Washington Contractor Registration Classifications

Washington classifies credentials the honest way for a registration state: 78 rows are seeded here across the contractor registration (ch. 18.27 RCW) and the two separate trade tracks — electrical (ch. 19.28 RCW) and plumbing (ch. 18.106 RCW). The registration is a registration, not a licence: it has no examination, and the general/specialty classes are decided by trade count, not trade skill. Local permit classes and city business licences are deliberately NOT state rows.

Verified 2026-10-0478 classifications6 credential shapes3 statutory tracksIndexation gate: passed

01 Registration, then two licences

REGISTRATION ch. 18.27 (no exam)+ELECTRICAL ch. 19.28+PLUMBING ch. 18.106

The registration is a business credential, not a licence — RCW 18.27.020 requires every construction contractor to register; there is no examination anywhere. (Rules WA-REG-REQUIRED, WA-NO-EXAM.) S-WA-18-27-020 S-WA-18-27-TOC
General vs specialty by trade count — a general contractor works in more than one building trade on a single job or permit; a specialty contractor works in one, may subcontract only incidental work, and may not itself hire subcontractors. (Rules WA-GC-SCOPE, WA-SC-LIMITS.) S-WA-18-27-010 S-WA-18-27-010
Electrical and plumbing are genuinely separate licences — ch. 19.28 and ch. 18.106 each require a contractor licence plus certified individuals, with their own bonds and continuing education. (Rules WA-ELEC-CONTRACTOR, WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR.) S-WA-LNI-ELEC-CONTRACTOR S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
The handyman specialty is a limited registration — WAC 296-200A-016(26): an individual, no employees, residential maintenance/repair under $2,000 time-and-materials, no permit work. (Rule WA-HANDYMAN-2K.) S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016

What this page does not publish

No local permit class is modeled as a state credential, and the printed WAC plumbing specialty is shown with CONFLICT-WA-003 beside it — L&I states it is no longer valid since 2021-07-01, and neither side is silently dropped. S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR

