Trade Experience. An applicant for a home improvement contractor's license shall have at least 2 years of trade experience. “Trade experience” includes one or more of the following: Participation in a registered apprenticeship program; Employment in performing home improvements; Employment in performing commercial or residential construction, repairs, or renovations; Participation in a community service or charitable building or renovation program; or Performing repairs and improvements which require a building permit on one's home or the home of family members. Experience as a licensed home improvement salesperson for at least 2 years may be credited as trade experience, if the Home Improvement Commission determines that the applicant has gained substantial knowledge of the operation of a home improvement business. Business Experience in Other Areas. Experience in the capacity of supervisor, manager, or owner of a business may be substituted for 1 year of the required trade experience, based on a review by the Home Improvement Commission, or an applicant for a home improvement contractor's license may substitute for the required trade experience educational training in: Vocational school training in a building trade; or Participation in a building trade work-study program. Experience or educational qualifications of applicants for a home improvement contractor's license who have documented handicaps shall be considered by the Commission on an individual basis.