How to Become a Drywall Contractor

Drywall contractors put the finishing touches on an interior surface

Drywall, a popular wall covering material, places the finishing touches on a structure's interior walls. Drywall contractors fall into two general categories: those who install, or hang, sheets of drywall, and those who finish, or tape and texture, drywall. Both types of drywall professionals follow a similar path to licensure and most are familiar with all phases of drywall installation. Whether you are considering a career in drywall or already on your way, understand the steps required to become a drywall contractor and concentrate your efforts toward the goal of licensure and earning professional drywall contracts.

Things You'll Need

• Contractor's bond

Instructions

1. Earn experience through on-the-job training or a vocational education program. State licensing bodies require relevant drywall installation, finishing and construction management experience before an individual qualifies to take a drywall contractor's licensing exam. Contact local community colleges and vocational education institutions for information regarding drywall trade training programs. Alternatively, accept a position as a laborer or apprentice for a currently licensed drywall contractor. Contact local and state licensing bodies for information regarding construction experience requirements for drywall contractor candidates.

2. Earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Many state licensing bodies accept a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in lieu of a portion of the experience requirement. Not any bachelor's degree will do; fields like management, accounting, business and law often satisfy a small portion of experience requirements, while construction management, architecture and engineering sometimes satisfy large portions of the requirement. Contact individual licensing boards for information regarding the application of post-secondary education toward experience requirements.

3. Pass the local licensing body's drywall contractor's licensing exam. Study exam material prior to taking the test. Drywall contractor's licensing exams not only include trade-specific information, such as fastener spacing, sheet hanging patterns and required finishing practices, but also include questions regarding general local and Universal Building Code requirements. Additionally, tests may include accounting, legal and business management questions. Contact individual licensing bodies for specific study guides.

4. Raise money and purchase a contractor's bond. In addition to passing a licensing exam, most licensing bodies require contractor's to purchase a bond of substantial size prior to legally operating a construction contracting business. Bonds often exceed $10,000 and protect both consumer and contractor, much like an insurance policy. Save money, ask friends and family or consider soliciting banks for a loan.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask currently licensed drywall contractors about their path to licensure and their experience with the licensing exam; those who have been through the process often possess valuable insights.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• California Contractors State License Board: Blueprint for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor