Contractors Licensing in California

An example of one contractor license school that offers a 200% guarantee on your exam

2010-06-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Industry Schools Contractor License School offers a 200% money back guarantee on passing your state contractors exam. How can a school do that? The director of Industry Schools discusses how a school can offer just such a guarantee.

How can we offer a 200% Money Back Guarantee? With 99% of our students passing the state exams on their first attempt, we can afford to make an offer that is unheard of in the school industry. In short, our goal is for every qualified applicant for a contractor’s license to be able to pass the state exams. Even if you are not good at taking tests, do not understand legal jargon or how to read a financial statement, we will never give up on you. If you want to pass the state exams, you will pass the state exams.

We encourage our students to provide feedback on the quality of our study materials.The questions we receive from students is used to provide the most current and complete information possible. Participation by our students is invaluable because only you can tell us where you had problems on the state exam.

Our Editors:
Our editors will analyze your feedback, do any necessary research, supplement our course materials, and get them to you ASAP. This circle of information will insure your success as well as that of other contractors who have had difficulty passing the state exams.

Money Back Guarantee!

Updates are available for 6 months from the date of purchase.
You must take your state exam within this update period.
An additional 3 months of updates are available upon valid extension requests.
If you fail both the Law and Business and your Trade exams after three attempts we will refund 200% of your original course price. If you pass one and fail the other we will pay you 200% of the one course.
If you choose not to accept a refund, we will continue to provide the study materials to you until you have successfully passed your State Contractors Exam.

To obtain your 200% Refund follow these Simple steps;

Enough Study Time; You must provide yourself adequate time for study. Typically a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks is needed to prepare for each per course.
When you get your Exam date; Email us at Updates@IndustrySchools.com and include your Name, Trade, Order# Date of Purchase and Fax# or call us at 408-243-3636.
We will fax you any Course Updates (within 48 hours) that have been created since your original course date. Review and study the new updated exam questions.
On the day of your Exam; note any information that you were required to know for the state exams that was not covered in our course materials.
After the Exam; email us your feedback on any additional course questions you may have or we didn't’t cover in our classes to: questions@IndustrySchools.com, or fax them to (408-244-0253), or call us at (408-243-3636).
If you fail the state exams for any reason; FAX your State Exam Failure Notice to us at (408-244-0253) and continue to study. Call us at 408-243-3636 to discuss any additional study materials or answers to questions you may have.
Do not Re-Schedule your Exam until advised; we will stay in contact with you until you get the additional study materials you need to pass. It is best to re-schedule your Exam Date only after you are ready for the Exam
We will review each of your questions; our editors will review your feedback and send you additional study materials and updates.
When you receive your updates; replace any old questions and answers with the new ones and study any additional questions, answers and explanations.
Re-Schedule your Exam Date; re-schedule your exam date ONLY after you have received your updates, studied your materials and feel you are ready for the Exam.
If you do not pass the second time; repeat the above instructions and send us your additional feedback regarding the study questions.
If you fail a third time; repeat the above instructions and send us your additional feedback regarding the study questions. send your third exam feed back questions.
You will receive a 200% course Refund; after completing the above tasks and have actively participated in the Contractors Circle we will refund 200% of your original course purchase price. If you passed one of your exams but failed to pass the other we will refund you for only the exam you failed three times.
To receive your 200% Refund; just return all your course materials and comply with the above tasks.
200% Refund, NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

Order Study Course Now

Do I need a License?

2010-05-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Some people have sent in questions on what type of work needs an actual contractor's license to perform. For the benefit of our readers, I have summarized below what types of works needs a license and what are some of the exceptions.

Do I need a license?
If you are any person, business or consultant
and any of the following, "You Need a Contractors License"
Working in all or any project
new construction
remodeling
renovation
altering
moving
wrecking
demolishing
performing work on any
building
highway
road
parking facility
railroad
excavation
structure

Project, development or improvement must be licensed as a contractor if the

Total cost of labor and materials for a project is $500 or more.

