By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services, Inc.
Knowing the law, how it’s going to be interpreted and keeping up with new and changing rules is a full-time job. Mine. You already have at least one job, or more if you are a contractor! As our first inquiry shows it’s not an easy ‘worksite’ in providing expert assistance. Another question, really questions, has only taken four years to reach a satisfactory ending…
Q: As you are aware, we are interested in obtaining a CA license but we didn’t have a person on staff who has the requisite experience. We have identified someone who already holds the “A” (General Engineering) classification that we are needing, and we are going to be hiring him as a Responsible Managing Employee (RME).
In looking through the CSLB’s information in relation to the Qualifying Individual, I note the following from s.7068.1 of the Code: “The board shall require every applicant or licensee qualifying by the appearance of a Qualifying Individual to submit detailed information on the… duties and responsibilities for supervision and control of the applicant’s construction operations, including, but not limited to, an employment duty statement prepared by the Qualifier’s employer or principal. Failure of an applicant or licensee to provide information required by this subdivision constitutes a violation of this section.”
What is typically included on the application form in respect of the above?
A: As part of the CSLB’s license application, the Qualifying Individual is required to answer a question which asks “Direct supervision and control over construction operations includes any one or a combination of the following activities: supervising construction, managing construction activities by making technical and administrative decisions, checking jobs for proper workmanship, or direct supervision on construction job sites. Will you, as the Qualifying Individual, perform one or more of these duties?”
Long story short, the Qualifying Individual is required to answer ‘yes’ to this question.
Q: I remember when we originally spoke and before we got started with the process, you had told me I wouldn’t qualify for the license because I didn’t have the requisite experience, therefore I hired an RME. If I remember correctly, it was four years. I received the 2nd renewal for the license recently which reminded me that it’s been four years now! Can I take over the license now? Will I have to take the exams, or will I be able to waive the testing?
A: You are correct, it is four years of experience required to qualify the license, so it’s that time! You will not qualify for a Waiver of the exams with four years of experience, however if you are willing to wait another year, after five years of being listed as an Officer on the license, you can apply to take over the license and request a Waiver of the exams.
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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.co