[SBGREEN]

I am interested in starting a Landscaping company. I am looking to find the best path forward for us. I have Bachelors in Poli Sci with an area of focus in environmental science. Does this count for any education experience?

I also have worked on and off in the trades since 2002. From 2004-2006 I worked full time managing a companies properties including installing and building new landscapes and managing sub contractors. The company was a land development company that did small housing developments in Oklahoma. Since moving to CA in 2010 I have managed my families property (lost in a fire) including managing a crew, subs etc. During that time we re-soded the lawn, fixed irrigation, installed and repaired stone walls etc.

My experience is varied and spread out. I have contractors that would vouch for my work.

I am trying to figure out the best path forward. Either hire or partner with a c27 or pursue my own license.

 

[SBGREEN]

reply

The other part of it is at 32 with a lot of experience I can't imagine working for someone else for 2-4 years at this point. I would prefer to start my own business.

I often wonder how Ranch kids get by. They grow up grading, operating machines, fixing irrigation etc and they cant get a license without being a Slave for 4 years?

 

[License Guru]

Yes, your 4 yr degree will count for 2 yrs of the 4 yr requirement. The experience on the family property wont account for much time. Your employment with the OK company may work. You would need to be able to show/prove that you have at least 2 yrs of verifiable C-27 experience.

 

[SBGREEN]

How would I make the experience count? It has been full time work. The contractors that I have brought on to work with me can all verify the work. Short of going to work for someone else what are my options? Like I said I was considering hiring a friend with a c27 and starting a business together.

 

[SBGREEN]

And I have been hired to do work for other contractors off and on during the process.

 

[License Guru]

Verifiable experience is experience that can be proved by employment records, pay stubs, w-2's, tax returns, etc.

Apply for a license with a C-27 RMO is certainly an option. And you can use the time on that license toward your overall experience.

 

[nander]

Education Experience CA B License

Dear Guru,
I've been reading this thread closely and I think you are very generous with your assistance.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions I hope you assist me with:

I am looking to apply for my B license in CA. I am 37 and have a BA and MA in Anthropology/Archaeology. Are those degrees good for any experience credit? I.E. do I get 2 years credit or are they going to see what math and fieldwork classes etc. I had on my transcripts?

I currently work as a supervisor/project manager for a licensed GC. He can sign for my experience, but can technically only provide paystubs for 3 years. He is aware of my experience and work prior. Does he certify what he knows or what he has paid me for?

I have other self employment income from small jobs going back years but I don't want the app to get too confusing. Do I have the GC sign for all the experience and then show his paystubs + self employment records, letters from clients etc. if I get audited?

Thanks so much for any response.

 

[License Guru]

You should get 3 yrs for the masters degree and you will need to submit transcripts. So technically you only need to show 1 yr of hands on experience. The work experience portion of the app will outline your B trade experience. You'll need to provide framing and at least 2 unrelated trades. Do not discuss specific jobs or projects, just your overall B experience. The GC you work for can certify that experience. I'd suggest beginning the work experience for with... my experience includes: then detail it out. framing, wood/steele, electrical, 110/220v, panel installation, concrete, form/pour etc etc.

 

[popagorgio]

Hi license guru,
I passed both the law and trade exams on Aug. 1rst and paid the fees
at My school (csls). When I check my app status its says "app to criminal background unit -FBI". Last week it said "app to criminal background unit - DOJ. Can You give Me an idea of how long till I should see the License # posted so, I can get to work?

I hope this question is not a stupid one and thank You for Your time.

Jim E.

 

[popagorgio]

the site just updated and says "released from criminal background unit" and next line "under review"

 

[License Guru]

Unfortunately there is no way to know how long. They may be waiting to receive docs from that agency and it all depends on how long it takes them. Not much you can do but hurry up and wait. You may want to call the CBU at the CSLB and ask them. 916-255-1007 (i think that's the number)

 

[popagorgio]

First thank You for replying to My newbie question Phil.
I had it backwards. it said under review and the the next line said
released from CBU. I called the # You gave and the Lady said that
means it was cleared and released from the CBU and now it should be
back to the issuance div. guess its now completed and just waiting
on processing. thanks' again Phil

 

[License Guru]

Anytime!

 

[Tight Trim Tim]

Guru,

I'm looking to a home renovation business in FL. I know its a long drawn out process to obtain my building contractor license, but I'm staring that process soon. My question to you is: In FL is it possible for me to use my buddies numbers for mutt business? If yes does he have to be s member of my LLC? If yes wasn't is the minimum % ownership he had to have?

Thanks in advance!

 

[License Guru]

Check with the fine folks at www.licensesetc.com. They'll be able to assist you.

 

[nander]

You should get 3 yrs for the masters degree

That is the best news I've heard in a long time! I knew those years in school were good for something! My only concern is that Anthropology and Archeaology aren't "construction related" fields (although we used a transit, laid out, and dug a lot of square holes!).

Thanks

 

[License Guru]

Any major is acceptable.

If you had a four yr degree that was in construction management or engineering, you'd get 3 yrs instead of 2. But any MA/MB would be worth 3 yrs.

 

[RM87]

Hello Phil,

Thanks again for all your help earlier. I was just wondering, must I purchase a bond even if I want to have my license inactive? Or is the minimum that I have bonding/active license for a year?

 

[License Guru]

If you have the license issued Inactive... you do not need to purchase a bond.

 

[Joe@Artisans]

Guru,

I see here that a bachelors and masters degree in business qualifies for 3 of the 4 years required. I that a standard with the licensing board or is that how it is handled internally? I ask because I have almost 24 months of hands on experience, which is plenty if my masters + bachelors earns me 3/4 years.

Thanks for the help.