What experience qualifies for the contractor’s examination.
You must have at least four (4) years of experience, in the class you are applying for, to qualify to take the examination.
Credit for experience is given only for experience at the journeyman level or as a foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder.
These are defined as follows:
A journeyman is a person who is a fully qualified, experienced worker (as opposed to a trainee, helper, laborer, assistant, apprentice, etc.) and is able to perform the trade without supervision, or a person who has completed an apprenticeship program.
A foreman or supervising employee is a person who has the knowledge and skills of a journeyman and directly supervises physical construction.
A contractor is a person who is currently a licensed California contractor, a former licensed California contractor, personnel of record on a California license, or an out-of-state licensed contractor. A contractor has the skills necessary to manage the daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision.
An owner-builder is a person who has the knowledge and skills of a journeyman and who performs work on his or her own property. Owner-builders must complete and submit a Construction Project Experience form for each project.
REMEMBER all experience claims must be verified by a qualified and responsible person, such as an employer, contractor, foreman/supervisor, union representative, building inspector, architect, or engineer.
The person verifying your claim must have firsthand knowledge of your experience--that is, he or she must have observed the work that you have done--and must complete the experience certification portion of the application.
Even if you provide a certification of your experience, be prepared to furnish documentation of any experience you claim on the application whenever such documentation is requested.
The failure to provide this documentation will result in the return or voiding of your application or denial of the license.
A listing of Acceptable Supporting Experience Documentation will help you understand what types of documentation may be appropriate.
Educational Requirements
You do not have to meet any education requirements in order to qualify for a contractor's license. review, and apply by following the following links
Program Details
Program Admission Requirements
Program Application