I applied for the california c-10 license, my application was accepted and my test is actually next week. My father was a partner in a business so the my experince was working with him growing up and then full time when i graduated for about 5 years. I then received a job as a facilities manager tfor the past 3.5 years , still very involved in the trade (which I listed on my application, and I do have all documentation for). My dad's partner the one with the license is retiring so I am going to get a license so that we can open our own company (my father is not good at tests). Now, that you have my story here is my dilema, with my experience working for my dads company i dont have payroll records. I know that only a small percentage are actually submitted for formal review but my application was tagged as young journeyman (even though i'm 25) which I understand guarantees a formal review. I am now getting a little nervous that I will not be able to show acceptable documentatiion. All of my information is true but with really no way to prove it will they assume I am being untruthful??

 

I applied for the california c-10 license, my application was accepted and my test is actually next week. My father was a partner in a business so the my experince was working with him growing up and then full time when i graduated for about 5 years. I then received a job as a facilities manager tfor the past 3.5 years , still very involved in the trade (which I listed on my application, and I do have all documentation for). My dad's partner the one with the license is retiring so I am going to get a license so that we can open our own company (my father is not good at tests). Now, that you have my story here is my dilema, with my experience working for my dads company it was all cash under the table so i have no w-2's or tax records. I know that only a small percentage are actually submitted for formal review but my application was tagged as young journeyman (even though i'm 25) which I understand guarantees a formal review. I am now getting a little nervous that I will not be able to show acceptable documentatiion. All of my information is true but with really no way to prove it will they assume I am being untruthful??

If you would have been paying your tax's like the rest of us you would not have had this problem.

 

Thats a hard one to answer. Since you posted this question, what have you heard from the cslb?

 

hey licenseguru, i've had bosses who are licensed contractors and can bearly screw in a light bulb. I just don't know how they get their license? I know that they don't have an RMO to turn to either.

Also, how much money does it cost to take the exams in ca?

 

hey licenseguru, i've had bosses who are licensed contractors and can bearly screw in a light bulb. I just don't know how they get their license? I know that they don't have an RMO to turn to either.

Also, how much money does it cost to take the exams in ca?

All they need to do is show the experience on the app, if its accepted and can pass the test there off and running. Unfortunately there is no test for stupid. I processed many an app at the board where I'd throw up my hands and send them to the exam. If they can pass the test, that's all the state requires. Sorry. I guess I've contributed in a small way to putting stupid licensed contractors on the street. :whistling

$400. That's it. Plus the cost of the bond.

 

Well, I took and passed both tests today, so I guess Ill see...

 

License Guru! I need your help!

O.K. I am an RME for a corporation with a B1 and a C20 License. I would like to disassociate myself from the company because I want to start my own business. I've been putting this off now for a few years because it seems overwhelmng to me. It's time. Thanks in advance for your help.

Red

 

O.K. I am an RME for a corporation with a B1 and a C20 License. I would like to disassociate myself from the company because I want to start my own business. I've been putting this off now for a few years because it seems overwhelmng to me. It's time. Thanks in advance for your help.

Red

Piece of cake. Submit the Disassociation form then submit your App for new a license (waiver). Pay the $400 and submit a new bond. No test, dont have to show experience. The current license will have 90 days to replace you. After 90 days the license is suspended.

 

Fyi.... I'm closing my business, Contractor University, but I'll still be here to offer assistance to anyone who needs help with their CA license. I will also offer a fr*ee review of your application if you need it. You can also send me an email by clicking on my name. Sometimes I dont get the thread notification, so if I dont reply here within a week or so please send me an email.

Thanks. Phil :thumbup:

 

Sorry to hear about your business Phil. I guess I got in just in time. You've been an enormous help and we all appreciate your time to answer our questions. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

Thanks for all your help Phil. I wish you the best in your next endeavor.

 

Thanks for all your help Phil. I wish you the best in your next endeavor.

I'm still here, still offering advice and application processing and review. Just closing the current biz and continuing in a more scaled down version.

Had a "biz partner" problem. :whistling

 

Work Experience

Hi,

I have moved over from England recently and I'm just about to submit my application for C54. I have filled out a work experience form which covers everything in the tile industry. How many of these forms do I need to submit...would one be enough if it shows all my skills.

Cheers

Mark:thumbsup:

 

Hi,

I have moved over from England recently and I'm just about to submit my application for C54. I have filled out a work experience form which covers everything in the tile industry. How many of these forms do I need to submit...would one be enough if it shows all my skills.

Yes, one form is sufficient as long as it covers at least a 4 year period in the last 10 years.

 

Thank you for the prompt reply. Yes it does cover more than 4 years. Is there ever a problem with the application with people from overseas?

Cheers

Mark

 

No, it is not a problem. But that's not to say that they may ask for more verification. What type of verification I don't know. I'm just saying they may ask you to go an extra step to prove your experience.

 

Congratulations! Did you submit your bond and proof of workers comp or the exemption form?

If you have no criminal background, your prints would/should go thru the system in just a few days. If you do, then it will be much longer!

