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731K views 3K replies 640 participants last post by  License Guru 
#1 ·
Do you have questions regarding California Licensing?

I worked at the CSLB as an application technician for many years. I have a great deal of experience and would be happy to help.

Post your question and get a straight answer.
 
#7 ·
LG,

When I applied back in '02 I was told that I could submit paperwork to show my experience even if it was for jobs over $500. Ever heard of that?:confused1:
Several years ago the CSLB realized that they had to accept all experience, not just what was obtained as an employee. You are allowed to show experience as "self employed." They know you were most likely doing jobs over the $500 limit but would rather you be licensed than not.

The trick is to NOT show your experience "per job" but rather as a whole.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the offer.
What's the best way to apply if I want to be an RME/RMO of my own INC., but also have the availability to be an RME for someone else, possibly a partner?
I anticipated getting the license in my personal name, then become an employee of my Inc.
I appreciate any insight you can offer. :thumbsup:
 
#8 ·
If you are an RME on any license, you can NOT be a qualifier on any other license. You can, however, be an RMO on no more than 3 licenses as long as you hold at least 20% ownership in all 3 companies.

You can be an "employee" of your company, but as far as the CSLB is concerned, you must show ownership.
 
#9 ·
As an application technician at the CSLB I processed 1000's of applications. Never did I, or any other tech that I know of, call the certifier to verify experience.

State law does require that the CSLB do random checks (I believe it's around 3% of all applications received, but I will have to check that) to verify experience. But like I said, I nor anyone I worked with ever called to verify.

Thank you all for your questions. Keep them coming.
 
#10 ·
LG,

What are some "reg flags" that will deny or delay an application being processed.
I know that is a broad question, maybe go with the most common.

After I pass the test, then what? Am i on my own or does the CSLB have a road map for the steps to take afterwards, i.e. get GL insurance, find a bonding company, etc..
 
#11 ·
LG,

What are some "reg flags" that will deny or delay an application being processed.
I know that is a broad question, maybe go with the most common.

After I pass the test, then what? Am i on my own or does the CSLB have a road map for the steps to take afterwards, i.e. get GL insurance, find a bonding company, etc..
Ouch.... I typed a big long explanation then got booted from the system. I promise to retype it all later, ok Fab??
 
#18 ·
OK, here's my story.

I applied in 2002, my application was one of the 3% that get reviewed.
I didn't have a licensed contractor sign my application which I know is a big help. My signer was a property manager friend of mine. So, I sent in anything I could to show my experience. But in the end I was denied due to lack of experience. Now I'm ready to apply again. I've been self employed since 2002 and have put in the required 1800 hours per year, every year. Kicker is, 80% of my jobs are over the $500. I will get reviewed this time because I was denied before. What do I submit to show my experience????:confused1:

Thanks for taking the time to help us all out.
 
#20 ·
Z dad...

The advice I got from the Contractor School who reviewed my app was to not file as Owner/Builder (check the NO box) so as not requiring additional paperwork to show experience. They said additional papers and plans are required to show experience and definitely raise red flags.

Look at the sample page here..
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/General-Information/library/forms-and-applications.asp

Page 4, section 1, part 6, where it says 'In the space provided below, list all specific trade duties..'
Fill out that section with all your trade skills, then have a contractor sign the box below where it says "Part 2"

The school reviewed my app and said that was the quickest and easiest way for the app to be processed....

Maybe the Guru can verify this??
 
#21 ·
Hey Guru... I have a quick question.

I haven't sent my app in yet. The contractor who signed my app had a valid license but it is listed as 'inactive' because he is the project manager for a big company. Since he used his personal inactive license number... will the CSLB look at that and give less weight to him being my certifying signature?
 
#22 ·
Hey Guru... I have a quick question.

I haven't sent my app in yet. The contractor who signed my app had a valid license but it is listed as 'inactive' because he is the project manager for a big company. Since he used his personal inactive license number... will the CSLB look at that and give less weight to him being my certifying signature?
Fab,

No, having an Inactive Licensee sign off your experience will not affect it. You're safe.

I was wondering...... I'd be interested in reviewing your app. NO CHARGE! I normally charge a fee for this service, but since I'm here in an advisory role only.... If you wouldn't mind faxing it to me. My fax (and I hope I'm not breaking any rules here) is 916 364 0231.
 
#26 ·
Wow!!!! What a killer compliment. Thank you very much. I'm glad I can help.

hey license guru, do you think somebody could fake all their experience and get their license? of course they would have to pass the test, but would they be able to do it?
Not only can it be done, I'm sure it has been. In fact, I know it has been done. I suppose I could tell you how.... but that would be unethical. :censored:
 
#27 ·
Guru...

I currently have a B and C-8 license in California

Originally I hail from Ontario Canada, there I hold a tile setters certificate, which I know doesn't mean jack in California.

