By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services
Sun-Tzu’s Art of War says, ‘battles are won in preparation’. Funny, same with license exams! ‘Hand me downs’ can include your contractor license too. Can you ‘get back to where you once belonged’ in resuming a class you dropped out of? Yes, another contractor also learns adding classes is almost unlimited!…
Q: I have a pending application for a “C-61”/“D-35” (Pool and Spa Maintenance) license. I was approved for the Law exam, and I was wondering if you know how long is typically required or recommended to study for this exam? I purchased study material, but I don’t want to schedule my exam until I have an idea of how much time is needed to prepare.
A: Everyone is different when it comes to preparing for the CSLB exam(s). It depends on how much experience you have in the in and outs of running a contracting business. If the study material you purchased came with practice exams, I would suggest you start with taking one and see what your score is and go from there. I also recommend cramming the day before your scheduled exam.
Q: We are a family business; we do HVAC work. My husband and I are ready to retire and sell the business to our son who has worked for us for over fifteen years. What would the process be to get the license transferred to him?
A: Thank you for contacting me. Assuming it will be a Stock sale, if your son has worked for the business for over five years and has W-2’s to document that, he can apply to replace your husband on the license and request a Waiver of the exams. At the same time, you can submit applications to update your titles, ownership, etc.
Q: Hi Shauna, you assisted me with removing my “C-8” (Concrete) classification from our license a few years ago, so we have just been operating with our General “B” license. If we wanted to add the concrete back to our license, would I need to re-test? And what is the quickest process?
A: I see the concrete classification was removed back in 2023. You have five years to add it back to the license without having to retest. The concrete classification requires that you have Worker’s Compensation Insurance on record with the CSLB. You would need to apply to add the classification back to your license and provide proof of Worker Comp insurance.
Q: Is there any limit to how many different specialty trades I can have on my license? I am a painting contractor, but I am considering adding drywall and plastering.
A: There is no limit to the number of classifications you can have attached to your license. You will be required to document at least four years of experience in each trade you are adding and of course pass the trade exams.
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