Contractor & / or Trade License Requirements

All license renewal will be done using the online contractor portal. If you are already licensed with us and need your login credentials please fill out the request login form and we will resend it to you by the next business day. If you have any questions, please contact the Risk Reduction office by email or calling 785-587-4506.

The following applications are available for new contractors, tradesmen and apprentices performing work in the City of Manhattan. Learn more about the requirements for these occupational licenses and applications.

These applications are online forms. Select the title of the form you wish to complete. Fill in the form, upload all documentation required, and click submit. They will automatically submit to the Risk Reduction office by email.

After approval of your license application, you will receive an email with your login credentials to the License Portal. All future updates and renewals will be done through this portal.

General Contractor License Requirements

General contractor license requirements are established by city ordinance.

  • The City of Manhattan accepts the following licenses: Commercial (A), Combination (B), Residential (C).
  • The applicant must provide proof of a minimum score of 75% on the Prometric or International Code Council.
  • The applicant must also provide proof of a commercial general liability insurance policy with minimum limits of $500,000 for each occurrence and $500,000 general aggregate.

Trade License / Apprentice Requirements

  • Trade license applicants (PDF) must provide proof of a minimum exam score of 75%.
  • Test applicants for Journeyman must have 2 years practical experience.
  • Test applicants for Master must have 4 years practical experience. Master Electricians must first be a Journeyman Electrician for 2 of the 4 years.

Testing Information

As of August 31, 2021, Prometric will no longer be offering testing for individual or contractor construction licensing. As a result, there are currently no tests available for new drainlayers and irrigation sprinkler installers.

For all other tests, please go to one of the sites (below) to see what types of exams are offered and to sign up. Sponsorship is not required.

For information about testing through the International Code Council (ICC), visit the ICC website or call 877-234-6082.

For information about testing through IAPMO, visit IAPMO Certification and Testing website

For information about testing through PSI, visit PSI online and search for the nearest testing site.