> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cslid.nascla.memorang.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# North Dakota

> Contractor licensing thresholds, regulator routing, requirements, reciprocity, and license types for North Dakota's registration-based construction regulation model.

North Dakota uses a registration model through the Secretary of State for general construction exceeding **\$4,000** per project, with separate licensing boards for electrical and plumbing trades. The low dollar threshold and class-based registration tiers mean that nearly all construction activity in the state requires state-level credentials.

<Warning>
  Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.
</Warning>

## At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in North Dakota is to know the registration threshold, the class system that caps per-job value, and the separate gates for electrical and plumbing work.

| Signal                                  | Value                                             |
| --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| General contractor registration trigger | **\$4,000** or more per project                   |
| Class A cap                             | Over **\$500,000** per job                        |
| Class B cap                             | Up to **\$500,000** per job                       |
| Class C cap                             | Up to **\$300,000** per job                       |
| Class D cap                             | Up to **\$100,000** per job                       |
| Electrical and plumbing                 | State license required regardless of dollar value |
| Public improvement bond                 | Required for contracts exceeding **\$200,000**    |
| Reciprocity model                       | Trade-specific — electrical and plumbing only     |

## Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How do I register as a contractor in North Dakota?">
        Register with the Secretary of State for any construction project of **\$4,000** or more. Choose the registration class that matches your per-job value: Class D (up to **\$100,000**), Class C (up to **\$300,000**), Class B (up to **\$500,000**), or Class A (over **\$500,000**). You need proof of Workforce Safety and Insurance coverage and a liability insurance certificate. Average processing is 10 days. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What types of construction projects over $4,000 require registration?">
        All construction projects — commercial, residential, and public — exceeding **\$4,000** require contractor registration. This is one of the lowest thresholds in the country. Electrical and plumbing work also require separate state licenses regardless of dollar value. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does North Dakota require separate licensing for electrical or plumbing work?">
        Yes. Electrical work requires a license from the State Electrical Board, and plumbing, water conditioning, and sewer/water work require licenses from the State Plumbing Board. These are separate from general contractor registration and apply regardless of contract value. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Where do I go to get registered or licensed?">
        North Dakota has three agencies: the Secretary of State for general contractor registration, the State Electrical Board for electrical licensing, and the State Plumbing Board for plumbing, water conditioning, and sewer/water licensing. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How much does it cost to register or get licensed?">
        General registration ranges from **\$100** (Class D) to **\$450** (Class A) with annual renewals of **\$30** to **\$90**. Electrical journeyman exam and renewal are each **\$25**; master is **\$50**. Plumbing journeyman application is **\$50** with **\$100** annual fee; master is **\$50** with **\$200** annual fee. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Can I use my out-of-state electrical or plumbing license?">
        Possibly. Electrical reciprocity covers Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota for both master and journeyman. Plumbing reciprocity covers Minnesota and South Dakota (master and journeyman) and Montana (journeyman only). General contractor registration has no reciprocity. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Are public improvement bonds required in North Dakota?">
        Yes. Public improvement contracts exceeding **\$200,000** require a bond in an amount equal to the contract price. Special municipal improvements may be exempt. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What registration class do I need?">
        Class D covers projects up to **\$100,000** per job (**\$100** application, **\$30** renewal). Class C covers up to **\$300,000** (**\$225** / **\$45**). Class B covers up to **\$500,000** (**\$300** / **\$60**). Class A covers over **\$500,000** (**\$450** / **\$90**). Choose the class that matches your largest anticipated single project. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does North Dakota require licensing for residential construction?">
        Yes. Any residential construction project of **\$4,000** or more requires contractor registration with the Secretary of State. Plumbing and electrical work on residential projects also require separate state licenses. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What experience is required for an electrical journeyman license?">
