Building California Contractor

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) was established in 1929 as the Contractors License Bureau under the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards. Today it is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). DCA is part of the California State and Consumer Services Agency.

The CSLB licenses and regulates contractors in 43 classifications that constitute the construction industry.

As of September 1, 2009, there were 312,037 licensed contractors in the state. The CSLB also registers Home Improvement Salespersons (HIS). As of September 1, 2009, there were 6,997 HIS.

The top 10 licensing classifications, in order of active licenses issued by CSLB on September 1, 2009 are:

1. "B" General Building Contractor - 116,671
2. "C-10" Electrical - 26,019
3. "C-33" Painting and Decorating - 17,643
4. "A" General Engineering Contractor - 16,451
5. "C-36" Plumbing - 15,497
6. "C-27" Landscaping - 11,716
7. "C-20" Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning - 11,501
8. "C-15" Flooring and Floor Covering - 7,958
9. "C-8" Concrete - 7,001
10. "C-54" Tile - 6,823

A 15-member board appoints the CSLB's executive officer, or Registrar of Contractors, and directs administrative policy for the agency's operations. This board includes nine public members (eight non-contractors and one local building official), five contractors and one labor representative. Appointments are made by the Governor and the Legislature.

The Registrar oversees approximately more than 400 employees, who are distributed among the headquarters office in Sacramento and field offices throughout the state.

CSLB's headquarters office receives and processes applications for new licenses, additional classifications, changes of license records, and license renewals. Headquarters staff review and maintain records of disciplinary actions initiated by the regional offices and provide other support services. This office also provides the verified certificates of licensure used in court or other actions. The status of licensure is also made available. Headquarters directs the activities of the field offices and initiates all disciplinary actions resulting from their investigations. Field office staff investigate consumer complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors. In fiscal year 2007/08 CSLB obtained more than $35.2 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

The CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) focuses on the underground economy and on unlicensed contractors. This unit conducts stings and sweeps to help curtail illegal contracting by citing those who are not licensed. SWIFT conducts on the average of one undercover sting operation per week somewhere in California.

The CSLB holds regularly scheduled public meetings throughout the state. These meetings provide the public an opportunity to testify on agenda items and other issues.

In 2009, the CSLB celebrates its 80th anniversary of protecting California consumers.

CSLB's Mission Statement

The Contractors State License Board protects consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction.

The Contractors State License Board will accomplish this by:

• Ensuring that construction is performed in a safe, competent and professional manner;
• Licensing contractors and enforcing licensing laws;
• Requiring that any person practicing or offering to practice construction contracting be licensed;
• Enforcing the laws, regulations and standards governing construction contracting in a fair and uniform manner;
• Providing resolution to disputes that arise from construction activities; and
• Educating consumers so that they make informed choices.

External links

• California Contractors State License Board Web Site
• CSLB Licensing Classifications
• Check Status of Contractor's License
• CSLB Newsroom (Press Releases, etc.)
• List of Current Board Members
• Board Meeting Calendar

References

Online License and Exam-Prep Center

Which of the following is NOT included in the earthwork stage of construction? Excavation and filling to make way for the building; Backfilling after the building has been ...

...

CBPCA California Building Performance Contractors Association home

CONTRACTORS: CBPCA helps contractors build and grow their green contracting business through training in home performance principles, business marketing, and sales. We also provide ...

...

California Building contractors, CA Home Builders

California Building contractors, CA Home Builders directory listed by Findaho. Covers California Building contractors and Home Builders in major cities of CA.

...

Contractor Licensing - California General Building Contractor License ...

Contractor Licensing offers contractor license exam review classes,seminars,free practice tests,online training,study guides and a reference bookstore.

...

California building code

... Amendments and LA City Binders) along with the California Building Code (2-Volume Set Title 24 Part 2) and save over $30! Below are the details on the codes. California Contractor ...

...

Find BBB Accredited Construction Companies near California Hot Springs ...

Find BBB Accredited Construction Companies near California Hot Springs, CA - your guide to trusted California Hot Springs, CA Construction Companies, recommended and BBB Accredited ...

...

California Custom Home Builders - Free Quotes for Customer Home ...

Get custom quotes from California home builders with NeedContractor.com. Only select the best estimate from your given bids and be sure to be ready to get started on your custom ...

...

California Building Performance Contractors Association - What does ...

Acronym Definition; CBPCA: California Building Performance Contractors Association

...

California

Ackland International, Inc., an engineering and construction company, was established in 1980. Design-build services provided include civil and structural engineering; surveying ...

...

License Details - Licensed Occupations - America's Career InfoNet

General Building Contractor : License ... and the Board's publication entitled, "Blueprint for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor ...

...