Working as a certified fence contractor can be a fulfilling career with high-earning potential. Fences are needed in many construction projects, including installing or repairing barriers, guard rails, railings, corrals, backstops, playground fences, and commercial and residential fences. Fencing contractors manage the installation process beginning with customer communication to ongoing maintenance after the job has concluded.
A certified fence contractor takes their career further than an uncertified contractor with a seal of approval from the nation’s top industry credentialing organization. Before you can become a certified fence contractor, you will need to obtain your C-13 Fencing Contractor License from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Read on to learn how to obtain your C-13 fencing license in California to become a certified fence contractor.
What are the Requirements to Obtain a C-13 Fencing Contractor License?
Before you can begin the application process for the fencing contractor license, you need to meet the following criteria:
● Have a valid social security number or ITIN
● Be at least 18 years old
● Have four years of experience performing/supervising fencing (C-13) work
The requirements include working with a fencing company that holds a C-13 license. The CSLB also requires a qualifier to sign off on your work experience. You only need four years of experience, which can be gained within ten years.
There are two tests you need to pass to earn your C-13 license. Study and prepare using the CSLB license guide to pass the tests. After you pass, you can collect your contractor’s bond, and you’re ready to get to work.
How to Become a Certified Fence Contractor
Once you have your C-13 license, you can work to become a certified fence contractor (CFC) through an accredited institute. A certified fence contractor is a step up in the fencing contractor field.
To receive the CFC seal for your fence contractor business, you must ensure you have at least five years of experience with a high school diploma or a GED. Other requirements include having at least three years of experience with a bachelor’s degree and four years of experience with an associate’s degree. You’ll also need to provide letters of recommendation that attest to your qualifications.
Becoming a certified fence contractor requires extensive testing, including two pre-qualifying fence installation exams and six total business exams. You have to apply for the program to receive the okay to schedule the exams. The information covers more of the operations of running a fencing contractor business. You’ll want to study:
● Marketing and sales
● Estimate and bidding
● Contractor legal and insurance information
● Standard accounting and corporate structure
● OSHA compliance and safety management
● UL 325 and ASTM F2200
After your application is approved and you’ve passed your exams, you can advertise your fencing business as a certified fence contractor. The CFC designation can help boost your contracting business and provide you with more job opportunities by earning customers’ trust and fostering loyalty through the CFC seal.
If you’re looking to prepare for your C-13 license or need to study for the Certified Fence Contractor exams, there are guides available to help you navigate the process. The Contractor’s License Guru helps refresh your knowledge and provides everything you need to know to pass your tests and get to work. Visit Contractor’s License Guru to learn more.
what if you have more than 4 years of experience but have been paid cash, worked for different contractors and therefore, have no way to prove you have the experience, other than doing a demonstration for the school/course?
Hello,
If you’re applying for the B class, you’ll need to show the experience as an employee of a B contractor, whether you were paid in cash or not.
Ok you need four years experience,Then u go on to say which u can gain in ten years,what does that mean?
The requirement is that have at least four years of experience that you obtained within the last 10 years. If you have 20 years of experience, you only need to submit 10 years.