California Licensing

License Guru

Stick with the trade specific experience. Dont list employer(s) or specific jobs or projects within the experience explanation block. I will review your app if you like. No fee to CT members. You can email or fax it to me.

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Phil Cocciante
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Sprain

Yes, I have a question. I currently have a "B" license in CA. After obtaining that, I got a DUI in Idaho, several years ago. I am now incorporating, so am sending in the required application. I know I need to report the DUI. I am trying to get this done as quickly as possible. Any advice on how to speed it up? Can I send in fingerprint info with the initial application rather than waiting until they receive it and then contact me with any additional requirements? Should I get any paperwork from the attorney who handled my case in Idaho?

License Guru

Unfortunately it can be a long process. You can't have your prints taken until the application has been processed by the Tech at the Board. They will send you the documents you'll need to take to the LiveScan location.

Send any documentation you have with the application and complete the Disclosure form. You can fill/print the form from here: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/General-Infor....asp#DISCLSTAT

They will still wait until your prints come back from the DOJ and FBI before adding the class to your license. In the mean time, you will have taken and passed the exam.

To answer your question about speeding up the process.... provide any and all documentation you have when you submit the app.

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Phil Cocciante
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Newme

Hi Guru!

I'm winding down my business in Ca. and moving to Florida. I am filing bankruptcy and have a paid claim against my previous bond. My license is in good standing and I was making payments to the old bond company. I am bonded now with a different company but the bankruptcy lawyer says I have to include all of my debts in the bankruptcy. If I don't pay the old bond company will my current bond and my ability to finish my current projects be in jeopardy? Also, will not paying the old bond company here in Cal. affect my licensing status in Florida? Thanks for a great service!

License Guru

If you have a current bond, failing to pay the claim against the old bond won't (or shouldn't) affect your CA license. When you go to renew the current bond the outstanding bond claim will be an issue. My experience suggests that you should be able to complete your current CA projects.

Although bond requirements may differ from state to state I'm sure it will appear at time of renewal, Florida or otherwise.

You may want to speak with Kristie Cook. She owns/operates LicensesEtc.com in Florida and may be able to give more info from a FLA perspective. She is top notch and will take care of your Florida Licensing needs. kristie.cook@licensesetc.com (not a paid referral)

Will the BK cover the bond claim??

Good luck and I'm glad I could help.

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bsolo1

Guru, can you tell me what wording the florida CILB looks for on the experience part of the application.

License Guru

Thats a good question for Kristie, the Florida Guru. See above post.

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Pink Hammer

In short: technically will I be able to get my CA license given my situation?

I have been working as a "house flipper" for the last 7 years, and pretty much full time. The jobs that I have worked on have increased in responsibility and building complexity extremely in that time.

However, all of my experience is Owner-Builder, which I have read here is bad. But I do have a two degree in business, a four year degree in Economics, extensive project management experience in software, and I have made a lot of money working for myself fixing up houses and then renting or selling them.

My projects range from small bathroom remodels, to a seismic retrofit of a house built in 1900. I participate in all of the work, if not do it all myself. From framing to pipe soldering. All of my subs and even the building inspectors complement my work.

What are your suggestions for getting my application accepted so that I can take the test? I have filled out the application including a bunch of the Construction Project Experience Forms, which I organized by house that I worked on.

Thanks SO much for any help from anyone. My hope is to be able to help others build their dream houses. I would also appreciate any comments the logistics or "reality" of my situation.

Thanks!

Pink

License Guru

Hi Pink, thanks for the question.

You read correctly, OB is Bad! The Board will cut your experience time and you'll be left scrambling.

Submit your experience as Sole Owner. Do you know, or have worked with, a licensed contractor who holds the same classification (B-Gen I would assume) who will certify your experience?

You can also sumbit your College transcripts for additional time. I would think you'd get at least 2 years credit.

Wording your experience is critical. If you like, I will review your work experience page and/or the whole app (no fee to CT members) and make suggestions on possible corrections. You can email or fax it to me. Click on my name for the email.

No worries Pink, you'll qualify for the exams.

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Phil Cocciante
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bsolo1

Thanks for the info, but how do I contact the "florida guru" ?