02 Contractor registration — RCW ch. 18.27 (WAC 296-200A-016)

Code	Credential	Classification	Official scope	Citation	Source
SPECIALTY-METAL-FABRICATION-SHEET-METAL	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Metal Fabrication/Sheet Metal (specialty)	Fabricates, installs and repairs architectural and general sheet metal products — exhaust hoods, counters, layout/cutting/fabrication and installation, bracing and reinforcing. '(Does not include structural metal fabrication.)'	WAC 296-200A-016(38)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
GENERAL-CONTRACTOR	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	General Contractor (ch. 18.27 registration class)	'General contractor' means a contractor whose business operations require the use of more than one building trade or craft upon a single job or project or under a single building permit. A general contractor also includes one who superintends, or consults on, in whole or in part, work falling within the definition of a contractor.	RCW 18.27.010(5)	S-WA-18-27-010
SPECIALTY-CONTRACTOR	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Specialty Contractor (ch. 18.27 registration class)	'Specialty contractor' means a contractor whose operations do not fall within the definition of 'general contractor'. A specialty contractor may only subcontract work that is incidental to the specialty contractor's work.	RCW 18.27.010(12)	S-WA-18-27-010
SPECIALTY-APPLIANCES-EQUIPMENT	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Appliances, Equipment (specialty)	Installs or replaces appliances where minimal gas and water connection are required (refrigerator with icemaker, gas clothes dryer, gas cook top, gas oven or similar), only from the existing shut-off at wall or floor to the appliance, with flex connections limited to six feet or less. 'The installation or replacement of dishwashers, hot water tanks, and garbage disposals requires a plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(1)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-ASBESTOS-LEAD	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Asbestos and Lead (specialty)	Cleans, handles, repairs, removes, encapsulates, encloses, hauls and disposes of insulation and interior/exterior asbestos or lead products. 'All asbestos contractors shall adhere to state (DOSH) and/or federal (OSHA) standards … Asbestos certification per chapter 296-65 WAC is required. Lead abatement certification for workers may be required per chapter 70.103 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(2)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-AWNINGS-CANOPIES	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Awnings, Canopies, Patio Covers and Exterior Screens (specialty)	Installs and repairs window awnings, door hoods, exterior screens, freestanding or attached canopies, and patio covers constructed of metal, fabric, fiberglass, and plastic.	WAC 296-200A-016(3)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-BOILER-STEAM-PROCESS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Boiler, Steam Fitting, Process Piping (specialty)	Installs, services and repairs power boiler installations and hot water heating systems, steam fitting and piping, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators, fuel oil tanks/lines, chimney connections, flues, burners, process and specialty piping — 'including solar heating equipment associated with these systems.' 'Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(4)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-CABINETS-FINISH-CARPENTRY	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Cabinets, Millwork and Finish Carpentry (specialty)	Installs cabinets, countertop frames, cases, sashes, doors (including hardware), trims, nonbearing partitions, closets and other finish carpentry; places, erects, fabricates and finishes cabinets and millwork in structures.	WAC 296-200A-016(5)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-CENTRAL-VACUUM	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Central Vacuum Systems (specialty)	Installs, modifies, or repairs central vacuum systems, pneumatic tube dispatching systems or other pipeline systems operating at reduced pressure for industrial and residential cleaning. Does not include medical or hazardous waste systems.	WAC 296-200A-016(6)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-CLOSETS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Closets (specialty)	Installs, repairs and maintains the lateral or horizontal shelving systems, racks, rails, or drawers involved in a closet or storage system.	WAC 296-200A-016(7)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-COMMERCIAL-REFRIGERATION	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Commercial/Industrial Refrigeration (specialty)	Installs, alters and repairs refrigeration equipment and systems for processing, storage and display of food and perishables controlling air temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, including related insulation, ducts, controls. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(8)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-CONCRETE	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Concrete (specialty)	Completes all work in connection with the processing and placing of concrete — finishing, coloring, curing, repairing, testing, drilling, sawing, grinding, chipping, grouting; film barriers, sealing, waterproofing; forms, molds, slip forms and pans. 'Reregistration is not required for companies who provide concrete pumping services or delivery of materials only.'	WAC 296-200A-016(9)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-CONSTRUCTION-CLEAN-UP	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Construction Clean-up (specialty)	Cleans up and/or removes construction debris from buildings, grounds or structures. '(Registration is not required for janitorial services, i.e., at final cleaning.)'	WAC 296-200A-016(10)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-DEMOLITIONS-SALVAGE	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Demolitions and Salvage (specialty)	Wrecks existing structures for disposal or salvage, raises/cribs/underspins buildings so alterations may proceed on retained portions, erects temporary ramps/barricades/walkways. Does not include alterations, additions, repairs or rehabilitation of the retained portions.	WAC 296-200A-016(11)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-DOORS-GATES	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Doors, Gates and Activating Devices (specialty)	Installs, modifies or repairs all types of residential, commercial or industrial doors and frames, automatic revolving doors and related installations. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(12)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-DRAIN-CLEANING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Drain Cleaning and Snaking (specialty)	Camera examination, cleaning or snaking of building drainage and vent pipes and/or sewer pipe. 'Nothing in this specialty is intended to waive any plumbing certification requirements of chapter 18.106 RCW or any local enforcement agency code provisions or allow for the removal, installation or replacement of any damaged plumbing parts or fixtures.'	