Steps To Get Licensed From A Contractors License School In Los Angeles

By Patrick Mahmoud

When you want to make your living in the construction business, you have to lay the groundwork. First you need a comprehensive business plan and a detailed budget. The cost of getting your licenses and certifications need to be an line item in your budget. A Contractors License School In Los Angeles can give you some practical guidelines.

In California, any job that is valued at over five hundred dollars requires licensing. That value includes labor and materials. Licenses are issued to individuals, corporations, and partnerships and includes general, specialty, and subcontractors. You may be able to get reciprocal licensing if you have had an active license in Utah, Arizona, or Nevada for at least five years.

You must complete an approved application. There are three ways to do this. If you are comfortable on a computer, you could complete the form online and print it. If you're more comfortable working by hand, you can print out the form and fill it in. For those without access to the internet, calling to request a form in the mail is an option. You must use blue or black ink when filling out the form manually.

In order for the state board to consider your application, you must be at least eighteen years of age and have a valid Social Security Number. You will be required to pass a Department of Justice and FBI background check. This requires getting your fingerprints scanned. Most police departments and sheriff's offices will do this for a small fee.

You will need to show you have journeyman experience by completing a Certificate of Work Experience. Each construction job you have completed must be described on a separate form. There is a form for disclosure statements regarding any criminal convictions, or pleas, on your record. Even charges that were dismissed must be included.

The licensing board will not accept your application unless you have workers' compensation insurance, or an exemption. When you suffer from learning disabilities and need special accommodations during the exam, there is a form to fill out for that. You might have to get doctor's letter outlining your situation.

Processing the application will cost you three hundred thirty dollars. Certified funds in that amount must accompany your application. The FBI check costs about seventeen dollars. The Department of Justice check is thirty-two. These fees may vary depending on who does the fingerprint scanning.

You've got to get at least sixty-seven percent on your exam to pass. You will have better luck passing it on your first try if you take a course either in the classroom or online, offered by a reputable school. Courses include manuals and practice tests.

There is a lot of money to be made in the construction business. When you've got a knack for this kind of work, getting licensed and bonded is your first step in starting your own company. Your initial investment is fairly minimal compared to the money you can make once you are set up.

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