Licensing Requirements
When you join Trusted Bench, you attest that you're licensed and insured to perform the trades you select. This requirement protects clients, maintains network trust, and ensures every professional on the platform is qualified to do the work they claim.
Not every trade requires a state license in Ohio—but every pro on Trusted Bench must be properly insured and experienced. Whether you need a formal license or not, your attestation confirms you're qualified and covered.
Why This Matters
Licensing and insurance requirements exist for important reasons:
- Client protection — Clients trust that referrals go to qualified, insured professionals
- Legal compliance — Many trades require licensing under Ohio or local law
- Network integrity — Pros on your bench trust that you're referring work to legitimate professionals
- Risk management — Insurance protects you, your clients, and other pros from liability
When you complete the insurance attestation during onboarding, you're confirming that you meet these standards for every trade you select.
Ohio Licensing Overview
Ohio uses a mixed licensing system for construction trades:
- State-licensed trades — Some trades (like electrical and plumbing) require a state-issued license
- Locally-licensed trades — Many trades are regulated at the city or county level, not by the state
- Unregulated trades — Some trades don't require a formal license, but still require business registration and insurance
This means licensing requirements can vary depending on where you work in Ohio. A trade that requires a license in Columbus might not require one in a smaller municipality—but you'll still need proper insurance regardless.
NoteAlways verify the specific requirements for your trade in the cities and counties where you operate.
Licensing by Trade
Here's a general overview of licensing requirements for the 10 trades supported on Trusted Bench:
| Trade | Typical Licensing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | State or local license required | Ohio requires electrical contractors to be licensed. Most cities also require permits for electrical work. |
| Plumbing | State or local license required | Plumbers must pass state exams. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements. |
| HVAC | State or local license often required | EPA certification required for refrigerant handling. Many jurisdictions require contractor licensing. |
| Roofing | Local license may be required | Some Ohio cities require roofing contractor registration. State contractor license not required. |
| Masonry | Local license may be required | Generally less regulated, but some cities require contractor registration for structural work. |
| Carpentry | Generally not licensed | No state license required, but business registration and insurance are essential. |
| Painting | Generally not licensed | No license required, but EPA Lead-Safe certification needed for pre-1978 homes. |
| Flooring | Generally not licensed | No state license required. Focus on insurance and quality workmanship. |
| Drywall | Generally not licensed | No state license required. Insurance and experience are key qualifications. |
| Landscaping | Generally not licensed | Pesticide application requires certification. Otherwise, focus on insurance coverage. |
Important: Even if your trade doesn't require a formal license, you must still be insured and experienced to perform that work. The attestation confirms both.
Insurance Requirements
Regardless of licensing, all professionals on Trusted Bench must carry appropriate insurance:
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance protects against claims of property damage or bodily injury caused by your work. This is the baseline coverage every contractor should carry.
Recommended minimums:
- $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence
- $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 aggregate
Workers' Compensation
If you have employees, Ohio law requires workers' compensation insurance. This covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job.
Sole proprietors without employees can often exempt themselves, but consider coverage for your own protection.
Additional Coverage
Depending on your trade, you may also need:
- Commercial auto insurance — If you use vehicles for work
- Tools and equipment coverage — Protects your investment in tools
- Professional liability — For design or consulting services
The Insurance Attestation
During onboarding, you'll see this checkbox at the bottom of the trades selection screen:
Note"I attest that I am licensed and insured in the state of Ohio to perform this work."
By checking this box, you confirm that:
- You hold any required licenses for the trades you selected (if applicable)
- You carry appropriate insurance coverage for your work
- You have the experience and qualifications to perform the work professionally
This is a self-certification—Trusted Bench doesn't verify documents. However, misrepresenting your qualifications violates platform terms and puts your reputation at risk.
Verifying Your Requirements
To confirm the specific requirements for your trade and location:
State Resources
- Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) — Oversees electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other licensed trades
- Ohio EPA — For environmental certifications (lead-safe, pesticide application)
- Ohio BWC — For workers' compensation requirements
Local Resources
Contact the building department in the cities where you work. They can tell you:
- Whether your trade requires local registration
- What permits are needed for different types of work
- Any bonding requirements
Industry Associations
Trade associations often provide guidance on licensing requirements and can help you stay current with regulation changes.
Keeping Credentials Current
Licensing isn't a one-time task. Stay compliant by:
- Tracking renewal dates — Most licenses require periodic renewal
- Maintaining continuing education — Some trades require ongoing training
- Updating your trades — If a license expires, remove that trade from your profile until you're relicensed
- Keeping insurance current — Don't let policies lapse
If your qualifications change, update your trade selections to reflect your current capabilities.
Related Documentation
- Trades Selection — How to select and manage your trades
- Profile Visibility — What other pros see on your profile
FAQ
Do I need a license for every trade I select?
Not necessarily. Some trades (like painting or flooring) don't require a state license in Ohio. However, you must still be insured and experienced. The attestation covers both licensing (where required) and insurance/experience (for all trades).
What if my trade doesn't require a license?
You still need to check the attestation box. For non-licensed trades, you're confirming that you're properly insured and have the experience to perform quality work. This is just as important as holding a formal license.
What happens if I select a trade I'm not licensed for?
Misrepresenting your qualifications violates platform terms. If discovered, you could be removed from the network. More importantly, performing unlicensed work where a license is required is illegal and puts you at significant legal and financial risk.
How do I know if my trade requires a license in my area?
Contact your local building department or check with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. Requirements vary by municipality, so verify for each area where you work.
Does Trusted Bench verify my license?
No. Trusted Bench uses an attestation-based system—you self-certify that you're licensed and insured. This places the responsibility on you to maintain proper credentials.
What insurance coverage do I need?
At minimum, carry general liability insurance. If you have employees, workers' compensation is required by Ohio law. Recommended coverage limits are $500,000-$1,000,000 per occurrence.
Can I update my trades if my license status changes?
Yes. Go to Settings → Trades to add or remove trades at any time. If a license expires, remove that trade until you're properly licensed again.
What if I work in multiple Ohio cities with different requirements?
You need to meet the requirements for every jurisdiction where you work. If one city requires a license and another doesn't, you still need the license to work in the first city. Always verify local requirements.
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