All construction contractors actively working in Iowa must be registered with the state but do not need a license. Plumbers and electricians must also be registered with the state however they are licensed at the local level.

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

All asbestos site workers, asbestos site contractors and asbestos site supervisors have to obtain licenses for any projects dealing with asbestos. In addition asbestos inspectors and project designers must all obtain licenses for asbestos projects like removing the substance from public, school or commercial buildings. In addition asbestos management planners must also obtain licenses for projects in school buildings.

The contractor license applicant shall submit a copy of the training certificate from a trainer approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The training certificate shall state the name of the course successfully completed, the name of the training provider, and the dates of the training.

Five types of licenses are offered

Worker

• Four (4) day initial training plus a recent refresher training certificate
• Passing  a respirator fitness test and OSHA physical examination

Supervisor/Contractor

• Five (5) day training plus a recent refresher training certificate
• Passing  a respirator fitness test and OSHA physical examination

Inspector

• Three (3) day plus a recent refresher training certificate

Management Planner

• Three (3) day plus a recent refresher training certificate

Project Designer

• Three (3) day plus a recent refresher training certificate

Other State Licenses

• Architects
• Engineers
• Land Surveyors
• Landscape Architects

Consumers are advised to check for additional local municipal contractor license requirements as contractor laws tend to be amended. It is also advised to double check with the state’s requirements before hiring a contractor.