- Although there is no formal pre qualification process, experience and equipment certification, liability insurance ($1,000,000/2,000,000) and applicable state contractor licenses are required in addition to the bid bond requirement on contracts exceeding $100,000.
- A passing score of 70 percent on an open book examination, regarding state and federal laws and regulations and various business subjects is required. Applicants must also document a minimum of two years experience or education.
- Home improvement contractors shall show proof of financial responsibility in the form of "unencumbered liquid assets" of at least $10,000. Contractors shall also show proof of a workers' compensation policy, as well as $50,000 in liability insurance.
- There were 13,000 licensees as of October 1996. The average processing time on applications is two weeks.
- All applicants shall pay an initial fee of $100 into the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund and a possible assessment at renewal.
- Examinations are required for the journeyman and master plumber license classes. Test fees are $50 for master and $50 for journeyman. License fees for a two year period are $100 and $50 respectively. A state license is used state wide except for 2 areas (Baltimore County and the area serviced by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) where a separate license is required. As of October 1996, there were 2,900 master plumber and 2,100 journeyman plumber licensees.
- Applicants for HVACR license (other than apprentice) must pass a state trade exam and document a minimum of two to three years of experience. Original license and biennial renewal fees range from $25 to $225. Master, master restricted and limited licensees must submit proof of liability insurance coverage in the minimum amounts of $400,00 per occurrence. There were 3,900 master, master restricted & limited licensees as of October 1996.