Oklahoma takes a trade-specific approach to contractor licensing. Unlike states that require a single general contractor license, Oklahoma does not currently require a statewide general contractor license. Instead, the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) regulates specific trades — electrical, mechanical (HVAC/R), plumbing, and roofing — through individual licensing and registration programs.
If you perform work in any of these regulated trades, you must hold the appropriate CIB license or registration before starting work. For general contracting and other trades not regulated by the CIB, local municipalities may require their own licenses or permits, so you should always check with the city or county where you plan to work.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Oklahoma's CIB-regulated contractor licensing: license types and classifications, experience and exam requirements, application procedures, fees, insurance and bonding, renewal and continuing education, reciprocity, and penalties for unlicensed work.
Types of Contractor Licenses
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) administers licensing under the Electrical License Act, Mechanical Licensing Act, Plumbing License Law of 1955, and the Roofing Contractor Registration Act. Each trade has its own classifications, and the CIB functions as an umbrella board over the skilled-trade examining committees for each industry.
Electrical Licenses
The CIB issues several types of electrical contractor licenses:
- Unlimited Electrical Contractor — Authorized to perform all types of electrical work with no restrictions on project scope.
- Residential Electrical Contractor — Limited to electrical work on residential structures.
- Limited Electrical Contractor — Restricted to specific types of electrical work based on the licensee's qualifications.
- Alarm Endorsement — An add-on endorsement for contractors who install or service alarm systems.
- Poultry House Contractor License — A specialized license for electrical work on poultry housing facilities.
Mechanical (HVAC/R) Licenses
The CIB offers multiple mechanical contractor classifications:
- HVAC/R Unlimited Contractor — Full scope of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
- HVAC/R Limited Contractor — Restricted scope of HVAC/R work.
- Refrigeration Contractor — Refrigeration system installation and service.
- Natural Gas Piping Contractor — Installation and repair of natural gas piping systems.
- Process Piping Contractor — Process piping systems for industrial applications.
- Sheet Metal Contractor — Sheet metal fabrication and installation for HVAC systems.
- Ground Source Piping Contractor — Geothermal ground-source heat pump piping systems.
Plumbing Licenses
The CIB issues two types of plumbing contractor licenses:
- Plumbing Contractor — Full scope of plumbing work, commercial and residential.
- Residential Plumbing Contractor — Limited to plumbing work on residential structures.
Roofing Registration
Roofing contractors in Oklahoma operate under a registration system rather than a traditional license:
- Roofing Contractor Registration — Required for all roofing work in Oklahoma.
- Commercial Endorsement — An additional endorsement required for commercial roofing projects. Applicants must hold an active residential registration in good standing before applying.
- Residential Roofing Endorsement (effective July 1, 2026) — A new requirement under House Bill 1628 that will add a residential endorsement requirement and increase some registration costs.
Licensing Requirements
Each CIB-regulated trade has its own experience, exam, and qualification requirements. Below is a breakdown by trade.
Electrical Contractor Requirements
All electrical applicants must be at least 18 years old and must be an owner, partner, or officer in the electrical firm. Experience requirements vary by classification:
- Unlimited Electrical Contractor: 12,000 verifiable hours of experience, including specific journeyman and commercial experience.
- Residential Electrical Contractor: 8,000 verifiable hours of experience.
- Limited Electrical Contractor: Either an electrical engineering degree plus 8,000 hours, or 16,000 hours of qualifying experience.
Education from an accredited institution may substitute for up to 2,000 hours of experience. Oklahoma residents must have maintained apprentice registration for certain categories. Applicants for the alarm endorsement must submit a passport-style photo, two classifiable fingerprint cards, conviction disclosure, and undergo OSBI/FBI criminal-history processing.
Mechanical Contractor Requirements
Mechanical applicants must be at least 18 years old and must be a permanent employee, owner, partner, or officer in the firm. Journeyman licensure requires 3 years of verifiable experience in the relevant category, with some education substitution allowed. Contractor licensure requires the same as journeyman plus 1 additional year of experience. Ground Source Piping Contractor requires approved certification but no exam.
Plumbing Contractor Requirements
Plumbing applicants must be at least 18 years old. Oklahoma experience counts only if apprentice registration was properly maintained. Journeyman applicants need 3 years of experience or qualifying equivalents; contractor applicants must meet journeyman requirements plus 1 additional year. Approved plumbing school attendance can substitute for experience: 250 classroom hours equals 6 months, up to 1,000 classroom hours equaling 2 years.