        Journeyman electricians need 8,000 hours of experience plus 576 hours of approved related training, or two years of approved technical/trade school. The trade exam requires a minimum score of 70%. Master electricians need one year as a licensed journeyman. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How does North Dakota's licensing model compare to other states?">
        North Dakota uses a three-body system: Secretary of State for general registration, plus independent boards for electrical and plumbing. The **\$4,000** registration threshold is one of the lowest in the country, capturing nearly all construction activity. This is more structured than minimal states like Kansas but less comprehensive than states with full trade licensing. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does the $4,000 threshold compare to other states?">
        The **\$4,000** threshold is notably low. Many states have no registration requirement at all, while others trigger licensing at **\$10,000** to **\$100,000**. Combined with the class system that caps per-job value, North Dakota captures more construction activity under state oversight than most states. See [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What agencies handle electrical and plumbing licensing?">
        The State Electrical Board handles all electrical licensing independently from the Secretary of State. The State Plumbing Board handles plumbing, water conditioning, and sewer/water licensing. Each board has its own exams, fees, and reciprocity agreements. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does the registration class system work?">
        Registration classes control per-job value caps, not scope of work. Class D allows up to **\$100,000** per job, Class C up to **\$300,000**, Class B up to **\$500,000**, and Class A has no cap. Fees and renewal costs scale with class level. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the fees across trades?">
        Registration: **\$100**-**\$450** application plus **\$30**-**\$90** annual renewal by class. Electrical: **\$25** journeyman exam/renewal, **\$50** master exam/renewal. Plumbing journeyman: **\$50** application, **\$100** annual. Master plumber: **\$50** application, **\$200** annual. Water conditioning and sewer/water have additional fee structures. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What license classifications does North Dakota use?">
        General registration has four classes (A-D). Electrical offers Master (Contracting), Master (Non-Contracting), Journeyman, Apprentice, and Class B (Contracting). Plumbing covers Master, Journeyman, and Apprentice tiers for plumbing, water conditioning, and sewer/water. See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does reciprocity work in North Dakota?">
        Reciprocity exists only for electrical and plumbing — not for general contractor registration. Electrical reciprocity covers Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota. Plumbing reciprocity covers Minnesota and South Dakota (master and journeyman) and Montana (journeyman only). See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What exam requirements exist?">
        Electrical journeyman exam requires 70% minimum. Plumbing journeyman exam requires 70% (based on 2018 ND Plumbing Code). Master plumber exam requires 80% minimum. Master electrician requires one year as a licensed journeyman. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the renewal cycles?">
        General contractor registration renews annually. Electrical licenses renew annually. Plumbing licenses renew annually. The Secretary of State processes registrations in about 10 days on average. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does North Dakota compare to other Midwest states?">
        North Dakota's low **\$4,000** threshold captures more activity than most Midwest states. The three-body structure (Secretary of State, Electrical Board, Plumbing Board) is moderately complex. It is more structured than Kansas or Missouri but simpler than Iowa's DIAL model or Ohio's five-agency system. See the [Midwest region guide](/docs/jurisdictions/regions/midwest).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Is licensure triggered?" icon="search" href="#construction-work-regulated">
    Start with the \$4,000 threshold and check whether electrical or plumbing licensing also applies.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find the right regulator" icon="building" href="#who-regulates-construction">
    Use the regulator directory to route your question to the Secretary of State, Electrical Board, or Plumbing Board.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Application and renewal details" icon="clipboard-list" href="#requirements">
    Insurance, fees, exams, experience, and renewal cycles for each trade.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reciprocity direction" icon="arrow-left-right" href="#reciprocal-agreements">
    Find out which states have electrical and plumbing reciprocity with North Dakota.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special considerations

Different roles need different things from a North Dakota page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <Tip>
      Start with project value to determine your registration class, then check whether the work also requires a separate electrical or plumbing license.
    </Tip>

