund/cancellation policy: Live online classes are eligible for a refund 14 days or more before the class begins
• Local chapters: Local AGC chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, plus over 150 student chapters at universities
• Professional development: Courses in specific areas like law, environment, economics, risk management, safety and health, taxes, and workforce development

Since the Construction Association is an organization to support contractors, there aren’t any online reviews for courses. However, the cost of membership provides access to a wealth of online resources and in-person networking events. Plus, many resources offered online are free to access. However, for a contractor license school with prelicensing and exam prep in the highest number of states, look at @HomePrep Education.

AGC member dues vary by the local chapter, so find the chapter closest to you through their online directory. As a member, you’ll receive discounted pricing on professional development and certification courses.