Contractor Talk Post

Wow…. here’s a post/question/comment/complaint I received in the ContractorTalk Forum. I’m am so floored by how the CSLB is treating applicants, I’m beside myself. Read on…

Phil – I think you’re right about flagging Asian last names. As I explained to you in my private message, I’m being asked for all kinds of documentation for my Class B. And, I have an Asian last name. Go figure.

They didn’t take my business classes, algebra, advanced math or my CA real estate license and appraisal courses into consideration at all. First I was told that they can’t call my employer out of state, so they want 1099’s and check stubs. Fine. Sent them. The Licensee Deputy approves and then they send me to an Experience analyst. She tells me that the 1099’s are useless, because I, “could have earned the money doing anything”. So why did you ask me to hunt down an old, handicapped prior employer 3,000 miles away to get the darn things?

She tells me that my application shows c6 work and not Class B. She sends me a form asking if I want to withdraw my application. I emailed Andrea S. and asked her since when cantilevering decks, framing additions, siding and roof work is millwork. She said it was millwork and not general building! How ’bout that? She asks me to provide permits and contracts. I explain that as a journeyman employee I’m not required to have either, and that legally my contractor employer isn’t even required to keep those docs for more than 3 years. They then asked for client contacts, which I don’t have as an employee.

She says that I need to go back to the elderly, sick employer 3,000 miles away and get a notarized letter from him outlying my duties. I included hours worked, duties by year for the 10 years through apprenticeship (4yrs) and journeyman level (6 years). What else should he document in the letter?

I do think I’m being targeted. When I explained that I felt that shuffling me from department to department for 10 months now is excessive, and I don’t understand why they ask for documentation that they then tell me they can’t use (like the 1099’s and pay stubs), I’m told that I need permits and the notarized letter from my certifier. Wasn’t his certification enough? No, because he was a foreman and not a contractor. Again, I have no legal reason to have permits as a journeyman. I think they just don’t want to license me – possibly because I’m Asian.

I even included letters from people who can verify that I’ve done extensive work on my own homes. I offered to send in 200 material receipts to verify the work and was told that they weren’t needed. What else can I send in to help with this?

contractor talk post

My reply:

I may actually be speechless!!! Oh wait… no I’m not.

Your experience with the cslb just floors me!! How incompetent can one state agency be? Seriously?!? You give them what they ask for, what they have listed in their ridiculous list of acceptable items, then tell you they won’t accept them. I truly wonder (often) why the patients are running the asylum!

My advice is to contact your State Representative! Show the rep the letter the cslb gave you with the options. Show the rep what you provided, per their list, and show the rep the response you received from the cslb.

It has been pointed out to the Board, directly, that the licensing unit is asking for docs that most applicants aren’t required by law to need or obtain. Yet, they keep asking for them. Then they have the nerve to reject those docs.

I wish I had proof in hand that the cslb is profiling Asian applicants, but they are just smart enough not to have put anything in writing… as far as I’m aware. I was just told that the license techs were verbally told to pull apps with Asian last names. So suggesting to a State Rep that you’re being profiled would most likely be flat out rejected by the cslb. For me… I’d mention it anyway. Let the cslb hear the accusation so they know what they’re doing is out in the public.

Like I said… I was almost speechless.

If you feel you’ve received biased, unfair, ridiculous treatment from the CSLB, let them know about it. Submit this form. CSLB Client Services Complaint Form

via California Licensing – Page 70 – Contractor Licensing – Contractor Talk.

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LicenseGuru

I am a Navy vet and former laborer for a B-Gen Bldg contractor, I built mobile homes for many years, I worked at the Contractors State License Board for 5 yrs, and have been operating a contractors license service company since 2005.

46 thoughts on “Contractor Talk Post”

  1. I have now passed both the law and trade exam…. I was reading that PSI was to given me paperwork regarding my bond and workmans comp insurance. All i was given was a piece of paper stating i passed. I dont know what I should do next.

      1. Application is pending

        03/04/2024 – APPLICATION RECEIVED
        03/14/2024 – PRINTED ACKNLDGMNT LTTR TO APPLCNT

  2. My contractor’s license was suspended or revoked about two years ago. I recently settled things with the bond agency, but now I’m confused about what to do next. The CSLB (Contractors State License Board) sent me a letter with instructions, but I find it confusing. Can someone please provide guidance? I have a copy of the letter from the bond agency, and I already have a bond company ready to go. Thanks!

