In this series of posts, I’ll tell you how to get a California contractors license.
Let’s begin with the Licensing Process:
1) Who must be licensed:
All businesses or individuals who construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility or other structure in CA must be licensed by the CSLB if the total cost including labor and materials is $500 or more.
2) What are the advantages to having a contractor’s license?
There are many reasons to get a contractor’s license:
A. You can do jobs that are over $500.
B. You can take the customer to court if you are not paid. (Without a license, a contract over $500 is considered illegal.)
C. You can legally advertise your construction business.
D. You can pull building permits.
E. You are eligible for special discounts from many material suppliers.
F. You can join builders’ associations that offer job boards, plan rooms, and group insurance.
3) What are the licensing classifications?
The classifications are broken down into 4 categories.
1) A-General Engineering
2) B-General Building
3) C-Specialty classes
4) D-Limited Specialty classes
4) What experience is required?
At least four years of journey level experience is required to qualify for the exam. Credit is given for experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor or a combination of experience and education.
5) What if I do not have four years work experience?
You may still qualify by substituting apprenticeship or technical training or other education for work experience. For example, you could receive a credit of up to two years for a college degree in business. You don’t necessarily need a college degree. Transcripts showing course work in construction technology, drafting, accounting, etc., can also be substituted for a portion of the four-year requirement.
Part 2 of how to get a California contractors license. coming soon…