WAC 296-200A-016(13)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-DRILLING-BLASTING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Drilling, Blasting and Soil Sampling (specialty)	Core and post hole drilling, horizontal drilling (no piping), drilling for placement of charges, blasting work and soil sampling; excludes water well drilling. 'Work with explosives requires licensing per chapter 70.74 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(14)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-DRYWALL	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Drywall (specialty)	Lays out and installs gypsum wall board and assemblies with nonstructural metal framing, performs taping, priming and texturing; includes interior lath and plaster repair.	WAC 296-200A-016(15)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-ELECTRICAL-XREF	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Electrical (WAC cross-reference — NOT a registrable ch. 18.27 specialty)	'Electrical' — Please see chapter 19.28 RCW.	WAC 296-200A-016(16)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-ELEVATOR	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Elevator (specialty)	Installs, repairs, alters, relocates, demolishes and maintains elevators and other conveyances and associated equipment. 'Work in this specialty may also require elevator licensing per chapter 70.78 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW' (WAC text cites ch. 70.78; the elevator chapter is ch. 70.87 per the L&I register-page list — citation kept as printed).	WAC 296-200A-016(17)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-EXCAVATION-GRADING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Excavation, Grading and Land Clearing (specialty)	Digs, moves and alters surface materials by digging, horizontal boring, trenching, grading or compacting for cut, fill, grade or trench; placement of shoring, oiling of base materials, incidental blasting and drilling. '(This specialty excludes excavating for water, gas, and oil wells.) Use of explosives requires licensing per chapter 70.74 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(18)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-FENCING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Fencing (specialty)	Constructs, erects, alters or repairs fences, corrals, runs, railings, cribs, game court enclosures (excludes roof), guard rails, backstops, posts, flagpoles and gates, including metal and wood fencing. '(This specialty excludes masonry walls.) Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(19)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-FIREPROOFING-COATING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Fireproofing and Coating (specialty)	Applies by industry accepted practices independently qualified fireproofing and coating materials that are fire resistant.	WAC 296-200A-016(20)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-FIRE-PROTECTION	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Fire Protection (specialty)	Lays out, fabricates, repairs and installs fire protection systems — restaurant hood protection, fire pumps, pressure/storage tanks, piping and valves, sprinkler heads and nozzles, corrosion/freezing prevention. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license … and/or fire-protection licensing.'	WAC 296-200A-016(21)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-FLOOR-COVERING-COUNTERTOPS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Floor Covering and Counter Tops (specialty)	Installs, repairs or replaces floor covering materials and accessories incl. linoleum, carpets, backings and pads, for nonstructural bearing interior and exterior use. 'Excludes work outlined in subsection (56)' (tile/stone). 'Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification … and/or an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(22)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-FRAMING-ROUGH-CARPENTRY	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Framing and Rough Carpentry (specialty)	Performs form work, framing or rough carpentry for framed structures — subflooring, siding (flat work only), decks, exterior staircases, new exterior doors and railings, fascia, 'roof decking, truss members and rafters,' and sheathing.	WAC 296-200A-016(23)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-GLASS-GLAZING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Glass and Glazing (specialty)	Selects, cuts, assembles, installs, replaces and repairs glass, mirrored glass and glass substitutes; frames, panels, sashes, skylights, glass doors; steel and aluminum glass holding members; weatherproofing, caulking, sealants.	WAC 296-200A-016(24)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-GUTTERS-DOWNSPOUTS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Gutters and Downspouts (specialty)	Installs, repairs and maintains gutters and exterior downspouts of metal, wood and plastic and channel devices for water run-off of the exterior of a building.	WAC 296-200A-016(25)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-MANUFACTURED-HOME-SETUP	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Manufactured/Mobile Home Set Up (specialty)	Installs, alters, repairs or prepares for moving any type of manufactured/mobile home, including connections of the plumbing, gas, electrical and foundation system. 'Installation of electrical wires and equipment … requires an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW. A certified installer per chapter 46.63B RCW [43.22A RCW] must be employed.'	WAC 296-200A-016(37)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-HANDYMAN	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Handyman (specialty)	'A contractor in this specialty must be an individual who does all work personally without employees or other specialty contractors. A handyman may perform more than one unrelated specialty trade or craft provided they do all work themselves. All work shall be limited to minor and casual work of existing residential maintenance and repair with a total dollar value of time and materials under two thousand dollars. Work requiring a building permit may not be done by this specialty. If the registered contractor is a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), one person must be identified as a handyman. Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(26)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-HOUSE-MOVING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	House Moving (specialty)	Raises, lowers, cribs, underpins and moves structures and their foundations. '(This specialty does not include the alterations, additions, repairs or rehabilitation of such structures.)'	WAC 296-200A-016(27)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-HVAC-R	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) (specialty)	Fabricates, installs, services and maintains equipment for heating and cooling of indoor air: duct work, air filtering devices, water treatment devices, pneumatic controls, control piping, thermal and acoustical insulation, vibration isolation, 'liquid fuel (propane) piping and tanks; gas piping from service connection to equipment it serves,' stainless kitchen systems, testing and balancing. 