In the United States, the business of construction has a $1.3 trillion value. The size of this field gives you plenty of opportunities if you're interested in exploring it as a career path. As a general contractor, you can work on a number of construction projects, in addition to handling home repair and maintenance work of all types. To operate as a general contractor, you have to pass courses, pass an examination, and pay a number of fees. This article will teach you more about taking the right steps toward making this career path a reality. 

Why might you be attracted to a career as a general contractor?

If you love working with your hands and helping people out where they live and work, following the general contractor path could be excellent for you. Since the construction industry is so vast, you can expect your services to remain in demand. The median salary for a general contractor is $62,097 with lots of potential for advancement with years of experience or by taking construction manager jobs and other positions. There are several segments of the construction industry that you can explore based on your interests and where you'd like to live. 

How can you get your training and education to move forward as a general contractor?

To begin your path as a general contractor, start with the training and education. Look into a contractor prep course at a trade school or college. These schools will not only help you with contractor license exam prep, but they'll also give you the foundational tools needed to begin as a contractor. They will go through the different chapters and sections of the exam throughout the course curriculum so that you'll have seen it and run through several modules and exercises well before taking the test. 

Are you prepared to pass the general contractor exam?

When you're looking to get started as a general contractor, be sure that you put several hours into exam prep. This way, you'll get your money's worth and hopefully only have to take it once before passing. Paying for your state's general contractor exam and the subsequent license fee could cost you between $50 and $300, and you might pay $1,200 or more for a construction-related associate's degree. After you've satisfied all of these requirements, you'll get your license and can register with your state board as a general contractor. 

Let these tips help you out when you'd like to become a general contractor. For more information on license exam prep, contact a company like Contractors License Guru.