Do concrete contractors need to be licensed in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick does not have a formal provincial licensing system for general concrete contractors the way some provinces license electricians or plumbers — but this does not mean you should hire any contractor without vetting them carefully. The absence of a licence requirement makes your own due diligence more important, not less.

Unlike regulated trades such as electrical (which requires a licensed electrician in NB) or gas fitting (which requires certification), concrete work in New Brunswick is an unregulated trade at the provincial level. There is no provincial body that issues concrete contractor licences, and no licence number to check before hiring. This is consistent with most of Canada — concrete is treated as a construction trade that relies on market reputation, experience, and general business registration rather than formal professional licencing.

What does exist, and what you should absolutely verify, is the following. First, any concrete contractor operating as a business in NB should be registered with Service New Brunswick (a valid business registration). This is a basic legal requirement for operating a business in the province. Second, any contractor employing workers on a construction site must be registered with and in good standing with WorkSafeNB — New Brunswick's workplace safety and compensation body. You can and should verify a contractor's WorkSafeNB coverage directly through the WorkSafeNB website or by calling their clearance line. Third, a legitimate concrete contractor should carry commercial general liability insurance — typically $2 million or more — to cover damage to your property or injury on the job site. Ask for a certificate of insurance before signing anything.

For foundation work and larger structural concrete projects, some NB contractors carry certifications such as the ACI (American Concrete Institute) field testing technician certification, which demonstrates knowledge of concrete testing, quality control, and placement practices. This is a positive credential to look for on significant projects.

The practical reality in NB is that concrete quality varies considerably between contractors. An experienced crew that has been pouring driveways and foundations in Moncton or Fredericton for 10-20 years will understand NB's frost depth requirements, air entrainment needs, and seasonal timing in ways that a new contractor may not. Ask for references, look at photos of past work, and get at least three quotes for any project over $2,000.

New Brunswick Concrete connects homeowners with local concrete professionals through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory. As with any hiring decision, we recommend verifying WorkSafeNB coverage, requesting proof of liability insurance, and checking references before awarding the work.