'Also includes systems that utilize solar energy. Work in this specialty may also require electrical licensing per chapter 19.28 RCW and/or plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(28)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-INDUSTRIAL-EQUIPMENT	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Industrial Equipment/Machines (specialty)	Installs all industrial machinery such as generators, compressors and processors bolted or otherwise attached so as to be permanently affixed to a structure. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license … and/or plumber certification …'	WAC 296-200A-016(29)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-INSTITUTIONAL-EQUIPMENT	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Institutional Equipment, Stationary Furniture, Lab Tables, Lockers (specialty)	Installs, alters and repairs equipment and furniture that become a fixed part of the structure — stationary desks, lockers, chalkboards, shelving, storage, auditorium seats, stage/gym equipment, institutional kitchen equipment, laboratory tables.	WAC 296-200A-016(30)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-INSULATION-ACOUSTICAL	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Insulation and Acoustical (specialty)	Installs, alters and repairs insulation materials for nonmechanical control of heat, sound and moisture in structures and equipment, with supports, fastening systems, mastics and adhesives; includes application of protective or finish insulated surfaces.	WAC 296-200A-016(31)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-IRRIGATION-SPRINKLER	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Irrigation Sprinkler Systems (specialty)	Installs, repairs and maintains sprinkler systems for irrigation, dust and soil erosion control; potable-water connections/backflow/hose bibs only when integral to the system and outside a building; pumps for residential/farm systems require plumber certification and/or electrical license. '(If both the electrical and plumbing trades are pursued this specialty is not allowed.)'	WAC 296-200A-016(32)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-LANDSCAPING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Landscaping (specialty)	Constructs, maintains, repairs, installs and develops landscape systems; prepares and grades plots; hydroseeding; decorative vegetation; 'installation of nonload bearing slabs, walkways and areas using concrete, brick, stone, or gravel; decorative wooden decks; garden walls, fences and screens up to six feet in height'; residential lawn sprinklers (without pumps), ponds and water-features. '(Excluded from this specialty are cast in place or tilt up concrete, load bearing walls for structures, perimeter fencing along property lines or boundaries.) … Registration is not required for companies who only deliver material …'	WAC 296-200A-016(33)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-LATHING-PLASTERING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Lathing and Plastering (specialty)	Coats surfaces with sand/gypsum plaster, lime or cement mixtures (incl. soundproofing and fireproofing coatings); installs lath or other base materials.	WAC 296-200A-016(34)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-LOCKS-SECURITY-ALARMS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Locks, Security Alarms and Warning Systems (specialty)	Sets up, installs, maintains and repairs doors, gates, locks and locking devices, panic and fire rated exit devices, closures and releases, safes and vaults, and early warning systems. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(35)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-MASONRY	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Masonry (specialty)	Installs concrete units and baked clay products, block, natural and manufactured stone, terra cotta and firebrick; structural load-bearing and nonload-bearing walls and fences with or without mortar; ceramic veneer (not tile) and thin brick; paving; incidental waterproofing. 'This specialty also includes chimney cleaning and repair.'	WAC 296-200A-016(36)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-OVERHEAD-GARAGE-DOORS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Overhead/Garage Doors (specialty)	Installs wood, wood panel, steel panel or steel roll-up doors and rails/support systems; includes power or hand operated opening motors and devices. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(39)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-PAINTING-WALL-COVERING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Painting and Wall Covering (specialty)	Applies paints, papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives and other materials for protective or decorative purposes; surface preparation, caulking, pressure washing, sandblasting and cleaning preparatory to painting. 'Registration is not required for commissioned artwork and commissioned mural painting.'	WAC 296-200A-016(40)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-PAVING-STRIPING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Paving/Striping/Seal Coating (specialty)	Installs, excavates, grades, compacts and repairs asphalt/cement on streets, driveways, parking lots, boat ramps and landing strips; crack filling, sealants, precast bumpers, nonelectrical traffic signs/markers and striping.	WAC 296-200A-016(41)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-PLUMBING-PHASEOUT	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Plumbing (WAC definition — specialty registration PHASED OUT since 2021-07-01)	WAC text as printed: installs, alters, repairs and renovates potable water, building supply and distribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and traps; drainage and vent pipes; building drains and sewers; potable water treating equipment, medical gas, liquid and fuel gas piping, water heaters, hydronic heating systems; solar heating equipment attached to potable water systems. 'Plumber certification is required for work within a building per chapter 18.106 RCW.' — BUT L&I states: 'Beginning July 1, 2021, the "specialty plumbing" registration was no longer valid … All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW.'	WAC 296-200A-016(42); RCW 18.106.020/.400	S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
SPECIALTY-PRESSURE-WASHING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Pressure Washing (specialty)	Uses pressurized water to clean and prepare surfaces of commercial or residential structures; may also provide dust control.	WAC 296-200A-016(43)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-ROOFING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Roofing (specialty)	Installs and repairs materials forming a water tight, weather resistant surface for roofs and decks — asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, glass fabric, urethane foam, metal roofing systems, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate or any other roofing/waterproofing/membrane material — including accessories, plywood, coping, flashing, valleys, gravel stops and roof insulation panels above the decks, and roofing related architectural sheet metal. '(This specialty does not allow for structural repair of trusses, beams or joists.)'	WAC 296-200A-016(44)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-SANDBLASTING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Sandblasting (specialty)	Uses compressed air with abrasive materials to prepare surfaces of commercial or residential structures for protective, decorative or functional treatment.	