    * The general contractor registration threshold is **\$4,000** — one of the lowest in the country.
    * Registration classes cap per-job value: Class D at **\$100,000**, Class C at **\$300,000**, Class B at **\$500,000**, Class A has no cap.
    * All electrical work requires a separate license from the State Electrical Board, regardless of contract value.
    * All plumbing work requires a separate license from the State Plumbing Board, regardless of contract value.
    * Public improvement contracts over **\$200,000** require a bond equal to the contract price.
    * Applicants must submit proof of Workforce Safety and Insurance coverage and a certificate of liability insurance.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <Info>
      North Dakota is best understood as a three-body system: Secretary of State for general registration, plus separate boards for electrical and plumbing.
    </Info>

    * General contractor registration is handled by the Secretary of State, not a dedicated contractor board.
    * Electrical and plumbing each have their own independent licensing boards with separate exams, fees, and reciprocity agreements.
    * Reciprocity exists only for electrical and plumbing — general contractor registration has no reciprocity.
    * The registration class system (A through D) controls project caps, not scope of work.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat North Dakota as "ready" for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Classify the project lane" icon="tag">
    Identify whether the work is general construction, electrical, plumbing, water conditioning, or sewer and water. Multiple credentials may be required on the same project.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Determine the registration class" icon="receipt">
    For general construction over `$4,000`, pick the class that matches your project value: Class D up to `$100,000`, Class C up to `$300,000`, Class B up to `$500,000`, or Class A for above `$500,000`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Route to the correct regulator" icon="building">
    General registration goes through the Secretary of State. Electrical and plumbing each have their own boards with separate applications.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the requirement set" icon="clipboard-check">
    Confirm exams, experience hours, fees, insurance (Workforce Safety and Insurance coverage plus liability), and bond requirements for public improvement contracts over `$200,000`.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  If you can identify lane, registration class, regulator, and requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for a North Dakota readiness check.
</Check>

## Navigation

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

* [New state evaluation](/docs/workflows/new-state-evaluation) if you are screening North Dakota for the first time.
* [Multi-state bid readiness](/docs/workflows/multi-state-bid-readiness) if you need to compare North Dakota with nearby jurisdictions.
* [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds) or [prequalification patterns](/docs/compare/prequalification) for cross-state context.

## Construction work regulated

North Dakota has one of the lowest general contractor thresholds in the country. Nearly all construction work requires state registration, and electrical and plumbing work requires separate state licensing on top.

| Work lane                    | What triggers regulation                                |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| General construction         | **\$4,000** or more per project — registration required |
| Electrical work              | State license required for all electrical work          |
| Plumbing work                | State license required for all plumbing work            |
| Water conditioning           | State license required                                  |
| Sewer and water              | State license required                                  |
| Public improvement contracts | Bond required for contracts exceeding **\$200,000**     |

<Note>
  A project that includes both general construction and trade work (electrical, plumbing) requires credentials from multiple agencies. The general registration does not substitute for trade-specific licenses.
</Note>

## Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General commercial or residential construction" icon="building">
    If the project is **\$4,000** or more, register with the Secretary of State under the class that matches your project size. You will need proof of Workforce Safety and Insurance coverage and a certificate of liability insurance. Average processing time is 10 days.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical work" icon="bolt">
    Route to the State Electrical Board regardless of contract value. Journeyman licensure requires 8,000 hours of experience, 576 hours of approved related training, and a trade exam with a 70% minimum score. Master licensure requires one year as a Journeyman.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing work" icon="tool">
    Route to the State Plumbing Board regardless of contract value. Journeyman licensure requires 7,600 hours and four years as an Apprentice Plumber, plus a 70% minimum exam score. Master licensure requires 3,800 hours and two years as a Journeyman, plus an 80% minimum exam score.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Public improvement project over $200,000" icon="building">
    In addition to registration, public improvement contracts exceeding **\$200,000** require a bond in an amount equal to the contract price. Special municipal improvements may be exempt.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Reciprocity request" icon="arrow-left-right">
    Reciprocity exists only for electrical and plumbing trades — not for general contractor registration. Electrical reciprocity covers Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota. Plumbing reciprocity covers Minnesota and South Dakota (Master and Journeyman) and Montana (Journeyman only).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Who regulates construction