I get requests to do small tile jobs here and there and I'll admit I have done a few of them. Question is...Am I okay doing this work under the 'B' license, or must I 'legally' obtain a 'C' classification for the tile work? If so, do I do the standard fill out the additional classification forms, write the trade portion and go from there?
 
#28 ·
Hi Chris,

Experience out of the country can be used, even education.

If you are contracting specifically for the tile work, then yes, you need the C-54 class. If the tile work is part of the over all project consisting of framing & 2 unrelated trades (tile) then you're fine.

Yes, the Add Class app and a $50 filing fee to the State and you're set to test.

btw... my mother was born in Toronto... so I guess that makes me part Canadian... "A"? :thumbsup:
 
#29 ·
Yes, I knew the experience rating counted from out of country, that was how I qualified for the first two licenses.

So, there is a lot of debate that has happened here in prior threads

Holding a B license allows you to frame and complete 2 unrelated trades, so we have the tile here as you pointed out and I'm guessing painting would be another trade to qualify it as 'legal'

What about framing along with say electrical and plumbing as the two unrelated trades? does that work? Both electrical and plumbing are trades that can be fatal if done incorrectly. I also ask this because in Ontario the only licensed tradesmen were plumbing, electrical and gas fitters...all trades that if errors are made life is at risk.

By the way, it's spelled 'EH!' - Remember Bob and Doug MacKenzie?
 
#31 ·
Holding a B license allows you to frame and complete 2 unrelated trades, so we have the tile here as you pointed out and I'm guessing painting would be another trade to qualify it as 'legal'

What about framing along with say electrical and plumbing as the two unrelated trades? does that work? Both electrical and plumbing are trades that can be fatal if done incorrectly. I also ask this because in Ontario the only licensed tradesmen were plumbing, electrical and gas fitters...all trades that if errors are made life is at risk.

By the way, it's spelled 'EH!' - Remember Bob and Doug MacKenzie?
Thanks for the spelling correction. I racked my Canadian/Italian/American brain for a few seconds and couldn't come up with itl :notworthy

Yes, framing and plumbing and/or roofing and/or electrical and/or concrete and/or HVAC, etc.

My advice (to those applying for the B) is not to stick with just "getting by" Even though the code states Framing and at least 2 unrelated, I would never allow a client to just submit three trades as his experience. Another one of those red flags that was discussed earlier.

Hope that helps.
 
#35 ·
Hey Guru

I am wanting to attain my c-10 I already have my b-general. Can I just go into csls and start taking classes for the c-10 license or is there more to it?

Also you mention framing in a remodel as one of the requirements as a B-general. I do kitchen and bathroom remodels and sometimes never do any framing, is that a general requirement? I am doing the drywall,tile,plumbing,electrical,painting etc.
 
#39 · (Edited)
Hey Guru

I am wanting to attain my c-10 I already have my b-general. Can I just go into csls and start taking classes for the c-10 license or is there more to it?

Also you mention framing in a remodel as one of the requirements as a B-general. I do kitchen and bathroom remodels and sometimes never do any framing, is that a general requirement? I am doing the drywall,tile,plumbing,electrical,painting etc.
Submit your add class app to the state with $50 showing at least 4 years of C-10 experience and you'll qualify for the exam.

A "B" license would be required for kitchen/bath remodels because you are doing several trades. Often times involving framing, but not always.
 
#36 ·
My first application for my c10 was denied i think the reason was not enough information on may past work experience, so I put more info in a little more detail about the work I had done and then denied again. So I called and told the girl there was a lot of info and far beyond the required amount of time needed. And she said does your application have the voltages you worked on? So I added one sentence to each job that said , And I worked on 12 120 240 480 and 5k VOLTS. And they accepted it after that.
 
#40 · (Edited)
My first application for my c10 was denied i think the reason was not enough information on may past work experience, so I put more info in a little more detail about the work I had done and then denied again. So I called and told the girl there was a lot of info and far beyond the required amount of time needed. And she said does your application have the voltages you worked on? So I added one sentence to each job that said , And I worked on 12 120 240 480 and 5k VOLTS. And they accepted it after that.
WOW! She asked if you included voltages you worked on?? That's idiotic!! In my processing of client C-10 apps I'll add that, but as a technician processing C-10 apps at the board I NEVER rejected an app because 110 or 220 wasn't listed. "She" was idiot! Sorry, just a my opinion. :laughing:

Was this for an original license or an additional classification to an existing license?
 