 

I called today and asked them what was going on. I had recieved a letter when I passed my exam saying not to send in my bond info etc. until i received a letter from them saying that my experience has been verified. Apparently she had said that something must have slipped through the cracks and i never received that letter and i should have. So I now have less than thirty days (which i dont think will be a problem) to send everything else to the issuance unit and they will give me my license number and certificate. I did ask, and my prints and everything are already cleared. So I guess as long as i get the required information to them in time I should get my license fairly quickly?

 

Yes, once you have everything to the issuance unit you're all set. The number should come soon after that.

What is with the BBB? They must live on the cslb's site. Many times I worked my back side off to get a number issued for a client only to call them with the good news and be told by the client that the BBB called already. Twice I called the BBB office in the clients area and chewed them out. They coulda cared less.

Having had a "school" myself, I understand their tactics. As soon as your app hits the state's web site they begin sending out their post cards/flyers/brochures. I never used that marketing technique, mostly because of cost and a tightwad partner, but it is effective marketing. Maybe that's why I'm disolving my corp. I didn't compete in the direct mail wars.

I know of the school you're talking about with the slick pitch pretending to be part of the cslb. Cant remember exactly which school it is now, but while I was at the board we got a hold of their marketing material and tried to put a stop to it.... never happened. CSLB drops the ball again!

 

Hi, I am a licensed "B" General but I would like to get my "A" as well. I have a degree in applied math (engineering emphasis) and have several years of GC experience, plus the experience I had for my "B" license as a journeyman. Does this apply to the "A" license or do I need to have the specific experience in one of the subspecialties of the "A" liscense.

Thanks for the help,

 

Hi, I am a licensed "B" General but I would like to get my "A" as well. I have a degree in applied math (engineering emphasis) and have several years of GC experience, plus the experience I had for my "B" license as a journeyman. Does this apply to the "A" license or do I need to have the specific experience in one of the subspecialties of the "A" liscense.

Thanks for the help,

Your degree will give you some credit towards the experience. Do you have a BS or Masters in engineering?The experience description provided by the CSLB states:7056. A general engineering contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, including the following divisions or subjects: irrigation, drainage, water power, water supply, flood control, inland waterways, harbors, docks and wharves, shipyards and ports, dams and hydroelectric projects, levees, river control and reclamation works, railroads, highways, streets and roads, tunnels, airports and airways, sewers and sewage disposal plants and systems, waste reduction plants, bridges, overpasses, underpasses and other similar works, pipelines and other systems for the transmission of petroleum and other liquid or gaseous substances, parks, playgrounds and other recreational works, refineries, chemical plants and similar industrial plants requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, powerhouses, power plants and other utility plants and installations, mines and metallurgical plants, land leveling and earthmoving projects, excavating, grading, trenching, paving and surfacing work and cement and concrete works in connection with the above mentioned fixed works. Do you have any experience in the above? If you do you should have no problem qualifying for the exam. I do offer a free application review for CT members. I'd be happy to take a look at your application if you wish. Send me an email (by clicking on my name below) or send me a PM.

 

Trade exam missed by one question...



What a day... I just took trade exam today C-33 after going through couple of websites who provide practice exam... which was a tough thing to do...
And got me 66% with 67% passing score
Anyway my question is "Is there anyway to make up the missed one point somehow? The time is very critical for me... I am having little problem with my family and all... and I really need this license to survive this bad economy

Thank you in advance... and I look forward to hear from you. :thumbup:


Bill.

 

Hello Bill,

"Is there anyway to make up the missed one point somehow?"

You can appeal the test result. There is a form provided by the CSLB to appeal the exam. Go to their web site and look for the form. If you can't find it, let me know via email (click on my name below) and I'll send it to you.

 

Hi License Guru,

1. I like to thank you for your help here.
I am looking to get my GC license here in CA.

Regarding my experience
I worked here most of the time as a handyman.
The only one who would maybe sign me off is someone with an not active Colorado GC license.
I also have some experience from Germany were I worked as a Metal worker and studied Civil Engineering but did I not finish, would that help?
My age is 42 and I worked for around 20 years in Construction now.

You posted earlier when the question came up how to prepare for the exam, that you might know someone who has a very up to date system, that is very thorough.
How do I get a hold off that person?

Thank you very much.

 

That person would be....... me. :thumbup:

From what you described it sounds as though you have the necessary experience. Click on my name below, take a look around, and shoot me an email so I can go into your experience in more detail. :thumbsup:

 

Cool, will do.

Thank you

 

Hi all,

I just got denied for my B. Well, not actually denied, they let me withdraw my app. My app went to investigation because of a denial in 2002. I sent them a 3" stack of my customer invoices for the past 6 years. The investigator called and said she was looking for structural experience. So basically, if I want my B then I would have to work for a framer for 4 years. She said I could probly qualify for the carpentry license though. Maybe I'll apply in a year. I can't afford the $400 again right now.

Meanwhile, there are all kinds of yahoos getting their licenses.

Guru, when should your bond be submitted? If I did it after my test, I would be sitting on a bond for nothing.

Thanks gang!!!