Roofing Contractor Requirements
The qualifying party must be at least 18 years old and must be an officer, owner, member, or general partner actively engaged in the work. Registration requires general liability insurance, workers' compensation proof or exemption, Oklahoma Secretary of State business-registration documents, and a lawful-presence affidavit. Commercial endorsement applicants must first hold an active residential registration in good standing.
Application Process
The application process follows a similar pattern across all CIB-regulated trades: submit your application and fee, wait for CIB review and approval, then schedule and pass your exam through PSI. Here is a breakdown by trade.
Electrical Application
- Complete the Application: Download the Electrical Contractor Application (PDF) from the CIB website.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare your notarized signature and lawful-presence affidavit, detailed work history, experience affidavits, and any supporting transcripts or certificates if claiming education credit.
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the completed application with the $330 application fee to the CIB.
- CIB Review: The CIB reviews your application and notifies you in writing once reviewed. For reciprocity applicants, CIB advises not to call unless more than 30 days have passed.
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, the CIB forwards your eligibility to PSI for exam scheduling.
- File Bond and Insurance: After passing your exam, you receive an inactive license until you file your surety bond and insurance documentation.
Mechanical Application
- Complete the Application: Download the Mechanical Contractor Application (PDF).
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the completed application with the $330 fee to the CIB.
- CIB Review and Exam: After approval, the CIB sends an approval letter and forwards your eligibility to PSI.
- File Bond and Insurance: Contractors receive an inactive license until bond and insurance are filed.
Plumbing Application
- Complete the Application: Download the Plumbing Contractor Application (PDF).
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the completed application with the $330 fee to the CIB.
- CIB Review and Exam: After approval, the CIB forwards your eligibility to PSI for exam scheduling.
- File Bond and Insurance: Contractors receive an inactive license until bond and insurance are filed.
Roofing Application
- Complete the Application: Download the Roofing Contractor Registration / Commercial Endorsement Application (PDF).
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare your insurance certificate, workers' compensation proof or exemption, Secretary of State business record, lawful-presence affidavit, and entity documents.
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the completed application with the appropriate fee(s) to the CIB.
- Commercial Endorsement Exam: If applying for the commercial endorsement, the CIB will provide testing information for PSI after approval.
No official statewide processing timeline has been published by the CIB. Contact the CIB at (405) 521-6550 for estimated processing times for your specific trade.
Examination Requirements
Examinations for Oklahoma CIB-regulated trades are administered by PSI. The CIB determines exam eligibility; once approved, you schedule directly with PSI. Detailed exam information is available in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF).
Electrical Exams
Electrical contractor exams cover technical trade knowledge. The passing score is 70% for Unlimited Electrical Contractor, Residential Electrical Contractor, and Limited Electrical Contractor classifications. Reciprocal applicants are exempt from the Oklahoma electrical exam.
Mechanical Exams
The mechanical contractor exam has two parts: a technical trade portion and a business/law portion. The HVAC/R Unlimited Contractor exam consists of 90 questions, requires a 70% passing score, and has a 240-minute time limit.
Plumbing Exams
Plumbing applicants must score 75% or more on each part to pass. Contractor applicants must also pass the Plumbing Business and Law exam. The Plumbing Contractor and Natural Gas exam consists of 85 questions, requires a 75% passing score, and has a 180-minute time limit.
Roofing Exams
Only the commercial endorsement requires an exam. The Roofing Contractor Commercial Endorsement exam consists of 50 questions, requires a 70% passing score, and has a 150-minute time limit. Basic roofing registration does not require an exam.
Exam Fees
Each examination portion costs $92, paid directly to PSI. Contractor exams with two parts (such as mechanical) will cost $184 total. Visit the CIB Testing and Exam Information page for scheduling details.
License Fees and Costs
Fees vary by trade and license type. All fees below are based on official CIB application forms and the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
Electrical Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Contractor Application | $330 |
| Initial Journeyman Application | $75 |
| Contractor Renewal | $200 |
| Contractor Renewal (with late fee) | $300 |
| Journeyman Renewal | $75 |
| Journeyman Renewal (with late fee) | $100 |
| Alarm Endorsement Initial | $75 |
| Alarm Endorsement Renewal | $25 |
| PSI Exam Fee (per portion) | $92 |
Mechanical Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Contractor Application | $330 |
| Initial Journeyman Application | $75 |
| Limited Residential Journeyman Application | $75 |
| Contractor Renewal | $200 |
| Contractor Renewal (with late fee) | $300 |
| Journeyman Renewal | $75 |
| Journeyman Renewal (with late fee) | $100 |
| PSI Exam Fee (per portion) | $92 |
Plumbing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Contractor / Residential Contractor Application | $330 |
| Initial Journeyman / Residential Journeyman Application | $75 |
| Contractor Renewal | $200 |
| Contractor Renewal (with late fee) | $300 |
| Journeyman Renewal | $75 |
| Journeyman Renewal (with late fee) | $100 |
| PSI Exam Fee (per portion) | $92 |
Roofing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Registration | $75 |
| Registration Renewal | $75 |
| Late Fee (31–60 days after birth month) | $100 |
| Late Fee (suspended or 60+ days overdue) | $150 |
| Reinstatement of Revoked Registration | $300 |
| Initial Commercial Endorsement | $230 |
| Commercial Endorsement Renewal | $100 |
| Commercial Endorsement Late Renewal (31 days–1 year) | $100 |
| PSI Exam Fee (commercial endorsement) | $92 |
Insurance and Bond Requirements
All active CIB-licensed contractors (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) must maintain both a surety bond and general liability insurance. Roofing contractors have separate insurance requirements based on the type of work performed.