North Dakota splits construction regulation across three agencies. Use this directory to find the one that owns the lane you need. Each entry includes address, phone, and website.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General contractor registration — Secretary of State" icon="building">
    State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 108, Bismarck, ND 58505-0500

    **Phone:** (701) 328-3665 | **Fax:** (701) 328-1690

    **Website:** [sos.nd.gov](http://www.sos.nd.gov/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical licensing — State Electrical Board" icon="bolt">
    Post Office Box 7335, Bismarck, ND 58507-7335

    **Phone:** (701) 328-9522 | **Fax:** (701) 328-9524

    **Website:** [ndseb.com](http://www.ndseb.com/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing, water conditioning, and sewer/water licensing — State Plumbing Board" icon="tool">
    1110 College Drive, Suite 210, Bismarck, ND 58501

    **Phone:** (701) 328-9977 | **Fax:** (701) 328-9979

    **Email:** [ndplumb@nd.gov](mailto:ndplumb@nd.gov)

    **Website:** [ndplumbingboard.gov](http://ndplumbingboard.gov/)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Requirements

Each North Dakota agency has its own application inputs, exams, fees, and renewal cycles. Expand the trade that applies to your situation. Fee tables are included in each section.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General Contractor Registration" icon="building" defaultOpen={true}>
    | Requirement                    | Detail                                                  |
    | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Workforce Safety and Insurance | Statement of good standing required                     |
    | Liability insurance            | Certificate from applicant's insurance carrier required |
    | Processing time                | Average 10 days                                         |

    | Registration class                   | Application fee | Annual renewal |
    | ------------------------------------ | --------------- | -------------- |
    | Class A (over **\$500,000** per job) | **\$450**       | **\$90**       |
    | Class B (up to **\$500,000**)        | **\$300**       | **\$60**       |
    | Class C (up to **\$300,000**)        | **\$225**       | **\$45**       |
    | Class D (up to **\$100,000**)        | **\$100**       | **\$30**       |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electricians" icon="bolt">
    | Requirement           | Detail                                                                                                                                                        |
    | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                  | Trade examination with a minimum score of 70%                                                                                                                 |
    | Journeyman experience | 8,000 hours plus 576 hours of related training approved by the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, or two years of approved technical/trade school |
    | Master experience     | One year as a licensed Journeyman                                                                                                                             |
    | Undertaking fund      | Contracting Masters and Class Bs are required to pay into an undertaking fund                                                                                 |

    | License type | Exam fee | Annual renewal |
    | ------------ | -------- | -------------- |
    | Journeyman   | **\$25** | **\$25**       |
    | Master       | **\$50** | **\$50**       |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbers" icon="tool">
    | Requirement            | Detail                                                                                           |
    | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | Journeyman experience  | 7,600 hours and four years as an Apprentice Plumber working for a licensed Master Plumber        |
    | Journeyman exam        | North Dakota State Plumbing Board examination, 70% minimum (based on 2018 ND Plumbing Code)      |
    | Master experience      | 3,800 hours and two years as a licensed Journeyman Plumber working for a licensed Master Plumber |
    | Master exam            | North Dakota State Plumbing Board examination, 80% minimum                                       |
    | Master age requirement | At least 21 years of age                                                                         |

    | License type | Application/exam fee | Annual fee |
    | ------------ | -------------------- | ---------- |
    | Journeyman   | **\$50**             | **\$100**  |
    | Master       | **\$50**             | **\$200**  |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Water Conditioning" icon="tool">
    | Requirement                | Detail                                                                                           |
    | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | Installer experience       | 1,900 hours and one year as a Water Conditioning Apprentice working for a licensed contractor    |
    | Installer exam             | North Dakota State Plumbing Board examination, 70% minimum (based on ND Water Conditioning Code) |
    | Contractor experience      | 1,900 hours and one year as a Water Conditioning Installer (ND or equivalent state license)      |
    | Contractor exam            | North Dakota State Plumbing Board examination, 80% minimum                                       |
    | Contractor age requirement | At least 21 years of age                                                                         |

