[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":78},["ShallowReactive",2],{"guide-question-maryland-contractor-simulator-unlicensed-competitor":3},{"site":4,"simulation":15,"topic":23,"question":26,"siblings":53,"prev":76,"next":77},{"name":5,"tagline":6,"title":7,"description":8,"guideTitle":9,"guideDescription":10,"ogImage":11,"disclaimer":12,"practicePitch":13,"citationsTitle":14},"Free MHIC Training","Maryland home improvement exam prep","Free MHIC Exam Prep: Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Practice","Free, narrated MHIC exam prep: 147 real Maryland contractor scenarios, every choice explained, with the law cited where it applies.","MHIC Exam Study Guide","Every scenario in the free Maryland Contractor Simulator, written out as a practice question: the situation, your options, how each choice plays out, and the Maryland law where it applies.","/og/free-mhic-training.png","Free MHIC Training is free study material for the Maryland home improvement contractor exam. It is not affiliated with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission and is not legal advice.","The free Maryland Contractor Simulator puts you in situations like these across a 40-day contracting career, narrated, with your license on the line. No account needed.","Law and codes cited",{"slug":16,"title":17,"subtitle":18,"description":19,"maxTurns":20,"characterCount":21,"scenarioCount":22},"maryland-contractor-simulator","Maryland Contractor Simulator","Learn the law by living it.","You just got your MHIC license application approved and you're starting your home improvement business in Maryland. Navigate real contractor scenarios — contracts, permits, clients, subcontractors, and inspectors. Every choice teaches you the law through consequence, not memorization. Master all five exam areas to pass.",40,20,147,{"slug":24,"title":25},"who-needs-a-license","Who Needs an MHIC License",{"slug":27,"title":28,"description":29,"takeaway":30,"situation":31,"speaker":34,"speakerDescription":34,"speakerAvatar":34,"audioUrl":35,"choices":36,"citations":51},"unlicensed-competitor","How do you explain the risk of an unlicensed contractor to a homeowner?","Explain what licensing gives them: an unlicensed contractor means no Guaranty Fund protection, no required insurance, no recourse, and possible liability…","Explain what licensing gives them: an unlicensed contractor means no Guaranty Fund protection, no required insurance, no recourse, and possible liability for injuries on their property. Invite them to verify any license with the MHIC.",[32,33],"You lose a bid to a competitor who's charging 40% less. The homeowner mentions the other guy's name. You recognize it — he's not MHIC licensed. You've seen his truck around town with no license number displayed.","The homeowner asks, \"Why are you so much more expensive?\"",null,"/media/voices/unlicensed_competitor.mp3",[37,42,46],{"text":38,"verdict":39,"label":40,"explanation":41},"Explain that you're licensed, insured, and bonded — which protects the homeowner. Suggest they verify the other contractor's MHIC license number before signing anything","best","Correct","Homeowners can verify any contractor's license at the MHIC website or by calling the Commission. An unlicensed contractor means: no Guaranty Fund protection, no insurance requirement, no recourse if something goes wrong, and the homeowner may be liable for injuries on their property. Your higher price includes the $50,000 liability insurance, Guaranty Fund contribution, and the accountability that comes with licensure.",{"text":43,"verdict":39,"label":44,"explanation":45},"Report the unlicensed contractor to the MHIC immediately","Also correct","Operating as a home improvement contractor without an MHIC license is illegal in Maryland under Business Regulation §8-601. You can report unlicensed contractors to the MHIC. This protects consumers and levels the playing field for licensed contractors who invest in compliance, insurance, and training.",{"text":47,"verdict":48,"label":49,"explanation":50},"Badmouth the competitor to the homeowner — tell them he's unlicensed and probably uninsured","partial","Poor approach","Even if true, directly badmouthing a competitor comes across as unprofessional and desperate. Instead, educate the homeowner on what licensure means and suggest they verify independently. Let the facts speak. If you've also reported him to the MHIC, the system will handle it.",[52],"Business Regulation §8-601",[54,57,60,63,66,69,72,73],{"slug":55,"title":56,"topic":24},"what-is-home-improvement","What counts as home improvement under Maryland law?",{"slug":58,"title":59,"topic":24},"unlicensed-handyman-question","Does a handyman need an MHIC license in Maryland?",{"slug":61,"title":62,"topic":24},"rental-property-exception","Can a landlord renovate their own rentals without an MHIC license?",{"slug":64,"title":65,"topic":24},"commercial-vs-residential","Does an MHIC license cover commercial renovation work?",{"slug":67,"title":68,"topic":24},"pool-vs-home-improvement","Does an MHIC license cover building an in-ground pool?",{"slug":70,"title":71,"topic":24},"television-antenna","Is installing a TV antenna home improvement in Maryland?",{"slug":27,"title":28,"topic":24},{"slug":74,"title":75,"topic":24},"storm-chaser-competition","Do out-of-state storm chasers need a Maryland MHIC license?",{"slug":70,"title":71,"topic":24},{"slug":74,"title":75,"topic":24},1792184484118]