WAC 296-200A-016(45)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-SANITATION-SIDE-SEWERS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Sanitation Systems and/or Side Sewers (specialty)	Fabricates and installs septic tanks, storm drains and other sewage disposal and drain systems OUTSIDE the building structures, including laying pipe and related excavating, grading, trenching, surfacing and backfilling.	WAC 296-200A-016(46)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-SCAFFOLDING-RAILINGS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Scaffolding and Safety Railings (specialty)	Erects metal or wood scaffolding including temporary sidewalk sheltered construction work barricades, safety railings, stages and bleachers.	WAC 296-200A-016(47)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-SERVICE-STATION-EQUIPMENT	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Service Station Equipment and Maintenance (specialty)	Installs auto hoisting equipment, hydraulic systems, grease racks, compressors, air hoses, fuel dispensing and other service station equipment. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(48)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-SIDING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Siding (specialty)	Installs all types of exterior siding including wood, wood products, vinyl, aluminum and metal siding to new or existing buildings.	WAC 296-200A-016(49)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-SIGNS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Signs (specialty)	Fabricates and installs all types of signs — post or pole supported, attached to structures, painted wall signs and modifications. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(50)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-STEEL-ERECTORS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Steel Erectors (specialty)	Fabricates and erects structural steel shapes and plates — rebar, riveting, welding, rigging and metal roofing and decking systems.	WAC 296-200A-016(51)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-STRUCTURAL-PEST-CONTROL	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Structural Pest Control (specialty)	Constructs, repairs and installs ventilation screens, bird exclusion devices and caulking of cracks and holes for exclusion of and repelling pests; includes replacement of bird blocking screens.	WAC 296-200A-016(52)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-SUSPENDED-CEILINGS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Suspended Ceilings and Acoustical Tile (specialty)	Installs, modifies or repairs suspended ceilings including lay-in-grid and other systems with solid, perforated or translucent ceiling panels.	WAC 296-200A-016(53)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-POOLS-SPAS-HOT-TUBS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs (specialty)	Constructs, alters and repairs permanent swimming pools and spas or hot tubs, including associated equipment; may repair damaged acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain and other like materials in standard bathtubs or showers. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license … and/or plumber certification …'	WAC 296-200A-016(54)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-TANKS-TANK-REMOVAL	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Tanks and Tank Removal (specialty)	Installs and/or removes fuel storage, grain and other tanks for gasoline, diesel, waste oil, kerosene, propane or other chemicals, incl. incidental tank-related piping. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(55)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-TILE-CERAMIC-STONE	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Tile, Ceramic, Mosaic and Natural/Manufactured Stone (specialty)	Prepares surfaces and installs glazed wall, ceramic, mosaic, quarry and stone tiles and slabs for bathtubs, showers and horizontal surfaces, excluding hollow or structural partition tile. 'Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification … and/or an electrical license …'	WAC 296-200A-016(56)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-TREE-REMOVAL	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Tree Removal (specialty)	Falls and/or removes trees, stumps and/or branches on residential or commercial property or near a residential or commercial structure, outbuilding or fence.	WAC 296-200A-016(57)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-UTILITIES-TELECOMMUNICATIONS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Utilities and Telecommunications (specialty)	Provides excavation, cabling, horizontal boring, grading and backfilling for utility or telecommunication systems prior to the line of demarcation; fabricates/installs pipes for conveyance of steam, gases and chemicals.	WAC 296-200A-016(58)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-WINDOW-COVERINGS	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Window Coverings (specialty)	Installs window treatment rods and handling devices and covering products — louvered shutters, blinds, draperies, permanent screens, expanded metal window/door guards, plastic film and other temperature-control treatments.	WAC 296-200A-016(59)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-WATER-CONDITIONING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Water Conditioning Equipment (specialty)	Installs water conditioning/treatment equipment using only such pipe and fittings as necessary to connect it within six feet of the water service supply; drainlines must run to an existing floor drain, standpipe or outside the structure. 'Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification …'	WAC 296-200A-016(60)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-WELDING-ORNAMENTAL-METAL	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Welding and Ornamental Metal (specialty)	Installs, alters, removes or repairs architectural, structural and decorative steel, aluminum or other materials by welding processes common to the industry.	WAC 296-200A-016(61)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-WELL-DRILLING	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Well Drilling (specialty)	Installs and repairs water wells and pumps by boring, drilling, excavating, casing, cementing and cleaning; may install water conditioning equipment and perform soil sampling. Excludes jet/submersible pump installation, electrical pump controls and water line to storage/pressure tank; may require plumbing/electrical. '(If both the electrical and plumbing trades are pursued this specialty is not allowed.)'	WAC 296-200A-016(62)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
SPECIALTY-WOOD-PELLET-GAS-STOVE	Contractor Registration (business — ch. 18.27 RCW; 'Every contractor shall register with the department' — RCW 18.27.020; general or specialty class; $30,000/$15,000 bond + general liability + DOR registration; NO examination — verified absence)	Wood/Pellet and Gas Stove (specialty)	Installs wood, pellet or gas stoves, zero clearance units and fireplace inserts — air-filtering devices, gas piping from service connection to equipment, chimney, flashing and flues, outside combustion air ducts. 'Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license … and/or plumber certification …'	WAC 296-200A-016(63)	S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016