Surety Bond
Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors must file and maintain a $5,000 surety bond with the CIB. This bond must remain active for the duration of your license. You can view the full requirements on the CIB Active Contractor Requirements page.
Commercial General Liability Insurance
Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors must carry a minimum of $50,000 in commercial general liability insurance. Proof must be provided at initial approval and at each renewal.
Roofing Insurance Requirements
Roofing contractors have higher insurance requirements than other CIB-regulated trades:
- Residential roofing: Minimum $500,000 general liability insurance.
- Commercial roofing: Minimum $1,000,000 general liability insurance.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
All CIB-regulated contractors must provide proof of workers' compensation insurance or a valid exemption at initial approval and renewal. Electrical contractors specifically must provide workers' compensation proof or exemption documentation. Check with the CIB and the Active Contractor Requirements page for current documentation standards.
License Renewal
Renewal requirements and continuing education vary by trade. All renewals require that your bond and insurance remain current.
Electrical Renewal
Electrical journeymen and contractors must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 36 months before expiration. Of those, 6 hours must be OUBCC code updates, and the remaining 6 hours may cover approved trade topics including circuit theory, wiring methods, grounding/bonding, motors, controls, alternative energy, NFPA 70E safety, manufacturer installation, the Electrical License Act, and CIB rules. All courses must be approved by the Electrical Committee / CIB. A late fee applies if renewal is more than 30 days past expiration.
Mechanical Renewal
Mechanical journeymen and contractors must complete 6 hours of continuing education every 36 months. Only committee-approved CIB courses count toward this requirement. A late fee applies after 30 days past expiration.
Plumbing Renewal
Plumbing journeymen and contractors must complete 6 hours of continuing education within the preceding 36 months of expiration. Only committee-approved CIB courses count. A late fee applies after 30 days past expiration.
Roofing Renewal
Roofing registration and any commercial endorsement must be renewed annually. Qualifying parties for the commercial endorsement must complete 4 hours of approved continuing education every 36 months, beginning 3 years from the date the current endorsement exam was passed. Roofing late-fee timing is tied to the qualifying party's birth month.
Online Renewal
The CIB's online payment portal supports renewals for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, inspector, and home inspector licenses. Roofing renewals are not available through the online portal and must be submitted separately.
Reciprocity with Other States
Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements for certain trades, though coverage is limited compared to some states.
Electrical Reciprocity
Oklahoma maintains journeyman electrical reciprocity with the following states:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Montana
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Wyoming
To qualify, your reciprocal license cannot be grandfathered, and you must have held it for at least 1 year. Reciprocal applicants are exempt from the Oklahoma electrical exam but must still meet all other application requirements and fees.
Plumbing Reciprocity
Oklahoma has a plumbing reciprocity agreement with Arkansas, effective October 21, 2024. This is not automatic — eligible applicants do not have to take the journeyman test in the reciprocal state, but must still meet other state-specific requirements including fees, continuing education, insurance, and other conditions. The agreement applies to applicants holding at least an unlimited plumbing journeyman license in good standing for at least 1 year.
Mechanical and Roofing Reciprocity
No official mechanical or roofing reciprocity agreements were identified in the CIB sources reviewed. Contact the CIB at (405) 521-6550 or visit the Mechanical or Roofing industry pages for current information.
NASCLA
No official Oklahoma CIB source was identified stating that NASCLA accreditation is accepted for Oklahoma contractor licensing or registration. Verify with the CIB if you hold a NASCLA credential.
How to Verify a Contractor's License
The CIB provides free online lookup tools to verify contractor licenses and registrations. This is essential for homeowners hiring a contractor and for general contractors verifying subcontractor credentials.
Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Inspector Lookup
URL: https://okcibv7prod.glsuite.us
This database covers electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and inspector licenses administered by the CIB.
