How To Meet California Requirements to Be a Contractor

Do you enjoy working in the great outdoors, the challenges of problem solving, consider yourself handy and welcome the opportunity to one day become business some day? If you answered yes to these questions, maybe it's time for you to become a contractor, obtain licensure and begin a rewarding career in the California construction industry.

If you already have, it's time to take the next step and obtain a contractor's license. But, how do you meet California's requirements to be a contractor? It's simple. To learn more, read on:

Step 1: Make sure you satisfy the state experience requirements.

In order to qualify for the examination, you must have four years of experience. Credit for experience is awarded at certain levels of experience.  The experience levels are:

1. Owner-Builder – An individual who has the background of a journeyman and who performs their trade on their own property.
2. Contractor – A person who oversees the day-to-day functions of a construction-related business (including field supervision).
3. Journeyman – An individual who completes an apprenticeship program or an experienced worker who can perform work without supervision.
4. Foreman – This individual can also be a supervisor/someone who has the full knowledge-base to supervise construction activities.

Step 2: Get a trusted source to verify your experience level.

You will need to have a trusted and qualified person verify your experience level. This verification can be provided by an employer, homeowner, fellow co-worker, another qualified journeyman/contractor, building inspector, or any other individual in this realm.

In order for the verification to be accepted, proof of your work experience must be provided by a qualified individual who has first-hand knowledge of you background and completed the experience certification portion of the application you will submit to qualify for the California Contractor's exam.

Step 3: See If You Can Receive Credit for Any Past Training or Apprenticeships.

You may receive credit for technical training or an apprenticeship towards the four-year requirement.  Keep in mind that if you do receive credit for education completed, you will still need to have at least one-year of practical experience. For more information on how much credit you can receive for education and/or vocational courses, visit the California Contractor's State License Board Web site.

Step 4: Complete the Application for Original Contractor's License.

The application can be easily accessed on the CSLB Web site. You will be required to include certain items along with your completed application (like proof of work experience). It's important to read through the application carefully, include all requested documents – if the application isn't done correctly, it will stall the entire process and you may need to resubmit it again.

There will be an application processing fee of about $250. You will be allowed to apply for one license classification at a time. Once you successfully pass the state exam, you will be permitted to apply for additional classifications.

Step 5: Prepare to Pass Your Exam the First Time!

Now that you understand what the experience requirements are and have a better grasp on the required paperwork, are you ready to pass your exam? With education for a contractor, you can prepare for your state contractor exam ahead of time and have the assurance you need to pass your exam the first time.