Tag Archives: Contractors License Exam

Contractors State License Services hosts Open House statewide in recognition of Earth Day and Green Construction

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http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/

 Contractors State License Services hosts Open House statewide in recognition of Earth Day and Green Construction.

 Contractors State License Services (CSLS) will be hosting an open house at all school locations throughout California on April 29th, 2011 in recognition of Earth Day and Green Construction.  A variety of speakers and vendors offering construction related information; green products and construction business services are scheduled at 20 plus locations throughout the state. CSLS and strategic partners are working together to educate Contractors and Construction workers on available services and products that can help them take advantage of value-added green offerings that they can integrate into their construction business. “Green construction starts with getting your contractor’s license so assisting students and graduates to get connected in this growing part of the industry is a wonderful opportunity for Contractors”, says David Mizener, CSLS CEO.

At many of the Contractors State License Services school locations Green industry experts, speakers and vendors will participate including American Home Inspection Training (AHIT), Home Depot, HD Supply, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Global HVAC/Ruud, Lowes, Harbor Freight Tools, Jem Industrial Coatings, CBIA Insurance Services, Ewaste Recycler, Contractor Manager, Deep Blue Pool Service, Corp 911 and Solar Seminars.

For this event topics of discussion will cover Zero VOC Paint products, Green insulation, Energy Audit Training, Solar Installation, Sustainable building, Energy Tax Rebates for consumers, Energy efficient appliances, Tankless water heaters, Greenscaping including native landscaping, and much more.  CSLS will also present information on the recently required EPA-Renovation, Repair and Painting certification. Promotions, giveaways and special offers will also be part of this statewide event. Schedules and presenters vary by location. For details on individual school events interested contractors can contact the corporate offices at Contractor State License Services 800-331-4691.

  About CSLS (http://contractorslicensingschools.com/) @contractorslic  #Contractors#License

Contractors State License Services (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 25 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. In fact, 1 in 3 applicants to the California State Licensing Board (CSLB) have used CSLS to successfully pass the exam. Contractors State License Services 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. Contractors State License Services also provides CSLS Contractors with Business Development Services to assist in every aspect of sustaining a strong Construction Business. These include Bonds, Corporation Services, DBA’s, Application Processing, Fingerprint Services, Home Inspection training courses, BPI Energy Audit training courses, NAPCEP Solar PV Photovoltaic Installer training courses, Locksmithing training courses, and Insurance Services.

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Avoid the Pinch…CSLB Fee Increase coming soon!

CSLB Fee Increase avoid it with a Contractors License now

July is steadily approaching which means fee increases from the CSLB for a Contractors License associated fees is also approaching sooner than you think. Start now in a qualified Contractors Licensing program such as the In School Law & Trade program with CSLS and avoid the pinch.  Details from the CSLB outlined to give you an idea of how enrolling now can save you from the big pinch.

Office of Administrative Law Approves CSLB Fee Increase

New fee schedule begins July 1, 2011

SACRAMENTO – Contractors State License Board (CSLB) application, licensing and registration fees transition to a new schedule on July 1, 2011, following action taken by the state Office of Administrative Law (OAL) in 2010. CSLB fees had remained the same since 1993. OAL approved increases that would represent the statutory maximum that was set by the Legislature in 2002 in response to the Enforcement Monitor report that called for increased resources for CSLB’s enforcement program.  The increase will help assure that CSLB is able to uphold its mandated protection of California consumers and the integrity of the construction industry.