License Guru

I posted her email address above or her web site is www.licensesetc.com Tell her I sent you.

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Phil Cocciante
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Pink Hammer

Thanks for the quick reply and the encouragement.

And, yes, I will be applying for a Gen B Class license.

So, it sounds like you are saying that should check "no" on the owner-builder box, say the work was as a "Sole Owner", which means I just list dates and work and do not submit the Construction Project Experience forms.

I was thinking that, even if they discount my work of 6 years and 1 month by half, I should get at least a year's of experience from my education/degrees, which I do have sealed copies of my transcripts to go with my application. I also made copies of the degrees and I have a copy of my marriage license with them, so that they can see they were issued under my maiden name. At any rate, I am hoping it adds up to four years.

Please clarify if you are saying that is too risky.

I will send you a copy of my application and project forms in an email, and that you SOOOOOO much again for your help. :-)

Pink

License Guru

Thats what I'm saying.

True, you could submit the OB experience with your transcripts and you could be given 4+ years, but it's kinda like a box of chocolates..... I've seen 12 months of OB turned into 4 months so it is possible to be granted less than half the time you submit.

Plus OB experience is reviewed separately by an Enforcement Rep and it adds time to the processing of the app.

When you send your email be sure to say you came from CT.

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Chris Johnson

I don't want to hijack this thread on Phil, but it relates to licensing in CA.

WHY are all you people looking to license as a Gen-B?

Granted, I have one, I also have a C-8. I do not work under my B, I do not insure under my B, I use my C-8.

The reason I mention this is when I was setting up my GL insurance, my broker 'interviewed' me asked about the business, what exactly we do, % of work for subs, etc.

The the insurance co. calls and does the same thing. Turns out if I stick to my business profile of doing ICF walls, no subs, they insure me under a specialty license (C-8) and I save 10's of thousands of dollars a year.

Something to debate/consider as you are moving forward to license yourself...do you really need a Gen-B? Should you get both a Gen-B in case you need it down the road as well as a specialty license for todays work. This may save you money today and allow you to grow your business at an affordable pace.

Friends of mine went for and received their Gen-B and went for insurance, one guy is making monthly payments on $ 40k for the year, another is over $ 60k for the year. My little specialty license keeps my insurance @ $ 7500.00 for the year. Something to think about.

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DAVIS081404

Guru, Im gonna FAX over an application for Gen B, if you have time take a look and let me know what you think.....

Thanks
It will be coming as The Bradlee Company INC.

Pink Hammer

I just sent it with a lot of pdf attachments that are the app. In the subject I put from CT member pink hammer. My co. is B Street Builders.

Thanks again! Can't wait to get your input.

Pink

ChillaWatt

Your BS degree will count for 2 years, because it's in business admin. That's the important factor there. They want you to be savy about running a business. That worked for me anyhow. Now if your degree was in psychology or liberal arts it would probably count for just 1 year.

Chilla

brett74666

Guru, I think all your info is way helpful! I hope that this question isn't just a repeat of something you have already answered.

I currently hold a C-53, and have applied for my B. Once I recieve notice of my test date from CSLB, is there any way to try to get a test date sooner? I've heard rumors that there is, but are they true?

enap66

I have a friend who took the ca test and said he got his bond the next day and then started working immediately. Another person, an acquaintence says it took 3 months to get his hard copy in the mail and waited a long time to start working. If we get our bond, can we get our license # off the cslb site and get started or do we have to wait until it's sent out to us? I don't get it. I just want to get started ASAP is all, should I pass of course. I turned my finger prints in a month ago, no problems there I'm sure but now I'm worried I'm going to be sitting around for another 3 months while the cslb does whatever stuff they do to finish us up with the process. Worried.... thanks!

License Guru

I dont blame you for not reading the entire thread.

Once you have your test notice in hand you can take it and your CDL to the testing center. If they have an open seat you can take the test. You wont know till you get there, so if they are full you might be SOL. They might be able to tell you if/when they will have an open seat. I don't know if they'll share that info with you, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Since you are only taking the trade you'll only need to sit for one test period of time, so chances are good.

Good Luck!

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Phil Cocciante
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