 

Normally the bond would be submitted around the test date so that it's there when the license is going to be issued. But in your case, the prior denial meant that your next app was going to be pulled for investigation. Waiting till you cleared that point would be when you'd get the bond.

If you paid $400, they will be sending you $150 back. Did the investigator indicate that you had to wait to reapply?

Sorry you got denied.

 

I used the CSLB arbitration program and lost. I guess customers can just get out of contract when ever they want! Now I am thinking of filling bankruptcy, will i be able to keep my lic. without paying judgement?

Thanks

 

apprenticeship

is it required for 5h3 qualifying individual to go through the apprenticeship program? What is the minimum amount yrs for the apprenticeship?

 

Certification of Work Experience Form

We are an out of state contractor company trying to get a California contractor's license. C-61 D-21. Our RME has worked for us for several years (+10), and our company would be the certifier. We are licensed for the same category in 2 other states, same RME. My question is regarding the Certification of Work Experience Form. Under Part 1 - question #2 License Number of Employer. What license number are they asking for? If they are requesting the employer's, which in this case is also the certifier's, CA contractor's license #, well obviously we do not have that yet. Should we say N/A or applying? Or Should we list here the 2 license #'s we do hold in the 2 other states? There is also a contractor (license number) box at bottom of form under relationship. Should we list the 2 license #s there? Or are they specifically requesting for a California contractor license #?

Thank you so much for all your help.

 

We are an out of state contractor company trying to get a California contractor's license. C-61 D-21. Our RME has worked for us for several years (+10), and our company would be the certifier. We are licensed for the same category in 2 other states, same RME. My question is regarding the Certification of Work Experience Form. Under Part 1 - question #2 License Number of Employer. What license number are they asking for? If they are requesting the employer's, which in this case is also the certifier's, CA contractor's license #, well obviously we do not have that yet. Should we say N/A or applying? Or Should we list here the 2 license #'s we do hold in the 2 other states? There is also a contractor (license number) box at bottom of form under relationship. Should we list the 2 license #s there? Or are they specifically requesting for a California contractor license #?

Thank you so much for all your help.

Question #2 is for a CA license number. Leave that blank. If the experience was as an employee, put the employers info on lines 2 & 3. In the certifier section, you can put the same employers info and the home state license number. I offer a FREE application review service to all Contractor Talk members. You can email or fax the app to me and I'll take a look.

 

i jjust wanted to know what to expect from a inspection for plumbing electrical and building

 

I dont think I understand the question

 

License Guru - in some of your earlier replies you mentioned that using experience as an Owner Builder when applying for a B cert was a red flag no-no.

Could you elaborate on this?

The reason I ask is that 5 years ago I took a early leave package from my previous work and embarked on self building a 1500 square foot custom home on a raw lot my wife and I had in the mountains.

Due to the housing boom at the time and the remoteness of the location, I had difficulty getting contractors or subs to take the jobs. Instead, I spent 1 year reading every code book I could find with weekends spent as an unpaid gopher for a local builder to pick up the tricks of the trade that I had forgotten since my days as a framer back in college. Also took some local junior college classes in basic plumbing, welding, HVAC and a refresher on electrical (had an expired AC elec cert from earlier in my career at a phone company).

Bottom line was this - I ended up doing EVERY single aspect of the build myself - all trades - foundation, framing, mechanicals, drywall, roofing, finish, etc. Not tooting my horn too much - but I also passed every inspection with no go-backs.

Along the way, I also ended up working on two other builds for local home owner's looking to set up their vacation/retirement homes as well - one was a kit SIP house and the second a conventional stick built.

What I found at the end of this whole process is that I really loved the work.

Which brings me to today - in the town in which I live I have been assisting a few local banks in rehabbing their foreclosure properties for possible resale. Up until recently, the repairs and upgrades have been mostly minor keeping me under the 500 dollar radar. However, to branch out into working for the big boy banks - I need to be able to legally cross the $500 threshold which means getting licensed. The big boy bankers suggest I get a GC classification which means B license at the least I presume.

In looking at the CSLB requirements for GC - B, I am confident on my knowledge of the law and business as well as ICBO and other related coding. The kicker for me is the "experience" factor.

My only "real" experience as a hired gun was back in college as a framer during the early 80s. Probably no help as I can barely remember my foreman's first name much less his last. My only recent hands-on work was under the Owner-Builder umbrella using the 2 homes in 3 years clause to get around being declared a "builder/developer". Between my own build and the 2 others - I spent 5 1/2 years on the ladder as it were.

I have spoken to the two county inspectors who oversaw my projects and both are willing to sign off on my abilities from their point of view.

Additionally, one of the homeowner's in the subdivision is a current GC who did act as an "eye-in-the-sky" for me to make sure I stayed on track. His only complaint after all was said and done was that I tended to overbuild - a crime I could live with if I had to choose one.

So the deal was going to be this - I would get my B cert for the sole purpose of scoring the higher dollar REO rehabs in town and hopefully make enough money to stay out of debtors prison until I hit social security age - ha, ha.

But I was under the assumption that I could use my O/B time for "experience" - but your earlier posts have given me major doubts about this angle.

Your take and suggestions would be appreciated.

Rick