Contractors License Guru Blog

CSLB Changing the Rules

CSLB License: Your Complete Guide

If you’re a contractor, aspiring contractor, or someone looking to hire a contractor in California, understanding the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is essential. It’s the regulatory body that oversees the state’s construction industry, and its website holds a wealth of information – if you know where to look. Our guide will take you […]

CSLB Changing the Rules

The CSLB is changing the rules again! I spoke to an applicant today who’s application was voided by the CSLB. After months of back and forth with the Contractors State License Board where they continued to ask for more and more documentation, they voided his application without offering the “options” letter. The “options” letter is […]

CSLB Gestapo Tactics

Contractor RMOs for Hire

The CSLB released their Winter 2015-16 newsletter last week. One article discussed contractor RMOs for hire. Section 7068.1 of the Business and Professions code states: …”responsible for exercising that direct supervision and control of his or her employer’s or principal’s construction operations to secure compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the […]

Critical Classification Application Under Review

I’m often asked, pretty much daily, what should an applicant do when they are dealing with a critical classification application under review. 2021 Update… The cslb is no longer classifying certain trades as “critical.”  Although the A-Eng and G-General Bldg trades are still scrutinize more than others. If you are applying for the C10 Electrical, […]

CSLB Gestapo Tactics

CSLB Gestapo Tactics

The CSLB may be taking notes (knowingly? or unknowingly?) out of Germany’s Gestapo playbook. Wikipedia says, in part: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestapo “The basic Gestapo law passed by the government in 1936 gave the Gestapo carte blanche to operate without judicial review—in effect, putting it above the law.[13] The Gestapo was specifically exempted from responsibility to administrative courts, where citizens normally could […]

CSLBs Illegal Critical Classifications

CSLB Spring 2015 Newsletter

The CSLB Spring 2015 Newsletter was sent out today. Here are my highlights… or lowlights. In the Chair’s opening statement he said: “You can expect CSLB to continue its vigorous regulation of California’s construction industry, and to aggressively pursue unlicensed contractors and unscrupulous businesses through sting operations, construction site sweeps, and other strategies. We want […]

CSLB Profiling

Contractors State License Board Profiling

Is the Contractors State License Board profiling out of State applicants? UPDATE: Turns out the application was for a “critical classification” so the CSLB was true to form in asking for additional documentation. The applicant was able to prove his experience and his exam date has been scheduled! It seems they are. Case in point: […]

CSLB Application Denials and the Appeals Process

CSLB Application Denials and the Appeals Process

Let’s take a minute to discuss CSLB Application Denials and the Appeals Process. It’s a boring subject I know, but it’s good information to have if you find yourself stuck in the AIU vortex. If your application is denied by the Application Investigation Unit, Section 485 kicks in. § 485. Procedure upon denial Upon denial […]

cslb aiu vortex

CSLB AIU Vortex

The CSLB AIU Vortex continues to spin. And it’s not a pretty sight! I received an email from one of my readers today and wanted to share it with you. Our conversation went as follows. My fiancé has been undergoing the investigation process with the AIU and it’s looking as though they are going to […]

Comparing Sole Proprietorships to Corporations

How to Get a California Contractors License Part 5

IN THIS SERIES OF POSTS, I’LL TELL YOU HOW TO GET A CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE. HERE IS PART 5. Now lets discuss different titles or positions and business entities: 21) What is the difference between an RMO and RME? RMO or Responsible Managing Officer is the qualifier for the license and may or may not hold any […]

How to Get a California Contractors License Part 4

IN THIS SERIES OF POSTS, I’LL TELL YOU HOW TO GET A CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE. ON TO PART 4. 16) DOES THE CSLB RECOGNIZE LICENSES FROM OTHER STATES? Yes. The CSLB has reciprocity agreements with Utah, Nevada and Arizona. It is possible to get a CA license if you hold a license in one of these states by […]

CSLB Application Processing Part 2

Here we are again, CSLB application processing part 2, where I received a screen shot of an application timeline. This poor guy is being bounced around like a golf ball in a blender. You can see in the image below that the application was submitted on 4/30/13. After being sent to the case management unit […]

contractors licensing faqs_2

How to get a California Contractors License Part 2

In this series of posts, I’ll tell you how to get a California Contractors License. This is part 2. 6) HOW DO I PROVE MY WORK EXPERIENCE? You ask someone in the building trades who has direct knowledge of your work to sign a “work cert” (Certification of Work Experience). You do not need a work cert […]

contractors licensing faqs_1

How to get a California Contractors License Part 1

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 […]

new contractors license law

New Contractors License Law

A new contractors license law goes into effect for 2014. With the new application experience verification process in full swing, many people who contact me are asking about using someone else to qualify their license. As I’ve stated in other posts, the law does allow this. But, with the new law listed below, you better […]

CSLB Application Scrutiny Continues

CSLB Application Scrutiny Continues

The CSLB application scrutiny continues to be a hot topic with many people I’ve heard from recently. This week alone, I’ve heard from five people whose applications are being hit hard by the licensing and enforcement units. These applicants have submitted 100’s of documents to prove their experience only to receive a withdrawal request letter […]

CSLB Application Seminar

CSLB Application Seminar

Yesterday, 12/4/13, I attended a CSLB application seminar where they discussed application procedures. Many license schools and services were invited to attend, or participate online, a seminar that covered application procedures for all classifications including the eight on the critical classifications list. Some of the information was basic, and since the room was mostly full […]

CSLB News Release

CSLB News Release

A CSLB News Release was issued today. It’s good to see the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) getting out and doing these stings. There were several of them that were bidding as B-General Building Contractors. I wonder if any of them have looked into, or attempted to get their license but couldn’t because of the new application […]

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