How to Get an Electrical Contractor License in California
California law requires contractors entering into contracts for home improvement projects that exceed $500 in value be licensed by California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB offers 41 specialty licenses, one of which is the C-10 license that is required for electrical contractors. Working without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine of $15,000.
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Instructions
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Satisfy the minimum requirements for becoming a licensed electrical contractor in California. The CSLB requires that all applicants be at least 18 years old, have $2,500 in operating capital and have four years of experience working as a journeyman electrician, job foreman, or as an owner-builder. A journeyman electrician is someone who has worked as an apprentice to a license contractor and is able to perform the work of an electrician without supervision. An owner-builder is someone who gained experience by working on his own property.
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Complete and submit the Application for Original Contractor’s License and Certification of Work Experience, along with a check or money order for the $250 application fee. You can obtain these by calling the CSLB or by going to its website (see Resources) and clicking on the “Forms and Applications” link on the left side of the homepage.
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Pass two examinations. The first examination covers basic business law, while the second one tests your knowledge as an electrician.
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Submit to Live Scan fingerprinting. California law requires all applicants for a contractor’s license to have their fingerprints submitted to the FBI and Department of Justice. You will receive a Request for Live Scan Service at the same time you receive the Notice to Appear for Examination. Complete the applicant information section of the forms and take three copies to a Live Scan location. The fingerprint technician will keep one copy and the other two will be returned to you with a stamp showing you completed the scan.
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Purchase a contractor’s license bond and workers compensation insurance. California requires all contractors to purchase a contractor’s license bond to protect consumers against contractors who violate the California Contractor’s License Law. As of 2010, the bond must be for at least $12,500.
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Send proof of insurance and one copy of the completed Request for Live Scan Service to the CSLB. Upon receipt, the CSLB will mail you your license.
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Tips & Warnings
Use only black or blue ink when completing your paperwork
Disclose all criminal convictions on your application. Failure to do so can result in the automatic rejection of your application.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit electrician image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