Roofing Contractor Lookup
URL: https://verifyroofing.cib.ok.gov
This separate tool covers roofing contractor registrations and commercial endorsements.
Both lookup tools are linked from the CIB "Are They Licensed?" page.
CIB Contact Information
| Phone | (405) 521-6550 |
| Toll Free | (877) 484-4424 |
| Fax | (405) 521-6525 |
| Address | 2401 NW 23rd Street, Suite 2F, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 |
| Website | oklahoma.gov/cib |
| Contact Page | oklahoma.gov/cib/contact |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed state holidays and inclement weather) |
Penalties for Working Without a License
Oklahoma imposes criminal and administrative penalties for performing regulated trade work without the required license or registration. Penalties vary by trade but follow a consistent framework.
Electrical Penalties
Under 59 O.S. §1690, performing journeyman electrical work without licensure or acting as an electrical contractor without a contractor license is a misdemeanor. Under 59 O.S. §1695, criminal fines range from $200 to $1,000 plus prosecution costs. The CIB may also impose administrative fines up to $500 per violation per day (with a $1,000 maximum) and seek injunctions to stop unlicensed work.
Mechanical Penalties
Under 59 O.S. §1850.11, violations of the Mechanical Licensing Act are a misdemeanor punishable by a $200 to $1,000 fine, imprisonment, or both, plus prosecution costs. Administrative fines up to $500 per violation per day (with a $1,000 maximum) and injunctions are also authorized.
Plumbing Penalties
Under 59 O.S. §1012, unlicensed journeyman and contractor plumbing work is unlawful and a misdemeanor. Under 59 O.S. §1010.1, administrative fines up to $500 per violation per day (with a $1,000 maximum) and injunctions are authorized. Criminal fines range from $200 to $1,000 plus prosecution costs.
Roofing Penalties
Under 59 O.S. §1151.3, unregistered or unendorsed roofing activity is unlawful. An unregistered roofer may not bring or maintain claims in Oklahoma courts arising from roofing work unless properly registered throughout the project. Failure to register is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. Additional administrative penalties include:
- Commercial roofing violations: Fines up to 5% of the commercial job value.
- Residential roofing violations: First violation may result in a warning; second violation up to $500; third violation up to $3,500; subsequent violations may result in revocation.
Consumer Protection
The CIB investigates complaints and helps resolve disputes. Under the Roofing Contractor Registration Act, verified CIB registration records and administrative citations carry prima facie evidentiary effect in court. File complaints through the CIB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma require a general contractor license?
No. Oklahoma does not currently require a statewide general contractor license. The CIB licenses specific trades — electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and roofing. For general contracting and other trades, check with your local municipality for any local licensing requirements.
How much does it cost to get a contractor license in Oklahoma?
Initial contractor application fees for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing are $330 each, plus $92 per exam portion paid to PSI. Roofing registration starts at $75, with the commercial endorsement costing an additional $230. You will also need to budget for your surety bond and insurance premiums.
What is the passing score for Oklahoma contractor exams?
Passing scores vary by trade: 70% for electrical and mechanical exams, 75% for plumbing exams, and 70% for the roofing commercial endorsement exam. All exams are administered by PSI.
Is there a dollar threshold for when a license is required?
No statewide dollar threshold was identified in official CIB sources. Oklahoma's licensing requirements are tied to performing or offering to perform the regulated trade work, regardless of project value. Verify with the CIB and your local jurisdiction for any applicable thresholds.
How do I renew my Oklahoma contractor license?
Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing licenses can be renewed through the CIB online payment portal. Roofing renewals must be submitted separately. All trades require current insurance, bond documentation, and completion of the required continuing education hours.
Does Oklahoma have reciprocity with other states?
Oklahoma has electrical reciprocity with 10 states (Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming) and plumbing reciprocity with Arkansas. No mechanical or roofing reciprocity agreements were identified. Contact the CIB for the latest information.
Conclusion
Oklahoma's trade-specific licensing system means your path to legal compliance depends on the type of work you perform. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors follow a similar process — submit an application to the CIB, pass PSI-administered exams, and maintain a $5,000 surety bond plus liability insurance. Roofing contractors register with the CIB and carry higher insurance minimums, with the commercial endorsement requiring an additional exam.
With the new Residential Roofing Endorsement taking effect July 1, 2026, roofing contractors should prepare for additional requirements. For all trades, keep your continuing education current and your insurance documentation on file to avoid late fees and license suspension.
Start your application at the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board website. For questions, call the CIB at (405) 521-6550 or toll-free at (877) 484-4424.
This article is provided for informational purposes and was last updated in April 2026. Licensing requirements, fees, and regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.