A license is also needed to do any of this work as a subcontractor or specialty contractor. There are several exemptions to licensure, that is, situations where a license is not required. Some of these exemptions are: Work for which the combined value of labor, materials and all other items is less than $500; employees working for wages who do not customarily engage in independent contracting or control the performance of the job; owner-builder with certain limitations; installation or sale of finished products which do not become a fixed part of the structure with certain exceptions, for example, carpets.

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How do I get a License Bond?

2010-04-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

There are usually several questions contractors have about the process of obtaining a bond. These are some of the commonly asked questions about the License Bond.

Q: What is the Bond for?
A: Contractor Licensing requires either a Bond or Cash Deposit. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) will discipline a contractor for violations of the Contractors' State License Law (CSLL), such as to pay a vendor for materials or failure to pay wages to employees. However, the CSLB will never pay damages related to such violations.
Q: When do I have to file my license bond?
A: File your License Bond only after you have PASSED your State Exams. We suggest you file the License Bond at the same time you complete your Final Application and Document Filing with the CSLB. The Contractors License Bond must be filed before the Final Documents will be considered complete.
Q: How fast can you file my Bond?
A: CCIS files daily in person at the CSLB returning to the contractor a filed stamped copy for his records.
Q: Will you let me know when it is time to renew?
A: Yes, CCIS will send renewal invoices approximately ninety (90) days in advance of renewal.
Q: Can I get the bond over the phone or fax?
A: No. The original signed application must be received with premium before the bond can be released to the CSLB.
Q: Do I have to give you my Social Security# and Drivers License#?
A: Yes, the bond is a credit relationship between you and the bonding company. Think of the bond as a loan. For $116.00 a year the bonding company puts up the $12,500.00 for you.
Q: Will you run a credit report on me?
A: Yes. However, bonds are issued without regard to credit for new contractors. Upon renewal of the bond a credit report will be pulled & approval for renewal will be based primarily on that report.
Q:How Much does the License Bond Cost?
A: You will have to post your license bond, a $12,500 surety bond required by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for all active contractors.

Where can I get my License Bond?

After obtaining your license KIT and filing your State Application you will most likely receive solicitations from other bond agencies; however we have found that over the pass 30 years California Contractors Insurance Services, Inc (CCIS) has maintained their integrity, fair pricing, and excellent service and support.
We suggest California Contractors Insurance Services Inc., (CCIS) for the following reasons.

CCIS has been issuing Contractors State License Bonds for over 30 years.
Bonds for new Contractors are written without regard to your credit for the 1 or 2 year premium rate.
We enclose a CCIS Contractors License Bond Application with our study materials.
License Bonds are issued within 24 hours of receipt of your completed Bond Application and Premium.
CCIS will file all of your final license documents, including your initial license fee with the CSLB.
You will be sent a copy of all documents CCIS files with the CSLB for your records.
CCIS treats all information as private & confidential and shared only with the underwriting bond company.

All of the above Services and Features are included in CCIS low Bond prices.

Contractors License Bond and Final Document Instructions
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS Insurances Services Inc.
P.O. BOX 278238, Sacramento, CA 95827-8238
(530) 622-6564 (800) 432-2641 Fax (530) 622-6565
Department of Insurance License No. 0738654

California Contractors Insurance Services Inc. Contractors License Bond Rates are as follows;

1 year Bond = $116

2 year Bond = $195

3 year Bond = $259

* Rates not applicable to C-39 Roofing or C-53 Swimming Pools*

We suggest you choose the 2 year Bond term because; it will come due for renewal at the same time as your State License renewal date, acting as a reminder. If you forget to pay your State License renewal or the Bond renewal the State will suspend your license.

Here is a link where you can get your bond from California Contractors Insurance Services.

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Comparison of Online Contracting License Schools-How to pick the right school for you!

