Contractors License Guru Blog

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What is the CSL Board?

California contractors need to be licensed and insured before securing work. However, it’s helpful to understand how a future client can tell if the contractor has a valid license. This is where the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) comes into play.   The Contractors State License Board: What is it? California’s state government established the […]

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 […]

Whats New in California Contractors Licensing

Whats New in California Contractors Licensing? Well, there doesn’t appear to be much new happening in the world of California contractors licensing. I haven’t heard from anyone new about their license application struggles. Could everything be going smoothly at the CSLB? I highly doubt that. They haven’t been able to get their act together over […]

CSLB streamlines application process

CSLB Streamlines License Experience Review Process

Industry Bulletin released today: CSLB Streamlines License Experience Review Process “SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the government agency that oversees California’s construction industry and protects consumers by ensuring that license applicants have the minimum qualifications required by law. An important part of this process is verifying and investigating the experience claimed by an applicant. […]

notary public

CSLB Applications must be notarized

I was told today that CSLB applications must be notarized if you are applying from out-of-state. Or at least the work experience form must be notarized. The reason given: it’s the only way they can verify signatures of out-of-state applicants and/or certifiers. This would suggest that they verify ALL signatures, wouldn’t it? And how would they […]

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 […]

How to get a California Contractors License Part 3

In this series of posts, I’ll tell you how to get a California Contractors License. On to part 3. 12) What happens if I fail the exams? The Law and Trade exams are scored separately, and you can take either exam as many times as necessary for 18 months (at $50 per retake). If you don’t pass within […]

cslb contradicts itself

CSLB Contradicts Itself

How are we suppose to follow the rules when the CSLB contradicts itself? I received the Contractors State License Board Winter newsletter today, and within 2 minutes I found a statement where the CSLB contradicts its own laws. If the people who are responsible for implementing the laws can’t provide accurate information to the public, […]

How to fill out the cslb work experience form

How to fill out the CSLB Work Experience Form

How to fill out the CSLB Work Experience Form. The first step toward receiving a California Contractors License. 2013 has been full of changes when it comes to the CSLB License Application. It used to be the experience outline could make or break your application. Now, it’s only a minor player for eight of the 43 license […]

contractor talk post

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 […]

Long Term Forecast of the CSLB

What is the long term forecast of the CSLB? I’ve been hearing from many people that their license application is in a backlog that was self-created by the CSLB. With the implementation of their back room decision to require critical classification applicants to provide every scrap of paper they can find to prove their experience, […]

CSLB Qualifying Experience Part 2

To continue in this series of posts, I will be discussing the CSLB Qualifying Experience outline and process. Part 2 Below are a set of PowerPoint slides that were shown at the recent Contractors State License Board Licensing Committee Meeting held at the CSLB office in Sacramento on October 21, 2013. Along the way, I’ll add […]

CSLB Qualifying Experience

In the next series of posts, I will be discussing the CSLB Qualifying Experience outline and process. Below are a set of powerpoint slides that were shown at the recent Contractors State License Board Licensing Committee Meeting held at the CSLB office in Sacramento on October 21, 2013. Along the way, I’ll add my advice […]

CSLB Application Processing Procedures & Stats

CSLB Application Processing Procedures were discussed at a recent meeting. Below is part of a powerpoint presentation given at the 10/21/13 Licensing Committee Meeting where they discuss their “new” cslb application processing procedures. It seems to me that the more they try to explain away their decision to profile certain applicants and trades, the more […]

Veterans Application Assistance Program

Veterans Application Assistance Program I don’t think too many people are aware of this CSLB program for US Military Veterans. It hasn’t been publicized very much, but it is nice to see that they are giving those of us who are veterans a break. If you’re a vet applying for a license, I would highly […]

cslb B-2 press release

CSLB Newsletter Fall 2013

Below is an article from the latest CSLB newsletter. It’s too bad the CSLB is doing everything it can to keep people from obtaining their license. State’s Construction Industry, Contractors Coming Back to Life “It’s a whole lot more fun to come to work these days,” says John Mullin, president of Pacific M Painting in […]

contractors license application waivers

Contractors License Application Waivers

The 4 Possible Contractors License Application Waivers Available in California I wanted to take a moment to discuss the different types of contractors license application waivers. I’m often asked, “Do I get a waiver of the exam since I’ve been working my trade for the last decade?” No. The waiver requirements are very specific. I’ve included the law text below, […]

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