Corporate Training By Zack Academy - Maryland MHIC (Home Improvement Contractor) Exam Prep

This program is also offered online: Maryland MHIC Exam Prep Online

This Maryland MHIC (Home Improvement Contractor) Exam Prep Course will provide you with the tools you need to excel in the field of home improvement and the knowledge to pass the MD MHIC Exam. Home improvement work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building used as a residence. Home improvement also includes work done on individual condominium units. The MD MHIC Exam is an open-book test with 55 questions to answer in 150 minutes.  70% of the questions (39 questions) must be answered correctly to pass.

Here is a breakdown of this exam:

There will be 55 questions on this test. You must answer 39 of them correctly to achieve a passing score. You will have 150 Minutes to complete this portion.

• Home Improvement Law (41 questions)
• Door-to-Door Sales Act (4 questions)
• Labor Laws (2 questions)
• Safety Regulations (3 questions)
• Payroll Taxes (1 questions)
• Business and Financial (1questions)
• Estimating (3 questions)

PSI Examination Services is the official testing agency for the Maryland exam. Their website is www.psiexams.com and their phone number is 1-800-733-9267.

How do I get my contractor license in Maryland?
Home improvement construction, HVAC and plumbing require state licensing, other construction work requires registration by each jurisdiction.

1. All applicants must take and pass the licensing exam before they can apply for a license. Included in your course, you will be given all the necessary information and forms needed to apply for your license. Or you may visit the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic/mhicaff.shtml There you will find links to applications, forms and fees.
2. Apply for License from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

License Categories:

• Contractor
• Subcontractor
• A subcontractor may only work for a licensed contractor.
• A subcontractor may not enter into contracts with homeowners.
• Salespersons
• A person may only be licensed to represent two licensed contractors in the selling of home improvements.

License Requirements:  Any applicant who has had a conviction of a misdemeanor relating to a home improvement transaction or a felony must provide the Maryland Home Improvement Commission with copies of conviction records.

Contractors:  Applicants for a contractor’s license must provide proof of at least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction and/or related education.

Applicants must provide proof of financial solvency based on the scope and size of their business in relation to total assets, liabilities, credit rating and net worth (A credit report application form can be found at this address: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic/mhicaff.shtml#forms ).

If a contractor represents a corporation, articles of incorporation and a certificate of good standing from the Department of Assessments and Taxation must be submitted.

A contractor using a trade name must first check with the Commission to make sure the name is available for use with the Commission and then register the name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation .

A certificate of trade name registration must be submitted with the license application.

Proof of current $50,000 liability insurance must be filed with the application for licensure.

Liability Insurance:  Contractors must show proof of current $50,000 liability insurance at time of application for original and renewal license. This insurance must be in effect at all times. As of October 1, 2002 , contractors must give the Commission notice of cancellation of liability insurance at least 10 days before the effective date of the cancellation.

License Period:  For licenses issued prior to July 1, 1999, each licensee was issued a personal renewal date from which the license must be renewed every two years. For licenses issued after July 1, 1999, the license period is two years from the date of issuance of the original license.

Temporary licenses are no longer issued. The provision for temporary licenses was removed from the law in 1999.

All applicants must take and pass the licensing exam before they can apply for a license.

Any applicant who has had a conviction of a misdemeanor relating to a home improvement transaction or a felony must provide the Commission with copies of conviction records.

The Home Improvement license does not cover new home construction. All builders who build homes in Maryland must be registered with the Home Builder Registration Unit of the Office of the Attorney General.

Home Builder Registration Unit
Consumer Protection Division
200 St. Paul Place 
Baltimore, MD 21202

(410) 576-6573 / Toll Free: (877) 259-4525

Fax: (410) 576-6566

E-mail: [email protected]

Is contractor continued education required in Maryland?  No

 
Is the NASCLA Accredited Commercial Contractor license accepted in Maryland?  No

Does Maryland require a General contractor (commercial contractor) license?

Licenses are required for commercial work and new home construction, but passing a test is not required. These licenses are issued by the Clerks of the Circuit Court. Contact the State License Bureau at http://www.marylandtaxes.com or call 410-260-6240.