 
Fee Current Amount New Amount  Increase % Increase
Application for Original Contractor License $250.00 $300.00 $50.00 20%
Application to Add a Supplemental Classification or to Replace the Responsible Managing Officer or Employee on an Existing License $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Rescheduling an Examination $50.00 $60.00 $10.00 20%
Initial License Fee $150.00 $180.00 $30.00 20%
Renewal – Contractor License (Biennial) $300.00 $360.00 $60.00 20%
Renewal – 4-Year Inactive License $150.00 $180.00 $30.00 20%
Reactivate Contractor License $300.00 $360.00 $60.00 20%
Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) Registration Fee $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Asbestos Certification Fee $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Hazardous Substance Removal Certificate $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Delinquent Renewal – Contactor License /1 $150.00 $180.00 $30.00 20%
Delinquent Renewal – 4-Year Inactive License /1 $75.00 $90.00 $15.00 20%
Delinquent Renewal – HIS Registration /1 $25.00 $37.50 $12.50 50%

/1 Delinquent renewal fees are not included in the proposed regulation because B&P Code Section 7137 (f) sets the delinquency fee as a percentage of the applicable renewal fee: “The delinquency fee is an amount equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee, if the license is renewed after its expiration.”

STEPS TO BECOMING A LICENSED CONTRACTOR IN CALIFORNIA:What You Need To Know

What You Need To Know About Becoming A Licensed Contractor


Wondering how to become a Licensed Contractor or if you need to be Licensed? The following are the top questions we hear and answer guiding you and our students through becoming a Licensed Contractor successfully.

Who can become a licensed contractor?
A licensed contractor must be 18 years of age or older and have the experience and skills necessary to manage daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision, or be represented by a qualifying individual with the necessary experience and skills.

Who must be licensed as a contractor?
All businesses or individuals, who construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation, or other structure in California, must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board if the total cost (labor and materials) of one or more contracts on the project is $500 or more. Contractors must be licensed before submitting bids.

How much does a license cost?
In addition to the financial requirements that must be met, it costs $250 for an original application fee (nonrefundable) and $150 for the initial license fee for one classification. The license must be renewed every two years. Currently, the renewal fee is $300.

How can you apply?
The Application for Original Contractor’s License is available at any office of the Contractors State License Board. It is also possible to order or download an application form from our Website, www.cslb.ca.gov, call the CSLB’s 24-hour automated information line, (800) 321-CSLB (2752), or write to the CSLB, at: P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826, to request an application.

What kind of experience is required?
At least four years of journey-level experience is required to qualify for the exam. Credit is given for experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder.

What are the other requirements?
All applicants must be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check before a license is issued at an additional cost to the applicant.

Is there an examination requirement for a contractor’s license?
Yes, the qualifying individual for a contractor’s license is required to pass law and trade examinations, unless he or she meets the requirements for a waiver. An examination notice will be sent at least three weeks prior to the examination date.

Is school necessary?
Although there are no educational requirements to qualify for a contractor’s license, it is highly encouraged to seek assistance from a school that specializes in helping students pass the Contractor State License Board Exam.

For more detailed information on becoming a California licensed contractor, see the CSLB publication, Blueprint
for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor or visit our Website, www.cslb.ca.gov or visit MakeMeAContractor.com for more information today.

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11 Best Construction Books to Read in 2010 and 2011

Top 10 Construction Books to Read in 2010 & 2011


Here at CSLS our Instructors are often times asked for helpful tips on how to run a successful Construction business once a Contractor has earned his/her Contractors License. We love this question and typically will point our students in several directions to obtain the best tips. What we also do is suggest that our students follow best practices in developing a successful construction business. In doing so we found that many successful entrepreneurs maintain ongoing training and development to continuously sharpen the saw (no pun intended). In fact, an old quote says “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” With that said we have found most of our best book sellers are those that provide current Construction industry news, best practices, and tips. The construction profession is fortunate to have a multitude of counselors who are willing to share their insights with their peers. Above is Contractors State License Services/CSLS’ selection of the best books to read for any construction professional or for those that aspire to enter the construction profession. We have diligently outlined books to help you improve your construction business, skill-set, understanding, and increase your customer’s value in your construction business. The top 10 books plus the bonus book aims to provide valuable ideas and tips if applied correctly will help you increase your construction business effectiveness.

Take a look at great books such as Blue Print Reading, Code Check Complete, Contractor’s Survival Guide, Construction Forms & Contracts, and Construction Estimating Reference Data.

Find out more at our Bookstore!
http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/online-store-books.cfm