  3. I had a series of questions about my application. When i was notified by CSLB that i could schedule for my exam, I planned the day around the school I was attending making sure I could take the crash course the school offered just prior to exam date. I planned the test date for 5 weeks out and was all set to go. The weekend prior to my test I sat in on 2 crash courses which i paid good money for. My test wasnt until Wednesday. On Monday I went online to get directions to the testing center and found PSI had sent me an email saying my test had been cancelled with out any explanation. It said to call a number which i spent hours trying to reach somone without any help. I contacted CSLB and told them what had happened. They told me it wasnt anything on their end, that it was PSI and i would have to contact. Over a period of about 4 days I sent probably 30 emails to different PSI addresses. I finally received a message back saying I could reschedule but that they have no idea why my test was cancelled. To this day I have not got an explanation as to the reason why this had happened. The soonest date they could get me in for both exams was about 4 weeks out. I was prepared and ready to go and now had to wait 4 weeks. No one crams for exams 4 weeks prior. This meant that I would have to go through the whole process of studying again. I was unable to take the crash courses prior to the exam because of timing issues. So my exam date rolled up which was october the 16th. My first exam was the law and passed. My next exam was C20HVAC and i failed with a 69%. I still am having a hard time dealing with this. My question for you is would I have good grounds for an appeal. Needing only 1 more question right out of the 100 given I had numerous questions that asked for the best answer. Sometimes this was obvious, other times not. Is it possible to argue my point why I found the answer I chose was the right answer? Or could i ask for a review of the questions and answers? I know i could find one right out of the 100……Any suggestions

    1. Hi Kenneth,

      I’ve been hearing this same story quite a bit lately. I reached out to the cslb to have them look into your situation and the overall lack of professionalism by the testing vendor, PSI.

      1. Christopher Bellamy

        Application is pending

        06/29/2023 – APPLICATION RECEIVED
        07/12/2023 – LTD LIABILITY COMPANY APPLICATION
        07/13/2023 – PRINTED ACKNLDGMNT LTTR TO APPLCNT
        07/18/2023 – PER PHONE CALL CHRISTOPHER’S MIDDLE
        07/18/2023 – NAME IS JASON & HIS TITLE IS MEMBER
        07/18/2023 – SPECIAL PROJECT – 7065 WAIVER
        07/18/2023 – APPLICATION POSTED
        07/18/2023 – WAIVER BOND AND FEE LETTER SENT
        07/18/2023 – NEED WORKERS COMP CERT OR EXEMPTION
        07/18/2023 – NEED CONTRACTORS BOND
        07/18/2023 – NEED THE INITIAL LICENSE FEE
        07/18/2023 – NEED LLC LIABILITY INSURANCE
        07/18/2023 – NEED LLC EMPLOYEE/WORKER BOND
        07/18/2023 – FINGERPRINTS – CHRISTOPHER
        07/18/2023 – ISSUANCE REQUIREMENTS DUE 10/16/23
        07/19/2023 – PRINTED LIVE SCAN PACKET
        07/25/2023 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DLY
        09/14/2023 – APP SENT TO SUPERVISOR FOR REVIEW
        09/18/2023 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DOJ
        09/18/2023 – EXTENDED VOID DATE – 12/17/2023
        09/27/2023 – EMAILED 1ST PG OF APP TO REMOVE JUA
        09/27/2023 – EMAILED BLANK PG 1 TO UPDDATE
        09/27/2023 – CHRISTOPHER AS THE QUALIFIER
        09/28/2023 – UNDER REVIEW
        09/29/2023 – CBU REQUESTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
        09/29/2023 – FROM APPLICANT – NEED DISCLOSURES &
        09/29/2023 – REHAB
        10/04/2023 – FORWARDED UPDATE TO ASSIGNED TECH
        10/11/2023 – FORWARDED EMAIL REQ TO ASSIGNED TCH
        10/11/2023 – LEFT RETURN VOICEMAIL TO CHRISTOPHE
        11/01/2023 – APP VOID – IN ERROR
        11/01/2023 – VOID LETTER SENT IN ERROR
        11/03/2023 – RELEASED FROM CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
        11/03/2023 – TRIED TO CALL CHRISTOPHER BACK BUT
        11/03/2023 – UNABLE TO REACH HIM
        11/06/2023 – REFERRED EMAIL TO SUPERVISOR FOR
        11/06/2023 – RESPONSE
        11/06/2023 – APP NOT VOID / VOID CODES DELETED
        11/09/2023 – APPLICATION RETURNED FOR CORRECTION
        11/09/2023 – EMAILED QUALIFIER APPLICATION TO
        11/09/2023 – COMPLETE FOR FURTHER PROCESSING /
        11/09/2023 – NO CORRECTIONS RCVD TO DATE
        11/09/2023 – APPLICATION UNPOSTED
        11/09/2023 – CALLED – UNABLE TO LEAVE VOICEMAIL
        11/14/2023 – EMAILED QUALIFIER-BUS NAME CORRXTN
        11/14/2023 – REQUIRES A DBA/WORK CERT MISSING
        12/08/2023 – CALLED IN – CAN APPLY FOR 2 D CLASS
        12/08/2023 – (D6 & D34) / PROVIDE WORK CERT FOR
        12/08/2023 – EACH TRADE / DBA REQUIRED
        12/26/2023 – EMAILED – RCVD WORK CERT CORRECTION
        12/26/2023 – & REQUEST UPDATE ON BUS NAME
        01/02/2024 – CORRECTIONS RECEIVED BY EMAIL
        01/02/2024 – CORRECTIONS SENT TO BE SCANNED
        01/02/2024 – APPLICATION POSTED
        01/02/2024 – REFERRED TO EXAM SCHEDULE – LAW
        01/02/2024 – EMAILED QUALIFIER UPDATE
        01/03/2024 – LAW EXAM ELIGIBILITY INITIATED
        01/03/2024 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 01/03/2024
        01/16/2024 – PASSED LAW EXAM
        01/16/2024 – NOTICE OF BOND AND FEE INITIATED