The $2,000 handyman boundary — a registered specialty

The handyman is a limited specialty registration, not an exemption: an individual (no employees) doing residential maintenance/repair under $2,000 time-and-materials and performing the work personally, with NO permit-required work. (Rule WA-HANDYMAN-2K.) S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016

03 Electrical — RCW ch. 19.28 (WAC 296-46B)

Code	Credential	Classification	Official scope	Citation	Source
ELECTRICAL-CONTRACTOR-GENERAL-01	Electrical / Telecommunications Contractor License (business — ch. 19.28 RCW; 'To engage in the business of the electrical construction trade, you must get an electrical contractor license from L&I'; general (01) or WAC 296-46B-920(2) specialty; $4,000 bond; designated certified master/administrator; 24 months)	General Electrical Contractor License (01) (business)	'A general electrical license and/or certificate encompasses all phases and all types of electrical and telecommunications installations and minor plumbing under RCW 18.106.150' — like-in-kind replacement includes the appliance 'or any component part of the appliance (e.g., such as, but not limited to, the thermostat in a water heater).' L&I: 'To engage in the business of the electrical construction trade, you must get an electrical contractor license from L&I.'	WAC 296-46B-920(1); RCW 19.28.041	S-WA-WAC-296-46B-920
ELECTRICAL-CONTRACTOR-SPECIALTY	Electrical / Telecommunications Contractor License (business — ch. 19.28 RCW; 'To engage in the business of the electrical construction trade, you must get an electrical contractor license from L&I'; general (01) or WAC 296-46B-920(2) specialty; $4,000 bond; designated certified master/administrator; 24 months)	Specialty Electrical Contractor License (business)	'Specialty (limited) electrical licenses and/or certificates' — licensed to perform work within a category described in WAC 296-46B-920(2). L&I: 'Specialty electrical contractors are licensed to perform work within a category described in WAC 296-46B-920(2).' One $4,000 bond maximum even with multiple specialty licenses.	WAC 296-46B-920(2); RCW 19.28.041	S-WA-LNI-ELEC-CONTRACTOR
ELECTRICAL-RESIDENTIAL-02	Electrical / Telecommunications Contractor License (business — ch. 19.28 RCW; 'To engage in the business of the electrical construction trade, you must get an electrical contractor license from L&I'; general (01) or WAC 296-46B-920(2) specialty; $4,000 bond; designated certified master/administrator; 24 months)	Residential (02) Electrical Specialty (license/certificate scope)	'Limited to the telecommunications, low voltage, and line voltage wiring of one- and two-family dwellings, or multifamily dwellings of types III, IV or V construction when there are not more than six stories … above grade or above types I or II construction.' Includes wiring for ancillary structures on the same property/ownership. Express EXCLUSIONS (verbatim): '(ii)(A) Any portion of any occupancy of types I or II construction; or (B) Occupancies defined in WAC 296-46B-900(1), or commercial occupancies such as: Motels, hotels, offices, assisted living facilities, or stores; or (C) Services, generators, HVAC/refrigeration equipment, fire pumps or other equipment that serve other than one- and two-family dwellings …; or (D) Interconnected electric power production sources not connected to equipment that supplies one- and two-family dwellings, or multifamily dwellings of types III, IV or V construction, or ancillary structures; or (E) Any portion of wiring for conveyances … serving more than one residential dwelling unit.'	WAC 296-46B-920(2)(a)	S-WA-WAC-296-46B-920
ELECTRICIAN-JOURNEY-01	Electrician Certificate (individual — L&I; 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I'; trainee, general journey level (01), 14 specialty categories, master, administrator; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE)	General Journey Level Electrician (01) (individual certificate)	'A general journey level electrician (01) may perform all types of electrical and telecommunications installations.' Qualification: 'For a 01 journey level exam - 8,000 hours, no more than 4,000 of which can be worked in 4,000 hour specialties' plus 'Basic Classroom Instruction - 96 for (01) journey level exams'; then the PSI examination. Oregon reciprocity available.	L&I Electrician page; ch. 19.28 RCW	S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICIAN-SPECIALTY	Electrician Certificate (individual — L&I; 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I'; trainee, general journey level (01), 14 specialty categories, master, administrator; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE)	Specialty Electrician (individual certificate — 14 specialty categories)	'There are 14 specialty categories in the electrical construction trade, each with a specific scope of work.' 4,000-hour specialties: Residential (02), Pump and irrigation (03), Signs (04), Limited energy system (06), HVAC/refrigeration system (06A), Nonresidential maintenance (07) — 4,000 hours + 48 hours basic classroom + exam, trainees supervised ≥75% of the time. 2,000-hour specialties: Domestic well (3A), HVAC/refrigeration-restricted (6B), Nonresidential lighting maintenance/retrofit (7A), Residential maintenance (7B), Restricted nonresidential maintenance (7C), Appliance repair (7D), Equipment repair (7E), Door/gate/similar systems (10) — 2,000 hours with 100% supervision until exam passed.	L&I Electrician page; WAC 296-46B-920(2)	S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICAL-TRAINEE	Electrician Certificate (individual — L&I; 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I'; trainee, general journey level (01), 14 specialty categories, master, administrator; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE)	Electrical Trainee (individual certificate)	Trainees start as electrical trainees (16 years or older) and must 'meet the experience and training requirements to qualify for examination'; supervision ≥75% of the time for 4,000-hour specialties (with 48 h classroom) and 100% of the time for 2,000-hour specialties until the exam is passed; renew every 2 years until they pass an exam. Since 2023-07-01 trainees without 3,000 hours must be registered apprentices to perform work limited to (01) electricians (L&I Electrical Apprenticeship page — official-domain snippet, NOT_VERIFIED detail).	L&I Electrician page; ch. 19.28 RCW	S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICAL-ADMINISTRATOR-MASTER	Electrician Certificate (individual — L&I; 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I'; trainee, general journey level (01), 14 specialty categories, master, administrator; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE)	Electrical Administrator / Master Electrician (individual certificate — the designated qualifying individual)	The electrical contractor license requires 'A certified, assigned electrical administrator or master electrician' (L&I) and RCW 19.28.041(5) requires the licensee to designate an individual holding a valid master journey level electrician, master specialty electrician, or administrator certificate. Two administrator levels: general (AD01) and the specialty set (L&I Electrical Administrator page — official-domain snippet).	RCW 19.28.041(5); L&I Electrical Contractor page	S-WA-LNI-ELEC-CONTRACTOR