2010-04-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

The following compares the Top California State Licensing Schools.

It is difficult to select a Contractors Licensing School over the internet. You should be aware of the consumer’s issues and we have completed an intensive analysis of the current Contractors Schools Market. I hope you find the following both informative and helpful in selecting your Contractor’s School.

The State Exams are continually changing and being updated by changes in laws and codes. As a result, you should consider that the information you will be receiving from your school is complete, current and easy to access. To keep up with the states changes, all schools need to maintain a competent staff of writers and editors to maintain and assemble current information and practice questions. As a result, most schools can’t keep their study materials updated properly and their study materials get out dated. With that in mind, select the best school for your money and time you will invest.

We encourage you to review this Research in detail
before you make your final decision! An Independent Service Company research the current on-line contractors that provide Home Study Courses. There are just over 40 California Schools claiming to provide current study material for the State Contractors License Exams. They did the research and took the notes that will help you choose the Contractor’s School that best fits your needs.

The following research criteria was given:

Focus ONLY on California Contractors.

Licensing Schools providing Home Study Courses.
Refine the List to the top 10 Schools in the California
Contractors Licensing Market.
Actual Cost of License KIT includes Instructors on CDs.
Shipping and Application Processing.
Provide clear identification of Products and Services.
Disregard Schools that don’t meet the minimum quality standards.

All schools listed INCLUDE:

Specializes in California State Contractors Licensing
Home Study for Contractors Trade Courses
Study Manuals for Trade and Law & Business
Course Instruction Classes on Audio CDs
California State License Forms and Applications
Standard Telephone and Email Support
A minimum of 400 practice test questions per course
Allows you to keep your study Materials after Exam

The List DOES NOT INCLUDE Schools that:

Schools that are NOT MEMBERS of the Better Business Bureau
Schools that DO NOT offer a Guarantee
Schools that claim more than 650 practice test question per course.

BEWARE of Schools that offer or don't offer the following:
Schools that are NOT Members of the Better Business Bureau
Claims over 650 practice test questions per course
Claims having On-Line course at this time
Claiming to complete your application for you
Claims they can set the State Exam date for you
Schools that DON'T let you take or keep your study materials
Schools that service Licensing for Multiple States
Schools that offer large discounts
Schools claiming to be a "State Certified" Schools
Walk-in classes typically COST much more do to the higher overhead and live lecture expenses
Shipping methods vary from school to school UPS USPS FedEx but approximately the same
Check each Schools Website for Phone Support Times
Review Return polices beware of Schools that do not have a Return Policy.
All Schools have Similar Course Manuals and Instructors on CD Media

NOTES

1. The BBB offers member Schools and their customers many benefits (industry ratings, business history, communication and arbitration). The best Schools see the BBB as an investment in their Business and their Customers. Review any Business or School's BBB history before you make your final decision.

2. Beware of Schools that claim more than 650 Questions. These schools may have collected questions from other schools and HAVE NOT removed the OLD questions. Be sure you have updated questions.
3. On-Line Courses in this market have been tried but failed to meet most contractor's expectations. Internet connections and relocating your progress within the sites have been less the desirable. In addition, the schools providing these courses typically provide the Law and Business but fail to provide most Trade Classifications. Manuals, DVDs and CDs are more reliable and you can access the information directly from your computer.
4. Some Schools will offer to fill out and send your Application to the State for you. However, you still must collect and provided all the information yourself. Some Schools even charge for this service. So we concluded since you must provide all the information we have determined that this service is not worthy of distinguishing.
5. Schools that claim they can set an Exam Date for you are incorrect. The Exam Date and Location are provided you directly from the state after your application is accepted. NO schools have control over the timing of State Exam Dates.
6. Top Rated Schools allow you to take your study materials home and to keep them after your exam. However, some do not and we are not sure why because the materials become out dated within a year. These Schools may also be having some copyright issues that they are addressing.
7. Included are several of the National Schools but have found the Support is less accurate for specific State questions as compared to School specializing in California Licensing.
8. Some Schools offer Large Discounts on their Courses. The better Schools know their expenses and the costs of acquiring new contractors and price their courses accordingly. However, the price for adding additional courses should be reduced for returning contractors because their customer acquisition cost are already paid.
9. California DOES NOT require Contractors Licensing Schools to be certified. Since the State does not require continuing education for contractors the state does not require the Schools to maintain any Certifications. However there are Certifications Schools can purchase though third parties this certification is deemed an unnecessary expense by most Schools.
In Conclusion:
- Walk-in classes typically COST much more do to the higher overhead and live lecture expenses
- Shipping methods vary from school to school UPS USPS FedEx but approximately the same
- Check each Schools Website for Phone Support Times
- Review Return polices beware of Schools that do not have a Return Policy.
- All Schools have Similar Course Manuals and Instructors on CD Media
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What Are The Steps To Getting My Contractors License in California?