  4. Hello,

    Wanted to know if you could tell me about how much longer should I wait ? Workers comp and bond has been posted since Nov and check was posted to my bank account on Dec 3rd.

    Application is pending

    08/02/2021 – APPLICATION RECEIVED
    08/17/2021 – PRINTED ACKNLDGMNT LTTR TO APPLCNT
    09/23/2021 – CERT OF SUPPORT VERIFIED BY TECH
    09/23/2021 – APPLICATION POSTED
    09/23/2021 – REFERRED TO EXAM SCHEDULE – LAW
    09/24/2021 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 11/05/2021
    09/24/2021 – PRINTED LIVE SCAN PACKET
    09/28/2021 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DLY
    09/29/2021 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DLY
    09/29/2021 – INFORMED OF RESCHEDULE FEE
    09/29/2021 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 11/12/2021
    09/29/2021 – ***** USED FREE RESCHEDULE *****
    09/29/2021 – RESCHEDULED PER EMAIL
    09/30/2021 – RELEASED FROM CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
    10/04/2021 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DOJ
    10/05/2021 – UNDER REVIEW
    10/05/2021 – RELEASED FROM CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
    11/05/2021 – EXAM SCHEDULED FOR LAW ONLY
    11/05/2021 – CANCELLED LAW EXAM ON 09/29/2021
    11/12/2021 – EXAM SCHEDULED FOR LAW ONLY
    11/12/2021 – PASSED LAW EXAM
    11/13/2021 – ASBESTOS OPEN BOOK REQUIREMENT MET

    1. Hello,

      If you’ve paid the initial license fee, provided the bond, submitted a workers comp policy or filed exempt from workers comp, then you’ll get in line for issuce when they receive the final issuance requirement, as stated previously.

      Issuance is about 4+ weeks behind.