    | License type | Annual fee |
    | ------------ | ---------- |
    | Contractor   | **\$40**   |
    | Installer    | **\$20**   |
    | Apprentice   | No fee     |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Sewer and Water" icon="tool">
    | Requirement           | Detail                                                                                                |
    | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Installer experience  | 3,400 hours and two years as a licensed Sewer and Water Apprentice working for a licensed contractor  |
    | Installer exam        | North Dakota State Plumbing Board examination, 70% minimum (based on ND Sewer and Water Service Code) |
    | Contractor experience | 1,700 hours and one year as a licensed Sewer and Water Installer working for a licensed contractor    |
    | Contractor exam       | North Dakota State Plumbing Board examination, 80% minimum                                            |

    | License type                   | Annual fee |
    | ------------------------------ | ---------- |
    | Contractor                     | **\$100**  |
    | Installer                      | **\$25**   |
    | Apprentice (over 3,400 hours)  | **\$25**   |
    | Apprentice (under 3,400 hours) | No fee     |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Reciprocal agreements

North Dakota has reciprocity agreements for electrical and plumbing trades only. General contractor registration has no reciprocity — all applicants must go through the Secretary of State regardless of credentials held in other states.

<Info>
  Reciprocity is limited to electrical and plumbing. General contractor registration has no interstate agreements.
</Info>

| Board                                          | Reciprocal states                | Coverage                                                |
| ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| State Electrical Board (Master and Journeyman) | Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota | <Badge color="green">3 states</Badge>                   |
| State Plumbing Board (Master and Journeyman)   | Minnesota, South Dakota          | <Badge color="green">2 states</Badge>                   |
| State Plumbing Board (Journeyman only)         | Montana                          | <Badge color="yellow">1 state (Journeyman only)</Badge> |

<Accordion title="Plumbing reciprocity detail" icon="arrow-left-right">
  Montana reciprocity for plumbing is limited to the Journeyman level. Master plumber reciprocity is available only with Minnesota and South Dakota.
</Accordion>

## Types of licenses

North Dakota issues credentials across three agencies. Use this section to confirm the exact license or registration name for an application or comparison.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General Contractor Registration" icon="building">
    * Class A — Over \$500,000 per job
    * Class B — Up to \$500,000 per job
    * Class C — Up to \$300,000 per job
    * Class D — Up to \$100,000 per job
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical" icon="bolt">
    * Master (Contracting)
    * Master (Non-Contracting)
    * Journeyman
    * Apprentice Registration
    * Class B (Contracting)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing and Related Trades" icon="tool">
    Plumbing:

    * Master Plumber
    * Journeyman Plumber
    * Apprentice Plumber

    Water Conditioning:

    * Water Conditioning Contractor
    * Water Conditioning Installer
    * Water Conditioning Apprentice

    Sewer and Water:

    * Sewer and Water Contractor
    * Sewer and Water Installer
    * Sewer and Water Apprentice
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Midwest region guide" icon="map" href="/docs/jurisdictions/regions/midwest">
    Browse all Midwest jurisdictions for comparison.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contractors guide" icon="hard-hat" href="/docs/personas/contractor">
    Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulators guide" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/personas/regulatory-staff">
    Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:**

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Minnesota" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/minnesota">
    Electrical (Master and Journeyman) and plumbing (Master and Journeyman) reciprocity with North Dakota.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Montana" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/montana">
    Electrical (Master and Journeyman) and plumbing (Journeyman only) reciprocity with North Dakota.
  </Card>

  <Card title="South Dakota" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/south-dakota">
    Electrical (Master and Journeyman) and plumbing (Master and Journeyman) reciprocity with North Dakota.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>