2010-03-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

STEPS TOWARD BECOMING A LICENSED CONTRACTOR IN CALIFORNIA.

Click on the link below for a sample of what you might expect on the computerized state exam.

http://www.industryschools.com/images/multimedia/cd-exam.swf

1.	How to get your license “Contractors Licensing Checklist”
A)	Gather general Information about getting a Contractors License?
B)	What is the “Contractors License Checklist” do I need it?
C)	Who can Qualify for a State Contractors License?
D)	What License Classification is best for my Business?
E)	Am I exempt from needing a Contractors License?
F)	What happens if I contract without a License?
G)	How long does it take to get my Contractors License?
H)	What does it Cost to get my Contractors License?

2.	What Costs and Experience Requirements are needed to Qualify
A)	What Work Experience is required to qualify for a License?
B)	What Experience Credit is given for Degrees or Training?
C)	Is an Owner Builder Exempt from needing a License?
D)	Does California recognize licenses from other States?
E)	Is Workman’s Compensation Insurance required?

3.	Before you select a Study Course or Contractors Licensing School
A)	What should your Contractors Licensing KIT include?
B)	What Study Course and Media Type is right for you?
C)	What Services should the Licensing School provide?
D)	Should the School and Staff be Licensed and Experienced?
E)	Should your School provide a Money Back Guarantee?

4.	After you receive your Contractors KIT and before you start Studying
A)	What Documents should you review before proceeding?
B)	What should you know before you start Studying?
C)	Overview of the Application and Exam Processing Times?

5.	Before Filling-Out or Sending in your Application for Original License
A)	If you need help call the CSLB Automated Phone System
B)	What you should know before filling out your Application?
C)	Sample - Original Applications and Certification of Work
D)	Form - Application for Original Contractors License
E)	Form - Certification of Work Experience
F)	Form - Construction Project Experience
G)	Form - Special Accommodation Request for Examination
H)	Tips - Before sending in the State Contractors Application
I)	Fees - State Schedule of Contractors License Fees

6.	After sending in your Application for Original Contractors License
A)	The State sends your an Application PIN# to track progress
B)	What if the States sends you back your License Application?
C)	Form - Each Applicant must submit “Finger Prints”
D)	What about completing the Asbestos Open-Book Exam?
E)	Form - The Asbestos Open-Book Exam
F)	Form - Exemption from Workers' Compensation
G)	Form - Responsible Managing Officer or (RP) Exemption

7.	Additional Forms that you may need to get your Contractor License
A)	Form - Application to Inactivate Contractor’s License
B)	Form - Application for Additional Classification
C)	Form - License Verification Request from other States
D)	Form - Application for Joint Venture License
E)	Form - Application for Asbestos Certification
F)	Form - Hazardous Substance Removal Contractor

