I find it to be strange when the CSLB asks for additional proof for work experience because I have licenses for 9 trade classifications and was never asked for additional proof for work experience.
I would send some additional Work Experience Application Forms filled out by people who know you and attach a letter stating that you never obtained a permit nor an inspection because you worked with another contractor. No employee, friend nor partner is required to obtain permits when working with, or under someone else.
I think applicants read too much into what is required to qualify for a license. I don't believe that tax records, etc. are necessary to qualify because you could have worked with your father, or a friend and all you should need is one (1) person to sign one (1) Work Experience Application Form. My opinion is that you either did, or you did not and the reason for the Work Experience Verification Form is to verify that you did. Also, I don't think the person signing the Work Experience Application has to submit proof nor records because he is not the person being investigated.
Not every person gets paid money when they get work experience and to qualify for a B general building contractor you can get all the work experience you need doing the trades required by working for free on your homes, rental units your relatives, your friends and neighbors.
Suppose, during the past 5 years you built 2 homes all by yourself with absolutely no help and only 1 person on this planet knows that you built these homes, or you remodeled only 2 kitchens. If the work performed is within the requirements and these jobs took you 5 years then you have the work experience you need and your mother's or father's signature on the Work Experience form should be enough.
If you did the work then you should qualify with or without proof and the proof should be sufficient when the signature is on the Work Experience Application Form.
Don't be a chicken and fight for what is right. I find that the CSLB workers are just normal people trying to week out the weirdos and they are willing to listen and work with you on the phone. Write a letter, first, then call on the phone and back up what you wrote.
Well...... if any of this were true, what a wonderful world we'd be living in. But.... this just isn't the case.
There are specific laws the cslb uses for some of their actions, and there are underground regs they've created to allow them to do what they want.
1) Additional work experience forms won't make a difference.
2) The law does state that the cslb can ask for any additional documentation necessary to prove your experience.
3) There is nothing in the law that says the cslb can't send a verification form of some type to the certifier/employer, even though they've already signed the certifier section of the app.
4) Building 2 homes in 5 yrs does not a contractor make. The law requires that you have at least 4 yrs at the journeyman level. Building 2 homes in 5 yrs does not, necessarily, make someone a journeyman.
5) Although mom or dad could sign your experience form, but do they have the skills and knowledge to know that the work done was done at the journeyman level?
6) I've been fighting for what is right for many years, so have many others in my industry, yet, the cslb still does whatever they want. I too say fight, but if the cslb wants to see ABC and you give them XYZ, they will not give you a license.
) Call first. If you have the techs number, call! If you can't get a hold of them, write a letter, or call me. I'll give you some alternatives.
