How to Get a Handyman License in California

Is There Such A Thing As A Handyman License?

Are you a handyman in California and want to get your contractor license? You came to the right place!

As you surely know, almost every type of construction or home improvement worker in California is required to have a Contractor State License Board contractors license to practice their profession. Everyone from engineers to roofers is required to have one. But what about handymen?

We’re going to break the news to you right off the bat: there is no Contractors State License Board contractors license for people who do handyman jobs or maintenance workers.

In many ways, that’s good news! You save money on pricey licensing fees, bonds and insurance costs, and all of the legal red tape that comes with costly construction.

The downside is that there is a limit to how much you can make as a maintenance worker or handyman without a license – so you may be thinking about taking on larger jobs that may require a license.

Let’s explore more about how a handyman can take advantage of a contractor’s license.

When Do You Need A Contractor’s License?

In California, a handyman can legally undertake jobs without a license, but only if the combined labor and material cost is less than $500.

For projects exceeding this amount, a contractor’s license is required. It’s important to note that splitting a larger project into smaller parts to avoid licensing requirements is prohibited​​​.

What Kind Of Contractors License Does A Handyman Need?

If you plan to handle projects over $500, you need a CSLB license in whatever trade or profession the job is.

For example, if you are doing AC work, you need an HVAC license; if you’re pouring concrete, you need a concrete license, and so on.

However, the contractor license that makes the most sense for handymen or maintenance workers is a Class B General Building Contractor license.

This license covers a broad range of construction and remodeling activities. With a Class B License, you can perform a variety of general construction tasks from painting to carpentry and beyond.

Read our guide on the Class B License to learn more.

Requirements to Obtain a Contractors’ License in California

  • Journeyman-Level Experience: Aspiring handymen need at least 4 years of journeyman-level experience in their chosen trade, which can be verified by a licensed contractor or other experts.
  • Submit An Application: Complete the contractor’s license application on the CSLB website.
  • Exams: Pass the dreaded CSLB exam, which covers various aspects of construction, safety, and project management, in addition to contractor law and business.
  • Fees: Pay the required licensing fees. These fees are extensive and can add up quickly. See our article for a full rundown.
  • Bonds & Insurance: You must have a contractors’ bond and workers’ compensation insurance to get a contractor license from the CSLB.
  • Background Check: The CSLB will perform a federal background check and a fingerprint check. All applicants’ backgrounds are taken on a case-by-case basis, so don’t be discouraged if, for example, you’re a felon.

Additional Certifications and Training

With a contractor’s license, the scope of projects you can take on as a handyman or maintenance worker expands greatly. You can leverage this new power by strengthening your clients’ trust further in the form of certifications.

Here are some certifications in particular that dovetail nicely with handyman work. Many of these are important to ensure the health and safety of not only yourself but your employees and clients.

  • EPA RRP Lead Safety Certification: This certification is crucial for handling projects involving lead paint​​ – making sure you’re not inhaling or ingesting any carcinogens in the process of removal.
  • Mold Remediation Certification: A valuable certification for handymen, given the health risks associated with mold. Black mold in general is extremely commonplace in the US at the moment, which creates an opportunity for handymen to step in.
  • Professional Home Inspection Certificate: Useful for identifying potential issues in homes, an advantageous skill for handymen involved in property maintenance and repair​.

Conclusion

While California doesn’t have a specific handyman license, anyone undertaking significant repair or remodeling work should consider obtaining a contractor’s license – specifically a general contractor license.

By getting a Class B general contractor license, a handyman or maintenance worker can exponentially expand their offerings to individuals and businesses, to the point where you’re basically starting a new career entirely – without having to really do anything!

Additional Resources

For further details and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the California Contractors State License Board and explore training courses and certification programs relevant to the handyman profession.

This entry was posted in Construction, Contractor Jobs, CSLB News, Tips on by .

About CSLS

Contractors State License Service (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 23 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. From our main offices in Southern California, CSLS operates over 25 locations with full-service support and classrooms. We have grown to this extent by providing quality, professional services. In comparison, this provides 7 times the number of convenient locations than the second largest contractor school. Contractors State License Services is one of the only contractor schools in the state that is run by educators, not lawyers or people mostly interested in the bonding and insurance business. Contractors State License Services formerly operated under the oversight of the State of California's Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education. As of January 1 2010, the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) came into existence replacing the BPPVE. CSLS now operates under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (CPPEA), Article 4 Section 94874(f). Our Mission is simple; We can help you pass your California Contractors License Exam. Celebrating our 25th year, CSLS has helped over 120,000 students pass the California contractor licensing exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California. Additionally, we offer complete home study and online contractor’s license programs to help you pass your California contractors license exam. CSLS offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including General Engineering Contractor, General Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, Insulation and Acoustical Contractor, Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor, Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor, Concrete Contractor, Drywall Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Elevator Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. For a complete list of contractor licenses, visit www.MakeMeAContractor.com and tuned for more informative posts.