By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services, Inc.
Contractors can do it the hard way, or with some expert help, the less hard way. Choosing is what leads to success or failure. Who can vouch for your experience in CA, or wherever you may have worked as a licensed contractor. Submit your problem by email, or give us a call, and maybe see your issue or experience and solution shared here…
Q: We currently have a Nevada “B-2” license and are interested in taking a contract for a six story building. I understand we are required to either broaden our classification or we can obtain a brand new license. If we use the same Qualifying Individual, that we currently have for our “B-2”, will we be exempt from having to take any exams?
A: If you use the same Qualifying Individual, he/she will need to document at least four years of experience doing ground-up construction of high rise structures (over three stories) and take a new Trade exam. If you opt for a new license, you would be required to provide financial information again and such so you may just want to take the easier route and do the broadening.
Q: My company obtained a license five years ago with a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) who was already licensed. Our five year agreement is up and I’m ready to replace him on the license. You had originally told me after five years I would be able to become the RMO without an exam requirement. Is that still the case? Do I still need to have a contractor sign off on my work experience, or is that waived also?
A: That is still the case as long as you have actively performed and supervised the trade work being completed by your company. You will be required to have someone sign off on your work experience. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a contractor, it just needs to be someone with first hand knowledge of your work experience.
Q: Hope you are well. My colleague and I were discussing test taking in the state of Nevada. We heard that you may need to have an employee who is a resident in Nevada to take any of the building license and trades exams. Can you confirm?
A: Hope you are doing well also. Your Qualifying Individual does not need to be a resident of NV in order to qualify and take the exams. The exams are administered by PSI and they have locations throughout the Country.
Q: I am looking into acquiring a contractor’s license in California. I’ve been an electrical contractor in the State of Illinois for the past 10 years. Does the State of California accept experience from another state, or do I need to work a full four years in CA in order to qualify?
A: Your experience from Illinois should suffice as long as you have someone who has first hand knowledge of your electrical work sign off on your work experience. Let me know if you would like our assistance with the process!
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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