#41 ·
S corp/sole proprietor

Hi Guru, I have a question on how and what steps I need to do on changing my licence title? I aquired my C-10 license in 2003. I took the test and put sole proprieter after I got my licence I decided to incorporate and started an "S" corporation. I didn't want to give up my license in case it didn't work out. When it came time to renew it I called the CSLB and told them I needed to cange my listing as a sole proprieter because I am now a "s" corp they told me there wasn't time to make the change before my license expired and I should leave it as is and make the change about 3 or 4 months before I had to renew it again. I renewed as suggested in fear of not being able to work (legally) if I made the change at the time. What are the steps needed to make this change without interfering with me being able to work while the change is being made. Can I keep it under my name and still use it for the corporation legally? Thanks for your time...JB
 
#42 ·
Hi Guru, I have a question on how and what steps I need to do on changing my licence title? I aquired my C-10 license in 2003. I took the test and put sole proprieter after I got my licence I decided to incorporate and started an "S" corporation. I didn't want to give up my license in case it didn't work out. When it came time to renew it I called the CSLB and told them I needed to cange my listing as a sole proprieter because I am now a "s" corp they told me there wasn't time to make the change before my license expired and I should leave it as is and make the change about 3 or 4 months before I had to renew it again. I renewed as suggested in fear of not being able to work (legally) if I made the change at the time. What are the steps needed to make this change without interfering with me being able to work while the change is being made. Can I keep it under my name and still use it for the corporation legally? Thanks for your time...JB
Do you want to keep the same license number you have now? Do you want to keep the sole owner license and create a new license under the corp?

Either way you are looking at a $400 fee to the State and a new Bond, but there will be no interruption in your license.

If you go "sole to corp" you will keep the same license number, it will just be converted to the corporate license. Or you can keep your current sole owner license and apply for a new corp license which would be issued its own license number.

Does that make sense?
 
#45 ·
Hi Guru,
I have a few questions and going crazy trying to find the answer to them. Hoping you could help me out. I want to apply for my B lisence.
I do have a license contractor to sign me off on my experience, but I have no prove of it. I work with him for 4.5 years, but there are no record. Also, I have a criminal record (juvenile and when I was 18 and a DUI), I'm 24 now and haven't got in any trouble for the last 5 years. I recently graduated as a Homeland Security Specialist and currently working as a Lead Security for an Arena. I was wondering if my application will be deny because of these? can I email or fax you my application so you can review it for me? thanks for your help.
 
#47 ·
No worries! List your experience as self employed and have the licensee sign off on that experience. The conviction will slow down the application process but it wont keep you from getting the license.

You MAY be flagged as a "Young Journeyman" IF that is the case, they will ask for pay stubs, tax return etc. That is not likely to happen because you are 24, but I just want you to be aware that it is a possibility. You wont know until you submit your app to the CSLB either.

Sure, I'll review your app for you. No problem. Click on my avatar to the left and it'll take you to my email address. Or my fax number is 916 364 0231.
 
#56 ·
Hi License Guru,

I currently work a General Contractor and am interesting in obtaining my own licenses (A & B). I have been working in the Construction field for over 6 years and graduated prior from Cal Poly Pomona with an Engineering Degree.

My question to you is.

On July 1, 2006 I was arrrested for DUI charges (marijuana, not alcohol). These charges were dropped down to a dry reckless. I passed all my sobriety tests and only very small traces of marijuana were found in my system. I truly was not under the influence, but none the less, i got arrrested and recieved a dry reckless.

How will this affect my application process? What are the chances of getting denied? Will I be denied? What do they evaluate when situations like this come up?

Thanx in advance for all your help.
 
#57 ·
Don't worry about a thing. You won't be denied. The application process will be a bit longer because your prints will be flagged and will be reviewed separately in the Criminal Background Unit at the CSLB.

When you submit your application, provide any court documents you may have and include this CSLB form as well: Disclosure Statement Regarding Criminal Plea/Conviction http://www.cslb.ca.gov/General-Information/library/forms-and-applications.asp#DISCLSTAT The more info you can provide the better.

Good luck, and dont worry. :thumbsup:
 
#58 ·
Bond and Experience Question

I have been working for myself for the past 2 years doing low voltage and before that worked for a computer technology company as an operations manager which did both low voltage and data installations. I also worked for SBC as a technology specialist whihc was mostly thoery and desing not hands on. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.

1)I have a four year degree and I understand I can get 2 years credit for that. My experience was part time over the last 4 years, am I ok putting down the 4 years part time / 2 years experience and the 2 years for my business degree?

2) Things have not gone like I wanted them to and I may be filing a bankruptcy and I am concerned that I will not be able to get a bond. Would you suggest I get the bond before the app and before I would file a bankruptcy or do you think I could still get a bond after a recent (within months) bankruptcy?

3) I have friend who is a contractor and has an alarm company, would he be a good certifier for me and a C-7 or should I ask another friend who works for AT&T as an installer but does not have a license?

