What Our Customers Say
A great experience, I have taken many courses during years and this course was up there.I really recommend taking this class , Christian Seanz is a real teacher.Highly recommended.Past the MHIC exam on the first try, thank you Christian✌️Was great from stat to finish. After the class I pass first test and Zitro help me with application for MHIC. Everything was nice and professional. Thank youBefore this class I was overwhelmed with anxiety about the MHIC test and what it would entail. The book is daunting. Zitro's registration process is easy, fast and professional. The location is easy to find, clean and safe. The staff are respectful and courteous. And the instructor Cris inspires confidence. He is extremely knowledgeable and mixes knowledge and learning with humor. My success in obtaining my license is due to this course!Class was very informative & through of state & local laws & regulations.I recommend Zitro staff in explaining said regulations.Great work Zitro Team!It was an enlightening experience,Sincerely Justin Greenberg
F.A.Q
1I have submitted my application; how long does it take to process?
The application approval process may take two to three weeks. If the application is incomplete or incorrect, the process will take additional time. The licensee will receive a paper license in the mail within 10 days of the application being approved.
2Is there a course to prepare for the exam? Is a course required in order to apply for a MHIC license?
At Zitro Services we offer a comprehensive 15-hours prep course with a live instructor in an effort to help you better prepare for the MHIC exam. A course is not required. Given that the exam tests on topics that may be unfamiliar for some, like State Laws, Regulations and Requirements, it is strongly advised that you take a course to not only prepare but understand the regulations you will be subject to in the course of your career as a contractor and/or salesperson. Our MHIC prep courses are offered, both, in English and in Spanish.
3How do I know if a trade name that I want to use for my home improvement business is available for use?
This is a very important question and something that we, at Zitro Services, can certainly help you with. MHIC regulations state that a name of an individual, partnership, proprietorship, or corporation shall not be accepted if the name under which the applicant will be trading is the same as that being used by an existing licensee, or is so similar to the name being used by an existing licensee that it will cause confusion.
4Can I use my MHIC contractor license to build a new home in Maryland?
The Home Improvement Commission license does not cover new home construction.
5I was convicted for acting as a contractor without a license. Am I eligible to apply for a home improvement contractor’s license?
The Home Improvement Law states that the Commission may issue a license to an individual who has been found guilty of working without a license if the Commission determines that the applicant has settled all outstanding obligations and one year has passed since the date of the conviction.
6I am a licensed contractor in another state. Do I still have to take the Maryland home improvement contractor exam?
Yes, you do need to pass the exam. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission does not offer reciprocity with any other state because each licensee must demonstrate knowledge of the Maryland laws and regulations.
7 How do I register to take the exam for an MHIC license?
We are here to help! After you are finished with your classes and feel comfortable and ready to take the exam, we will schedule it for you. Just tell us which location is the most convenient for you, and we will be glad to schedule your exam with the PSI.
8Are the requirements for an MHIC license the same for an existing company as they are for a new company?
Yes, the requirements for a company are the same regardless of how long the company has been in business. The individual is required to take the exam and meet the financial eligibility requirements. Each MHIC licensed business must assign an individual who to hold an MHIC license and to meet the requirements for licensure.
9 I was convicted of a felony when I was younger. Can I still obtain an MHIC contractor license?
Each applicant is required to report to the Commission any conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualifications of the applicant or licensee to engage in home improvement services. The applicant must provide a “true-test copy” from the clerk’s office of the court where the conviction occurred. The facts of a felony or misdemeanor conviction that the Commission considers when determining whether to approve or deny a license application are the following:
• The nature of the crime;
• The relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license;
• With respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide home improvement services;
• The length of time since the conviction; and
• The behavior and activities of the applicant or licensee before and after the conviction.
10I am a contractor licensed in another state. I don’t have an office in Maryland, but I would like to provide services there. Do I need a separate license for the State of Maryland?
Each contractor performing home improvement work in Maryland is required to hold an MHIC license. This is true regardless of whether the contractor holds a license in another State. It is also true even if the contractor does not have an office in Maryland. Out-of-state contractors must also be registered with the State, take the required exam, and acquire the license in the State of Maryland.
11I did not pass the exam. What do I need to do to retake it?
If you did not pass the exam in your first try, you must wait 30 days to take it again. If you fail the second time or on any subsequent try, 60 days must pass before you can retake the exam. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You will just have to wait 30 days on your first attempt and 60 days on any following one. You must pay the exam fee each time you take it.
12We have our MHIC license. I wanted to make sure we don’t need a business construction license as well. Could you please clarify as I want to make sure I meet all Maryland requirements?
The Home Improvement License covers all home improvement services performed on homes and apartment buildings that contain three or fewer units. A contractor or subcontractor who holds an MHIC license is not required to hold a business construction license under Title 17 of the Business Regulation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
13What is financial solvency and why is it required?
Each applicant for a home improvement contractor’s license must meet the Commission’s financial solvency requirements which are based on the applicant’s personal assets. The Commission does not consider business assets when evaluating an applicant’s financial solvency. The Commission requires each contractor to show financial solvency to ensure reimbursement of any money paid from the Commission’s Guaranty Fund to compensate a homeowner, up to $20,000 (or the total amount of payments made on the contract), for losses caused by the unworkmanlike, inadequate, or incomplete work performed by the contractor. Applicants who do not meet the financial solvency guidelines may purchase a surety bond or present use of a co-signer.
14What are the business license requirements for a salesperson?
First, the individual must pass the MHIC salesperson exam, also administered by PSI Exams. Upon doing so, the individual must present to the Commission a written notification of employment or other contractual relationship between her/him and a contractor she/he will be working with or representing.
15How can I get an MHIC salesperson license?
In order to obtain an MHIC salesperson license, an applicant must pass an exam.
