Louisiana Exam, Registration & Business-Law Requirements
Beyond the trade exam, most Louisiana classifications require the Business and Law exam, and residential improvement work uses a registration path. This chapter reviews the Business and Law requirement, the dual exam path, the home improvement registration, and the exam format.
The Business and Law exam is mandatory for most classifications
The board requires the qualifying party of a commercial, residential, or mold remediation applicant to complete the Louisiana Business and Law examination. A qualifying party for the company sits the exam. For a reciprocity applicant the board may waive the trade exam, but the business law requirement cannot be waived (La. R.S. 37:2153). Because the requirement is broad, candidates in Building Construction, the heavy and public-works classifications, and the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades all generally must pass the Business and Law exam in addition to any trade requirement.
The dual exam path for Building Construction
For the Building Construction classification, licensure involves two examinations: the Louisiana Business and Law examination and, for the trade portion, the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building Contractor exam. NASCLA covers the technical scope, while the Business and Law exam covers Louisiana licensing law and business management. A candidate must pass both to be licensed for that scope.
Home improvement registration and the exam format
Home improvement is handled as a registration rather than a full license. It covers work on an existing home of at least $7,500 but less than $50,000, with no structural work. Mold remediation of $7,500 or more is a license, not a registration. The Business and Law examination is a 50-question test that the qualifying party takes online in the LSLBC Contractor Licensing Portal after board approval. A score of 70 or above passes. The board estimates about 30 to 45 minutes and publishes no time limit or content outline. PSI has administered the separate trade examinations since August 5, 2025.
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State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)
- Passing score
- 70 or above
- Scored questions
- 50
Does Louisiana require a state contractor license?
Yes. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) licenses contractors under La. R.S. 37:2150 et seq. A commercial contractor license is required for commercial work of $50,000 or more; the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing classifications are licensed at $10,000 or more.
When is a Louisiana residential license required?
A residential license is required for new residential construction of $50,000 or more (this is $50,000, not the outdated $75,000 figure). Home improvement on an existing home is a registration for work of at least $7,500 but less than $50,000 with no structural work, and mold remediation is licensed at $7,500 or more.
Is the Business and Law exam mandatory in Louisiana?
Yes. The board requires the qualifying party of a commercial, residential, or mold remediation applicant to complete the Business and Law examination. It is a 50-question test taken online in the LSLBC Contractor Licensing Portal after board approval, and a score of 70 or above passes. The board publishes no time limit.
Sources: https://lslbc.gov
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