The electrical boundary — 01 vs 02 and the solar question

Electrical construction requires a licensed electrical contractor with a designated certified master/administrator, plus certified electricians. Whether a residential-class (02) electrician may perform rooftop PV inside a dwelling is genuinely ambiguous — WAC 296-46B-920(2)(a)(ii)(D) excludes interconnected power-production sources not connected to dwelling-supplying equipment — so the rule returns NOT_DETERMINED for 02 and the general (01) class is unambiguous. S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIAN

04 Plumbing — RCW ch. 18.106 (WAC 296-400A)

Code	Credential	Classification	Official scope	Citation	Source
PLUMBING-CONTRACTOR	Plumbing Contractor License (business — ch. 18.106 RCW; all plumbing contract work since 2021-07-01 must be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor; $6,000 bond + $50k/$100k/$200k insurance; full-time designated ('dedicated') certified plumber; 24 months; NOT required to hold ch. 18.27 registration for plumbing work — RCW 18.106.400(3))	Plumbing Contractor License (business)	Since July 1, 2021 'All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW' (L&I). Requirements: application F627-051-000 (original, notaried) + $148.10; Continuous Plumbing Contractor Surety Bond $6,000 (F627-047-000) or assignment of savings; GL policy $200,000 public liability + $50,000 property damage or $250,000 combined single limit; Designated Plumber Assignment F627-052-000 (notarized) + $53.20 — 'must employ a FULL-TIME individual holding a valid journey level or appropriate specialty plumber certificate' (owner/partner or full-time employee). Expires 24 calendar months. 'Plumbing contractors are NOT required to be registered under chapter 18.27 RCW' (RCW 18.106.400(3)).	RCW 18.106.400; RCW 18.106.410; RCW 18.106.420	S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
PLUMBER-JOURNEY-LEVEL-PL01	Plumber Certificate (individual — L&I Plumber Certification; journey level PL01, residential PL02, residential service PL04, pump & irrigation PL03, domestic well PL03A, backflow PL30, medical gas MG01, trainee; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE, trainee annually)	Journey Level Plumber (PL01) (individual certificate)	'Journey level plumber (PL01) is qualified to work in all phases of plumbing construction.' 'Four years or more (at least 8,000 hours) working as a plumber trainee under the supervision of a certified journey level plumber' — 'Note: Two years or more (at least 4,000 hours) must be spent working in commercial or industrial installations.'	L&I Plumber Certification page; ch. 18.106 RCW	S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT
PLUMBER-RESIDENTIAL-PL02	Plumber Certificate (individual — L&I Plumber Certification; journey level PL01, residential PL02, residential service PL04, pump & irrigation PL03, domestic well PL03A, backflow PL30, medical gas MG01, trainee; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE, trainee annually)	Residential Plumber (PL02) (individual certificate)	'Residential (PL02) is limited to installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing in single-family dwellings, duplexes, and apartment buildings which do not exceed three stories.' '3 years or more (at least 6,000 hours) working in the specialty under supervision of a certified residential or journey level plumber.'	L&I Plumber Certification page	S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT
PLUMBER-RESIDENTIAL-SERVICE-PL04	Plumber Certificate (individual — L&I Plumber Certification; journey level PL01, residential PL02, residential service PL04, pump & irrigation PL03, domestic well PL03A, backflow PL30, medical gas MG01, trainee; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE, trainee annually)	Residential Service Plumber (PL04) (individual certificate)	'Residential Service (PL04) in single-family dwellings and duplexes only may service, repair, or replace previously existing fixtures, piping, and fittings that are outside the interior wall or above the floor … may perform plumbing work as needed to perform drain cleaning and may perform leak repairs on any pipe, fitting, or fixture from the leak to the next serviceable connection.' 'Two years or more (at least 4,000 hours) working as a plumber trainee' — 'Your first year or more (at least 2,000 hours) must be spent working under the direct supervision of a journey level or residential specialty plumber.'	L&I Plumber Certification page	S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT
PLUMBER-TRAINEE	Plumber Certificate (individual — L&I Plumber Certification; journey level PL01, residential PL02, residential service PL04, pump & irrigation PL03, domestic well PL03A, backflow PL30, medical gas MG01, trainee; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE, trainee annually)	Plumber Trainee (individual certificate)	The supervised entry credential: 'To become a certified journey level or specialty plumber in Washington, you must typically begin as a plumber trainee' working under a certified plumber per RCW 18.106.070. Trainee certificate $60.00, 'One year or when hours are updated' (WAC 296-400A-045); CE: 'at least 8 hours of continuing education every year to renew your certificate' (min 8 h plumbing code + 4 h IRE per two-year period).	L&I Plumber Certification page; RCW 18.106.070; WAC 296-400A-045	S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT
PLUMBER-SPECIALTY-CERTIFICATES	Plumber Certificate (individual — L&I Plumber Certification; journey level PL01, residential PL02, residential service PL04, pump & irrigation PL03, domestic well PL03A, backflow PL30, medical gas MG01, trainee; 3-year birthday renewal with 24 h CE, trainee annually)	Specialty Plumber Certificates — PL03 / PL03A / PL30 / MG01 (individual)	'Pump and irrigation (PL03)' — 2 years / 4,000 h under an appropriate certified plumber; ALSO requires electrical certification (combination path). 'Domestic well (PL03A)' — 1 year / 2,000 h; also requires electrical certification. 'Backflow (PL30)' — maintenance and repair of existing backflow prevention assemblies within a building (no install/replace); requires an active WA Department of Health BAT card; no CE (send BAT card at renewal). 'Medical gas piping installer (MG01)' — journey level plumber + 'at least 32 hours of training in an L&I-approved medical gas training course'; renewal needs a notarized Affidavit of Continuity certifying brazing experience ~ every 6 months.	L&I Plumber Certification page	S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT

