What Are the Risks of Qualifying a Business You Don't Own?
Your license is on the line for work you don't control the business side of. If the business breaks the rules, the consequences can land on you as the qualifier, even though you don't own it.
Can the business's mistakes affect your license?
Yes. Complaints about the business's work can come back to your license, since the work is being done under it. How that plays out varies by state (learn more about your state here).
What if the owner pushes you to cut corners or sign off on work you didn't supervise?
That's the core tension of this arrangement: they own the business, but you carry the license. See our guide on what to do when the qualifying agent relationship has problems for how to handle it.
What if you're the last to know something went wrong?
It isn't unusual. In a business you don't own, you're often not in the field, so you may not be the first to hear when something goes wrong. What matters is being notified quickly when there's an issue. See our guide on what should be in a qualifying agent agreement for how the company's obligation to keep you informed can be spelled out.
Are you responsible for every kind of problem the business has?
It depends on the issue. In many states, financial responsibility and workmanship are treated separately, and there's a difference between negligent management and safety risks on one hand and poor financial practices on the other. Check how your state draws that line (learn more about your state here).
How do you protect yourself?
Genuinely supervise the work, keep records of what you review and approve, and know your state's rules. A written agreement is another option — see our guide on what should be in a qualifying agent agreement.
How do you find a business to qualify?
findQualifier.com is a public, searchable board of licensed professionals advertising their availability to work as a qualifier, by state and trade. Browse businesses looking to hire or post a listing so businesses can find you instead.