contractor licensing requirments

[TheCommish]

Greetings from Massachusetts,

I am looking for some information on how other states license contractors, specifically the testing requirements. Currently we have several classes of licenses.

CSL (Unrestricted), good for buildings up to 35000 cubic feet on the commercial side and any 1 or 2 family home irrespective of size. 75 test questions with 3 hour time limit, open book references; Massachusetts Building Code Amendments, 2009 International Building Code, Massachusetts Residential Code Amendments, 2009 International Residential Code, OSHA Part 1926, 2009 International Energy Code, Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations

CSL 1&2 Family (Restricted One and Two Family) good for any 1 or 2 family home irrespective of size. 60 test questions with 3 hour time limit, open book references; Massachusetts Residential Code Amendments, 2009 International Residential Code, OSHA Part 1926, 2009 International Energy Code

What we call specialty licenses, limited to those items

Masonry Only Construction Supervisor 50 questions—3-hour time limit

Residential Roof Covering Construction 35 questions—2-hour time limit

Residential Window and Siding Construction Supervisor 35 questions—2-hour time limit

Residential Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Construction Supervisor 35 questions—2-hour time limit

Demolition Construction Supervisor 35 questions—2-hour time limit

Link to whole bulletin http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/dps/appl/appl-bbrs-csl-cib-10-03-2011.pdf

Recently we have increase the first 2 categories to 75 questions and there is a discussion if 3 hours is enough time for 75 question, testing standards 1.5 munities is sufficient and we are allowing 2.4 minutes.

what say you all, thanks

 

[KZQuixote]

Hey Commish,

I hold an unrestricted CSL for Massachusetts. I commend you folks for realizing the difference between a desk jockey and a real, field supervisor. The only other place I've run into Construction Supervisors Licenses is in Colorado.Your CSL 1 & 2 Family must be a new license as I've never heard of it till now.

Regarding the times for the tests. Don't sweat it, I qualify many licenses and if I wasn't familiar with the local rules and laws more time to search out the answers wouldn't help.

Bill

 

[TheCommish]

I tested for unrestricted CSL and passed when they first came out, still maintain it; I am now in my 8th rear as an ICC CBO and MA. Certified Building Commissioner.

The reason I am asking is there is some rumbling in the field about the increased number of questions and not increasing the time limit. Currently the thinking is the applicant need to know their stuff or test for a lesser license. I am all for the knowledge needed to past any certification test, especially if a licensed contractor is calling me to ask how big and egress opening need to be after having a licensed for 20 years.

 

[mark handler]

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPamphlets/BlueprintForGettingLicensed.pdf

California Contractors State License Board

The CSLB issues licenses for the following classifications:

• Class “A”—General Engineering Contractor. The principal business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill.

• Class “B”—General Building Contractor. The principal business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts; however, framing or carpentry projects may be performed without limitation. In some instances, a general building contractor may take a contract for projects involving one trade only if the general

contractor holds the appropriate specialty license or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work.

• Class “C”—Specialty Contractor. There are 41 separate “C” license classifications for contractors whose construction work requires special skill and whose principal contracting business involves the use of specialized building trades or crafts. Manufacturers are considered to be contractors if engaged in on-site construction, alteration, or repair.

 

[KZQuixote]

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPamphlets/BlueprintForGettingLicensed.pdfCalifornia Contractors State License Board

The CSLB issues licenses for the following classifications:

• Class “A”—General Engineering Contractor. The principal business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill.

• Class “B”—General Building Contractor. The principal business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts; however, framing or carpentry projects may be performed without limitation. In some instances, a general building contractor may take a contract for projects involving one trade only if the general

contractor holds the appropriate specialty license or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work.

• Class “C”—Specialty Contractor. There are 41 separate “C” license classifications for contractors whose construction work requires special skill and whose principal contracting business involves the use of specialized building trades or crafts. Manufacturers are considered to be contractors if engaged in on-site construction, alteration, or repair.

"Manufacturers are considered to be contractors if engaged in on-site construction, alteration, or repair."

Not quite! Won that one several times in court already. Warranty repairs within the manufactured product provided at no cost to the property owner do not require licensing.

KZQ

 

[mark handler]

"Manufacturers are considered to be contractors if engaged in on-site construction, alteration, or repair." Not quite! Won that one several times in court already. Warranty repairs within the manufactured product provided at no cost to the property owner do not require licensing.

KZQ

In CA they require a contractor license

 

[KZQuixote]

In CA they require a contractor license

Hi Mark,

Been there, Won that already. In California!

Bill