The plumbing boundary — a licence since 2021-07-01

Since 2021-07-01 all plumbing contract work requires a licensed plumbing contractor with a designated full-time certified plumber; a general contractor cannot offer, advertise or bid plumbing work. (Rules WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR, WA-GC-NO-PLUMBING.) S-WA-18-106-020

05 Deterministic scope limits

washington:general-contractor — more than one building trade or craft on a single job or permit or superintending consulting (RCW 18.27.010(5) / (1)(a)) S-WA-18-27-010
The general-contractor class definition — Washington uses 'registration' and 'class', never a 'general contractor license' (research §B/§D.1).
washington:specialty-contractor — operations outside the general contractor definition single registered specialty (RCW 18.27.010(12)) S-WA-18-27-010
The specialty boundary: scope = the registered specialty + incidental subcontracting only. Multi-trade work → general class (research §D.1/§7).
washington:sp-roofing — structural repair of trusses beams or joists (WAC 296-200A-016(44)) S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
The roofing specialty's own statutory-style limit — the structural-repair question on the roof-replacement page is a negative from the credential's own text, not our reading (research §N.1).
washington:sp-framing-rough-carpentry — roof decking truss members and rafters and structural carpentry (WAC 296-200A-016(23)) S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
The positive half of the roofing/structure boundary — the specialty that CAN repair roof structure (research §N.1).
washington:sp-appliances-equipment — installation or replacement of dishwashers hot water tanks and garbage disposals (WAC 296-200A-016(1)) S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
The water-heater page's decisive text: the appliance specialty may NOT do the job — plumbing and/or electrical credentials are required instead (research §N.5).
washington:sp-hvac-r — heating ventilating air conditioning systems and attached services (WAC 296-200A-016(28)) S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
HVAC's whole statewide answer: a registration specialty, not a license — plus the external-electrical boundary in SCOPE-WA-HVAC-NO-EXTERNAL-DISCONNECT (research §10/§N.4).
washington:sp-hvac-r — line voltage controllers or disconnects external to hvac equipment (WAC 296-46B-920(2)(f)) S-WA-WAC-296-46B-920
The external-electrical boundary for HVAC replacement: line-voltage work outside the unit is ELECTRICAL contracting, not HVAC specialty work (research §N.4).
washington:sp-handyman — any work requiring a building permit or work with employees (WAC 296-200A-016(26)) S-WA-WAC-296-200A-016
The handyman band: a specialty with hard limits, distinct from the pure sub-$500 registration EXEMPTION (RCW 18.27.090(9)) (research §G.4/§N.2).
washington:electrical-contractor-general — all phases and all types of electrical and telecommunications installations (WAC 296-46B-920(1); RCW 19.28.041) S-WA-WAC-296-46B-920
The unambiguous electrical credential — general (01) is the one qualified for rooftop PV without interpretive strain (research §D.3/§O).
washington:plumber-journey-pl01 — potable water distribution fixtures traps drains and water heaters within property lines (RCW 18.106.020; L&I Plumber Certification program) S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT
The individual plumbing boundary — water heaters inside the trade (water-heater page), outside-building lines outside it (research §D.4/§N.5).

These limits feed the deterministic rules (WA-GC-SCOPE, WA-SC-LIMITS, WA-ELEC-CONTRACTOR, WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR, WA-GC-NO-PLUMBING, WA-ELEC-02-SOLAR, WA-HANDYMAN-2K) that project pages evaluate first — missing facts return NOT_DETERMINED, never a forced answer.

06 Conflicts on this page

CONFLICT-WA-003 (OPEN) — the printed plumbing specialty

WAC 296-200A-016(42) still prints a Plumbing specialty in the specialty list, while L&I states a plumbing specialty classification is no longer valid since 2021-07-01. Both the printed entry and the agency statement are preserved; the registration row is shown with the conflict flagged rather than removed. S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR

07 Sources

S-WA-18-27-010statute

Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)

RCW 18.27.010 — Definitions

https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.27.010