      1. Hello Mr.Guru can you please go over my process info and help me understand where I’m at? Thank you

        01/12/2022 – APPLICATION RECEIVED
        02/11/2022 – PRINTED ACKNLDGMNT LTTR TO APPLCNT
        02/24/2022 – APPLICATION RETURNED FOR CORRECTION
        02/24/2022 – TOTAL TIME WORKED MISSING
        02/24/2022 – CERTIFIER’S ADDR MISSING
        02/24/2022 – SPOKE W/APPLT, EMAILED CORR
        03/10/2022 – CORRECTIONS RECEIVED BY EMAIL
        03/10/2022 – CORRECTIONS SENT TO BE SCANNED
        03/10/2022 – APPLICATION POSTED
        03/10/2022 – REFERRED TO EXAM SCHEDULING – BOTH
        03/11/2022 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 04/12/2022
        03/11/2022 – PRINTED LIVE SCAN PACKET
        03/30/2022 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DLY
        04/06/2022 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 06/30/2022
        04/06/2022 – RESCHEDULED PER PHONE
        04/06/2022 – ***** USED FREE RESCHEDULE *****
        04/06/2022 – INFORMED OF RESCHEDULE FEE
        04/12/2022 – LAW & TRADE EXAM ELIG INITIATED
        04/12/2022 – CANCELLED BOTH EXAMS ON 04/06/2022
        04/15/2022 – RELEASED FROM CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
        06/30/2022 – LAW & TRADE EXAM ELIG INITIATED
        06/30/2022 – PASSED TRADE EXAM
        06/30/2022 – FAILED THE LAW EXAM, NOTICE SENT
        08/11/2022 – LAW EXAM ELIGIBILITY INITIATED
        08/11/2022 – NTC TO RESCHED EXAM SENT 08/11/2022
        09/14/2022 – PASSED LAW EXAM
        09/14/2022 – NOTICE OF BOND AND FEE REQUIRED
        09/22/2022 – ASBESTOS OPEN BOOK REQUIREMENT MET

        1. Hello,

          Sorry for the late reply. Looks like you’ll need to submit the online open book Asbestos test, purchase a license bond, and either submit a workers comp policy or file the exemption from workers comp. Have you paid the full fee to the cslb? $650 for a sole owner license or $800 for a corp or LLC license.

          Once you have all of that submitted, you’ll get in line for issuance of the number. That line is about 2 weeks long currently.

  5. Hi Mr. Guru,

    My current application status seems to be good, from the looks of it I should be given an issuance. My only thought is the time it has taken to hear back from CSLB. Below is my latest application status:

    Application is pending

    03/29/2021 – APPLICATION RECEIVED
    05/07/2021 – PRINTED ACKNLDGMNT LTTR TO APPLCNT
    05/27/2021 – CERT OF SUPPORT VERIFIED BY TECH
    05/27/2021 – APPLICATION POSTED
    05/27/2021 – REFERRED TO EXAM SCHEDULING – BOTH
    05/28/2021 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 09/20/2021
    05/28/2021 – PRINTED LIVE SCAN PACKET
    09/20/2021 – EXAM SCHEDULED FOR BOTH LAW & TRADE
    09/20/2021 – PASSED BOTH LAW AND TRADE EXAM
    09/22/2021 – ASBESTOS OPEN BOOK REQUIREMENT MET

    I have also submitted and cslb has posted in my application the bonding requirements and workers comp form which I have met. These items were taken care of during the same week when I met the asbestos open book exam.

    I just want to ask if I’m being a bit too desperate on the wait time it has taken to hear from CSLB?
    I mailed my initial license fee (the last item to complete the app process) on September 29.
    My fee was paid via a money order, so I was curious and tracked it, and was cashed on October 13.
    What is the usual wait time to hear back regarding issuance, or if there is any missing paperwork they need from me?

    1. Hi Miguel,

      From what I can see, you should have gone into the issuance queue shortly after Oct. 13. If that is the case, the license could be issued in about 2 weeks. I’ll reach out to the cslb to find out what the hold up is or if you’re in line for issuance.

      1. Hello Guru, I have a question. Do I need to wait for a letter before I can send my initial license fee or just send one before I receive anything? I still need to get a bond aswell.

        this is what the system says right now

        10/18/2023 – APPLICATION RECEIVED
        10/24/2023 – PRINTED ACKNLDGMNT LTTR TO APPLCNT
        11/01/2023 – CERT OF SUPPORT REVIEWED BY TECH
        11/01/2023 – APPLICATION POSTED
        11/01/2023 – REFERRED TO EXAM SCHEDULING – BOTH
        11/02/2023 – LAW & TRADE EXAM ELIG INITIATED
        11/02/2023 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 11/02/2023
        11/02/2023 – PRINTED LIVE SCAN PACKET
        11/07/2023 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DLY
        11/07/2023 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DLY
        11/27/2023 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DOJ
        12/09/2023 – PASSED TRADE EXAM
        12/13/2023 – UNDER REVIEW
        12/13/2023 – IN MY FOLDER, NEED FINAL FBI RESULT
        12/16/2023 – ASBESTOS OPEN BOOK REQUIREMENT MET
        12/16/2023 – PASSED LAW EXAM
        12/16/2023 – NOTICE OF BOND AND FEE INITIATED
        12/18/2023 – RELEASED FROM CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

