Contractor Licensing FAQs

The Capitol Connection is our weekly Q & A column for contractors that focuses on topics pertaining to contractor's licensing.

CSLB Sunset Review, Veteran’s Assistance, Worker’s Comp & Compliance Update

Will the California State Contractor’s Board go ‘dark’ next year?  It all depends on the Legislature’s decision based on the ‘highlights’ of accomplishments for contractors and consumers in California… In November, the CSLB delivered its “Sunset Review Report” to the State Legislature and Governor.  Most Consumer Boards and Commissions have a “sunset” date (currently January 1,…

Read MoreCSLB Sunset Review, Veteran’s Assistance, Worker’s Comp & Compliance Update

SWIFT Justice, Underground Economy, Temporary Licenses & Unlicensed Advertising Rule

To keep consumers safe and squash unfair competition for contractors are two of the missions of the CSLB’s Enforcement Unit, better known as SWIFT. These agents scour the State of California looking for unlicensed individuals ‘acting’ as contractors to keep the underground economy in check while leveling the playing field for legitimate licensed contractors. As you…

Read MoreSWIFT Justice, Underground Economy, Temporary Licenses & Unlicensed Advertising Rule

Generals, College Credits, NV Reciprocity & “B-2” Rule

It might have been ‘either/or’ for our first contractor who will learn it’s really ‘neither/nor’ in his ‘General’ answer. An aspiring contractor discovers if his degree is experience enough for a license. We ‘renew’ the hopes of a contractor leaving the state that his license will ‘travel’ with him… Q:  I currently have a “B” General…

Read MoreGenerals, College Credits, NV Reciprocity & “B-2” Rule

Revoked & Joint Venture Licensing, “C-61” and Self-Employed Experience Credit

One thing often leads to another, and in some cases automatic cancellation of your license! We ‘C’ ‘two’ another contractor’s problem with adding a class without testing, while a contractor who lost his license learns how to ‘build’ a case for getting it back… Q:  I currently have both a Sole Owner license and a Joint…

Read MoreRevoked & Joint Venture Licensing, “C-61” and Self-Employed Experience Credit

Inc. in Business Name, Independent Contractor and LLC Members & Managers

A bowl of ‘alphabet soup’ results from the many acronyms that makeup titles, names and descriptions of a contractor’s potential roles in a company organization. Another ‘short’ question and we help a young contractor hoping to make a ‘name’ for himself… Q:  I understand the requirements for the RME (min. 32 hours per week, etc.) and…

Read MoreInc. in Business Name, Independent Contractor and LLC Members & Managers

Convicted Felon Licensing in CA, AZ & NV, Background Checks, Fingerprinting and Criminal Disclosure Statements

While law is law, what makes our American way great is everyone is entitled to an opinion. Let’s be clear, I am not an attorney. However, when you break the law, did your time and paid your fine, you can find a second chance if fear and extra paperwork does not deter you… Q:  I recently…

Read MoreConvicted Felon Licensing in CA, AZ & NV, Background Checks, Fingerprinting and Criminal Disclosure Statements

NV JV Licensing, License Piggybacking, Experience Credit Documentation and Ownership Changes

A ‘no way, no how’ gets us started on this round of contractor “Q&A.” We find a short answer in a very long question for a North Carolina contractor interested in ‘rolling the dice’ on a new venture in Nevada. And, a license applicant shows us why you keep copies of all your paperwork…   Q: …

Read MoreNV JV Licensing, License Piggybacking, Experience Credit Documentation and Ownership Changes

Lost a Qualifier, Reporting False Qualifier, Bond Transfers and New Extension of License Reciprocity

Your Qualifier just called and quit, what now? We ‘bond’ with a young contractor who is following in his father’s footsteps.  We ‘re-member’ rules on a ‘limited’ question about names, but first new law brings new opportunity for contractors ready to travel…   Q:  One of my subcontractors recently obtained his Arizona license and he didn’t…

Read MoreLost a Qualifier, Reporting False Qualifier, Bond Transfers and New Extension of License Reciprocity