8.	Once you receive your Exam Date; Rescheduling and Retaking
A)	What should I know when I get my “Notice to Appear”?
B)	Where are the State Contractors License Exams giving?
C)	What should you expect at the State Examination-Tips
D)	What If I Re-Schedule or Don’t Appear for an Exam?
E)	What If I Fail one or both of the State Examinations?
F)	Contact your School to get Course Updates before Exam
G)	Before attending the State License Examination - Tips
H)	Contact your School if you fail either of your Exams

9.	After you Pass both the Law & Business and your Trade Exam
A)	After you pass the State Contractors License Exams?
B)	Info - What about State Contractors License Bonds
C)	Form - Contractors Bond - RMO Bond
D)	Form - Bond of Qualifying Individual – RME Bond
E)	Form - Alternative in Lieu of Bond Requirements

10.	State Forms License APPENDIX
A)	State Contractors and Consumers’ Booklets
B)	Document Disclaimers, Use and Limited Liability
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The Top 10 Questions Contractors Have About Getting Their License.

2010-03-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

Important Questions for NEW Contractors

http://www.industryschools.com/

In my 30 years of experience in the contracting field, these are the top ten questions that
new contractors have regarding the industry and the licensing process.

1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW CONTRACTORS?

It’s the law that any construction project priced over $500 total labor and materials requires that the contractor be licensed in the trade or occupation of the work. To qualify for a license, a contractor must be able to verify at least four years journey-level experience in the craft, pass a comprehensive trade and license law examination, and meet operating capital, bonding, and workers’ comp. requirements.

2. WHO CAN BECOME A LICENSED CONTRACTOR?

A licensed contractor must be 18 years of age or older and have the experience and skills necessary to manage daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision, or be represented by a qualifying individual with the necessary experience and skills.

3. Who must be licensed as a contractor?

All businesses or individuals who construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation, or other structure in California must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board if the total cost (labor and materials) of one or more contracts on the project is $500 or more. Contractors must be licensed before submitting bids.

4. What kind of experience is required?

At least four years of journey-level experience is required to qualify for the exam. Credit is given for experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder.

5. Is there an education requirement?

There are NO education requirements to qualify for a contractor’s license. You may receive credit for technical training, apprenticeship training, or education instead of a portion of the required four years of practical experience. At least one year must be practical experience.

6. What are the exam requirements for a License?

Yes, the qualifying individual for a contractor’s license is required to pass written law and trade examinations, unless he or she meets the requirements for a waiver. An examination notice will be sent at least three weeks prior to the examination date.

7. What Are the financial requirements for a license?

All applicants other than those applying for a joint venture license, must have more than $2,500 worth of operating capital. Also, a contractor’s bond or cash deposit in the amount of $12,500 is required. The CSLB does not issue bonds.

8. Is workers’ compensation insurance required?

All contractors who have employees are required to present proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Contractors who do not have employees working for them will be required to file a certificate of exemption.

9. How much does the license cost?

In addition to the financial requirements that must be met, it costs $250 for an original application fee (non refundable) and $150 for the initial license fee for one classification. The license must be renewed every two years. Currently, the renewal fee is $300.

10. How can I apply?

Obtain an Application for Original Contractor’s License from any office of the Contractors State License Board. To order or download an application form, visit our Web site, www.cslb.ca.gov. You can also call the CSLB’s 24-hour automated public information line, (800) 321-CSLB (2752);
or write to us at CSLB, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826 to request an application.
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Contractors Licensing in California

An example of one contractor license school that offers a 200% guarantee on your exam

Do I need a License?

Do I need a license?

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How do I get a License Bond?

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Comparison of Online Contracting License Schools-How to pick the right school for you!

The following compares the Top California State Licensing Schools.

The following research criteria was given:

Focus ONLY on California Contractors.

All schools listed INCLUDE:

The List DOES NOT INCLUDE Schools that:

BEWARE of Schools that offer or don't offer the following:

In Conclusion:

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What Are The Steps To Getting My Contractors License in California?

The Top 10 Questions Contractors Have About Getting Their License.