  6. Any idea where I am at in the process?

    Application is pending

    03/05/2020 – APPLICATION RECEIVED
    03/18/2020 – PRINTED ACKNLDGMNT LTTR TO APPLCNT
    04/07/2020 – APP IN CALL BACK FOLDER-48 HOURS
    04/14/2020 – CORRECTIONS RECEIVED BY EMAIL-SENT
    04/14/2020 – APPLICATION POSTED
    04/14/2020 – REFERRED TO EXAM SCHEDULING – BOTH
    04/15/2020 – NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR EXM 07/06/2020
    04/15/2020 – PRINTED LIVE SCAN PACKET
    04/24/2020 – APP TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND UNIT-DLY
    05/04/2020 – RELEASED FROM CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
    07/06/2020 – EXAM SCHEDULED FOR BOTH LAW & TRADE
    07/06/2020 – PASSED BOTH LAW AND TRADE EXAM
    07/13/2020 – ASBESTOS OPEN BOOK REQUIREMENT MET
    07/30/2020 – APP SENT TO SUPERVISOR FOR REVIEW
    07/31/2020 – APP SENT TO EXAM UNIT
    08/03/2020 – APPLICATION RETURNED TO PROGRM TECH

    1. Hi Josh,

      The last comment could result in … who knows what. I don’t know why the app would be sent to the exam unit after you’ve passed the tests, so that comment is odd. Also, I haven’t seen them ask for proof of experience after the tests have been passed, but I wouldn’t put it past them. Hopefully they’ll send you the Bond and Fee letter asking for the bond, workers comp, etc. and your app will move closer to issuance.

      1. Update: Just got license issued. Thought I would update. There was a simple mistake on inputting a wrong name on the experience form. We put the certifier name were the qualifier name was suppose to be. So all good. Thanks for all the help and good luck to you all.

      2. Hello, I have provided the bond, and filed exempt from workers comp, and I have payed the issuance fee with a personal check on 1/27/22 but the check hasn’t posted to my bank account yet.. is there any way to contact them to see if there was any problem with check?

        1. The cslb is taking anywhere between 1-4 weeks to process checks. Once they’re done the issuance unit will be notified and you’ll get in line for issuance. So it’s just a matter of waiting now.

  7. Not to mention there is a pattern when he does not have workman’s comp but he is doing 40 to 60 calls a day how would he be doing that many service calls a day with just himself there is no way a tech can barely handle 10 a day

  8. We already have some documentation from the parts houses with Joey’s name signed off on the parts that he picked up Joey is a brother that was employed for his brother Michael is the one who owns the business we have that documentation plus we have signed affidavits and notarized from former employees who Joey trained as service manager do you think we have any leg to stand on in this we are also getting information and notes from the insurance companies with Joey’s name from those years

    1. You’ll want to throw anything and everything you can at the cslb. There is the possibility that the cslb could flat out deny the app if Michael says Joey wasn’t an employee.

  9. I have a app in with Cslb, so let me explain from the beginning. My cousin got his contractor license in 2013 well he hired his brother to help run the business. He signed contract with insurance company and started getting business right away. The only thing is he paid his brother in cash almost three years and finally put him on payroll. Well I also started working for him eventually and just got fired because my cousin found out the his brother and I have a app in with Cslb. Anyway now he is protesting our application saying his brother never worked for him in the beginning. Hmmmm so now I’m running around like a chicken trying to gather information on how to prove his brother did in fact work for him from the beginning. Sense they did go through insurance companies I’m trying to gather info with signatures on it driving he worked any advice. Oh also the whole time he was paying his brother cash he was telling him he had 1099 but he lied. Now cslb wants proof of work

    1. That is a tough spot. If the brother doesn’t have 1099’s or any other proof that he worked for his brother, and the licensed brother is telling the cslb that he never worked for him, the chances of his application getting through the cslb are slim to none. The brother with the license is probably concerned that he’ll get in hot water for having an employee and not carrying workers comp insurance.

      1. Ok i got michael to spill the beans on stating joseph di in fact work four years on a text message and i did send it to cslb. along with invoices from parts houses witch he signed for and also 2 notarized letters from other employees that worked at that time. what do you think?

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