By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services, Inc.
We’ve been assisting contractors for decades, and I offer you this opportunity to ask a question every week. Of course, most contractors just call. Another inquiry gets a ‘classy’ answer, and I send our final aspiring contractor this round on vacation…
Q: I always call you first, as your company assisted us with licensing for our General Contractor small business in 2020. At the time our Qualifying Individual’s personal contractor license was transferred to the corporation. We're now looking into government contract work as a Woman-owned small business and are considering creating a new company. My question is, can the same contractor's license be used for a 2nd business?
A: No, the same contractor’s license cannot be used for a 2nd business. Your new entity would need to apply for and obtain it’s own individual contractor’s license.
Q: We recently hired a new employee who has an Inactive license with three classifications that our company does not have on our license. He is willing to transfer his qualifications to the company license. Are we able to add all three classifications at the same time, or do we need to do one at a time?
A: For additional classifications, you are required to apply for each separately, one at a time. Fortunately, the CSLB is fairly caught up right now so each application shouldn’t take too long!
Q: I previously held a California contractor’s license that I let lapse. How can I get it back?
A: It all depends on how long it’s expired. If it was less than five years ago, you can still renew the license by submitting a renewal application and paying a delinquent fee. If it’s been more than five years, you will need to re-apply for the license and re-take the exams. Please contact my office and we can take a look.
Q: I have completed an application for original license and I’m ready to submit it to the
CSLB. I have a 2-week vacation coming up in August and while I’m anxious to get my contractor’s license, I’m hesitant to submit the application because I worry that the CSLB will schedule me for my exams during my planned vacation time. I called the CSLB and the person I spoke with was very vague with the how long it would take for them to approve me to take the exams. Can you shed any light on my inquiry?
A: Currently, the CSLB is taking about 4 weeks to get to applications for review. Assuming you are approved upon their review, you will get to choose your test date. The exams are administered by PSI so you’ll go on their website and schedule it through them. The CSLB allows you 18 months to complete and pass the exams. That being said, go ahead and submit and enjoy your vacation! Perhaps your testing approval will be waiting for you when you return. Bon Voyage!
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While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com, or write us at Capitol Services, Inc., 3609 Bradshaw Rd, Ste H, #343, Sacramento, CA 95827. Search past columns at www.cutredtape.com