Thank you
 
#61 ·
I have been working for myself for the past 2 years doing low voltage and before that worked for a computer technology company as an operations manager which did both low voltage and data installations. I also worked for SBC as a technology specialist whihc was mostly thoery and desing not hands on. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.

1)I have a four year degree and I understand I can get 2 years credit for that. My experience was part time over the last 4 years, am I ok putting down the 4 years part time / 2 years experience and the 2 years for my business degree?

2) Things have not gone like I wanted them to and I may be filing a bankruptcy and I am concerned that I will not be able to get a bond. Would you suggest I get the bond before the app and before I would file a bankruptcy or do you think I could still get a bond after a recent (within months) bankruptcy?

3) I have friend who is a contractor and has an alarm company, would he be a good certifier for me and a C-7 or should I ask another friend who works for AT&T as an installer but does not have a license?

Thank you
Hello Jag,

1) If your 4 year degree is directly related to your trade then would be eligible for 2 years of credit. If not, then you would only receive 1 year credit.

2) A BK would not prohibit you from getting a bond, but your premium would most likely be higher. You wont be able to apply for a bond until you have submitted your CSLB app and have receive an Application Number from them.

3) If you are showing self employed experience, having a certifier who already holds the classification you are applying for is a must.

I would include your experience with SBC in addition to your field experience. Just word it so that it doesn't sound administrative. Having design experience in the low voltage field is valuable. A manager or supervisor with SBC would need to certify that experience.

I hope this helps. :)
 
#59 ·
Criminal Background Documentation

I have a question. It looks like the board is asking for details on any and all convictions. I don't even remember any of my traffic citations 15 or so years ago. How much detail do they really want and are they looking for convictions as an adult or juvenile also? Where would I get this information? Thanks again.
 
#62 ·
I have a question. It looks like the board is asking for details on any and all convictions. I don't even remember any of my traffic citations 15 or so years ago. How much detail do they really want and are they looking for convictions as an adult or juvenile also? Where would I get this information? Thanks again.
If you've ever been arrested and charged with a crime, no matter the outcome, you will need to list it.

Even if you were 17 and it was exsponged, you still need to list it. (I'm not saying this is your situation, just saying)

I had a client who checked the NO box on his app stating that he had never been convicted, his app was rejected. I questioned him after the fact and he said that he had been put in cuffs, tossed in jail for a night for being drunk in public. I said...... UH.. You were arrested! He didn't see it that way.
:eek:

Anyway, if you've only received traffic citations then you don't need to disclose those.
 
#63 ·
That's a tough question! I would suggest one corporate license with dba's. BUT.... I would also suggest that you consult a tax or corporate atty.

Lastly, I would suggest that on your contracts you be sure that the client knows what the corporate name and license number is. I say this because if you have a contract that shows a DBA, the customer may try to look up your business on the CSLB's web site under that DBA and may not find it. The B&P Code requires all of this in the section regarding contracts, I just wanted to point it out.
:thumbup:
 
#64 ·
Response to your response

License Guru,

Thanks for the reply. Let me clarify a couple of things for you.

My degree is a Bachelors of Science Business Administration with a concentration in Information technology will I get two years credit if I am going for a C-7?

I do not have contact with my SBC supervisor he is retired and I don't know anyone with a C-7 I can ask to certify me. My only choices are the two I mentioned; the alarm contractor and my friend who works at AT&T as an installer but has no license. Other than that it is people I have done work for. What do you suggest? Would I get denied using either of these listed above?

Thanks again.
 
#65 ·
License Guru,

My degree is a Bachelors of Science Business Administration with a concentration in Information technology will I get two years credit if I am going for a C-7?

I do not have contact with my SBC supervisor he is retired and I don't know anyone with a C-7 I can ask to certify me. My only choices are the two I mentioned; the alarm contractor and my friend who works at AT&T as an installer but has no license. Other than that it is people I have done work for. What do you suggest? Would I get denied using either of these listed above?
I suggest you submit your college transcripts with the app. They will have to be reviewed by the Licensing Unit and determine if you will get 1 or 2 years credit. I dont know if IT degree will convert for the C-7. It may, I just don't know.

The alarm contractor should have a C-7. He will be an excellent certifier for the time period of your self employment. For the SBC period, yes, use the co-worker. There is a box in the certifier section for co-worker.

You won't get denied. If they reject your app, they will send letter telling you why and you have 90 days to respond with corrections. But I think you'll do fine.
 
#66 ·
Wow! What a great thread. Thanks License Guru.

What can I do if the GC I worked for over the past 5 years refuses to sign the certification of work experience? I worked for him, but not really as an employee. I was paid for the work I did, but it was up to me to file my own taxes. He didn't 1099 me. I think he filed a worker comp waiver showing he had no employees and doesn't want to get into trouble by showing I worked for him. Maybe I should just file with self-employed experience. What do you think?
 
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