If you install, maintain, repair, or inspect elevators in Montana, you need a state license from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The state's licensing program is specific, with five separate license tiers to choose from before you can legally work on a conveyance. This guide outlines the requirements for each license type, including experience, exams, fees, and renewal.
Do you need a license to work on elevators in Montana?
Yes, a state-issued license is required to perform elevator installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, or inspection in Montana. The requirement for licensure is established under Title 37, Chapter 67 of the Montana Code Annotated and is administered by the Department of Labor and Industry's Elevator Contractors, Mechanics, and Inspectors Licensing Program. This ensures that all individuals and companies working on conveyances meet state safety and competency standards.
What license tiers are available in Montana?
Montana offers five distinct license tiers for elevator professionals: Elevator Contractor, Limited Elevator Contractor, Elevator Mechanic, Limited Mechanic, and Elevator Inspector. Each license authorizes a specific scope of work and has unique qualification requirements.
Elevator Contractor
This license is for a person, firm, or company that engages in the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining conveyances. This is the primary business-level license.
Limited Elevator Contractor
This license authorizes a person, firm, or company to perform work on specific types of conveyances, such as residential elevators or platform lifts. The scope is narrower than that of a full Elevator Contractor.
Elevator Mechanic
This license is for an individual who erects, constructs, installs, alters, services, repairs, or maintains conveyances. Mechanics must work under the supervision of a licensed Elevator Contractor.
Limited Mechanic
A Limited Mechanic license authorizes an individual to perform a specific, limited scope of work on conveyances as determined by the department. This is typically for specialized equipment or tasks.
Elevator Inspector
This license is for an individual who is certified to inspect conveyances for safety and code compliance. Inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring public safety by verifying that elevators meet state standards.
What experience do you need to qualify?
Applicants must provide documentation of relevant work experience or certification to qualify for a Montana elevator license. The requirements vary significantly between the different license tiers.
- Elevator Mechanic: Applicants must document "three years of conveyance work."
- Limited Mechanic: Applicants must document "one year of conveyance work."
- Elevator Inspector: Applicants must possess a current certification as an elevator inspector from a state-recognized organization.
- Elevator Contractor / Limited Elevator Contractor: Montana does not set a years-of-experience test for the contractor tiers. Instead, contractor and limited contractor applicants must provide active Montana Contractor Registration, proof of liability insurance under MCA 50-60-716, and a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Fact from the Montana Secretary of State.
What is the Montana elevator license exam?
An exam is required for mechanic and inspector licenses and is administered directly by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The exam for mechanics is an open-book test with a 2 ½ hour time limit, and a passing score is 70% or better. It covers safety codes and state regulations, referencing ASME A17.1-2004, ASME A18.1-2003, and the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 24.142.
How much does the Montana elevator license cost?
The initial application fee for a license by examination is $200, which applies to all categories and includes the original license fee. Fees for contractor licenses and renewals are substantially higher than for other tiers.
- Application for License by Examination (all categories): $200
- Contractor - Original License Fee: $600
- Annual Renewal Fee (Contractor): $600
- Annual Renewal Fee (all other categories): $150
- Application for License by Endorsement or Reciprocity: $150
- Temporary Permit: $50
- Re-exam Fee: $50
- Continuing Education Course Curriculum Approval: $200
What insurance and bond do you need?
Elevator Contractors and Limited Elevator Contractors must provide the department with a certified copy of a liability insurance policy providing at least $1,000,000 in coverage for injury or death for any number of persons in any single occurrence, and $500,000 for property damage in any single occurrence, per MCA 50-60-716. In addition to insurance, contractors must also hold a current Montana Contractor Registration and a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Fact from the Montana Secretary of State. No bond requirement was identified in the sources reviewed.
How do you apply for a Montana elevator license?
The application process involves submitting documentation of your experience, passing a state-administered exam, and paying the required fees. Contractor applicants have additional registration steps.
- Download Application: Obtain the correct application packet from the Forms page of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry's Elevator Contractors program website.
- Document Experience: Gather proof of your work experience or certifications as required for your desired license tier.
- Submit Application and Fee: Complete the application form and submit it with the non-refundable application fee.
- Schedule and Pass Exam: Once your application is approved, you will be scheduled to take the state licensing exam. You must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass.
- Contractor-Specific Steps: If applying as an Elevator Contractor or Limited Elevator Contractor, you must also:
- Register with the Montana Secretary of State to do business in Montana.
- Obtain a Montana Contractor Registration.
- Submit a certificate of liability insurance to the department.
- Receive License: Upon successful completion of all steps, the department will issue your Montana elevator license.
How long does the licensing process take?
The total time to obtain a license depends on application processing times and exam scheduling availability. No specific timeline is published by the Department of Labor and Industry. To avoid delays, applicants should submit a complete and accurate application well in advance of any planned work. For renewals, it is critical to submit all materials before the March 31st deadline.
When does your Montana elevator license need to be renewed?
All Montana elevator licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal period begins on February 1st, and the deadline to renew is March 31st of each year. While the renewal application states a March 31st expiration, a separate program page notes, "All licenses expire on April 1st of every year." A late fee will be assessed for any renewal processed after the March 31st deadline.
How much continuing education is required?
Elevator Mechanics and Limited Mechanics must complete eight hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each annual license term. These hours are required to be eligible for license renewal. CE course providers must have their curriculum approved by the state and pay a $200 course approval fee.
Does Montana offer reciprocity or endorsement?
Yes, Montana offers a path to licensure through endorsement or reciprocity for professionals licensed in other states. An applicant may apply for a license by endorsement by submitting an application and a fee of $150, which includes the original license fee. The state's board will evaluate the other state's licensing requirements to determine equivalency. The sources reviewed do not identify any specific bilateral agreements with other states or participation in NASCLA for this trade.