Understanding the Significance of a General Engineering License
A general engineering license is required for construction
jobs involving large engineering projects. This specific contract
classification focuses on fixed works that necessitate specialized engineering
knowledge and/or skills.
The typical projects that are under the contract scope include:
• Irrigation
• Drainage
• Water power
• Water supply
• Flood control
• Inland waterways
• Harbors
• Docks and wharves
• Shipyards and ports
• Dams and hydroelectric projects
• Levees
River control and reclamation works
• Railroads
• Highways
• Streets and roads
• Tunnels
• Airports and airways
• Sewers
Sewage disposal plants and systems
Waste reduction plants
Bridges
Overpasses and underpasses
Pipelines and other systems for the transmission of petroleum
Parks and playgrounds
Refineries
Utility plants and installations
Mines and metallurgical plants
Land leveling and earthmoving projects
Excavating, grading, trenching, and surface work
Cement and concrete work
Contractors who fall under general engineering primarily
work with fixed projects that require specialized engineering knowledge and
skill to be completed.
Acquiring a General Engineering Contractor License in California
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in California
requires anyone who contracts to perform work on a project valued at $500 or
more (including labour and materials) to hold a current and valid license.
These contracts allow workers to perform a wide range of both general and
engineering-specific skills that are often required on certain jobs.
To receive a full license, contractors must follow
five necessary steps:
Gain field experience
Before you can be considered for a general engineering
contractor license, the CSLB requires all workers to first provide proof
of relevant experience. Ahead of taking the licensure exam, a certification of
work experience must be approved by the state. This certificate must indicate
one of the two following things:
At least four years of journeyman-level experience or higher
in the classification for which they are applying.
Credits obtained through education in place of field
experience.
Know which type of license you need
It’s important to avoid confusing a Class A (general
engineering) license with the other two available options: Class B (general
building), and Class C (specialty). The licensure process differs for each of
these certifications. Before starting, make sure you are studying the correct
material for your specific exam.
Take the licensure exam
To demonstrate competence and capability, the CSLB requires
all licensees to complete an exam for their specific trade. This involves the
laws surrounding that trade as well, meaning all qualifying individuals must
first pass the Law and Business exam before seeking licensure.
Become bonded
Before the State of California will issue you a license, you
must first put forth a bond of $15,000. The bond acts as a guarantor,
protecting the consumer against any incomplete work, not done properly,
or poses a safety risk. Liability insurance must also be obtained before an
individual can be licensed.
Get Approved
Once the above steps are complete, you can fill out the
Application for Original Contractor’s license from the CSLB. Upfront, there is
a non-refundable $150 fee for the original license, and then a renewal fee of
$300 every two years.
After the board approves the application, you can begin
working under the allowances of a general engineering license.
The Essential Requirements for Licensing
To qualify for a General Engineering Contractor License in
California, an individual must fulfill all of the following requirements.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Show proof of the necessary field experience to perform the
project tasks.
• Have a minimum of four years of verifiable experience at the
journeyman level, or working as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor in the
classification being applied to.
• Secure the necessary bond to act as a safety guard once
approved.
There are no direct education requirements for a General
Engineering Contractor License. However, the individual is still expected to
have completed any training or education required to meet the journeyman level
within their specific trade.
Additional education may be considered by the CSLB in lieu
of work experience for up to three years. This may include trade-specific
vocational training or an applicable apprenticeship.
Effective Strategies for Exam Preparation
Leave Yourself Time
There’s nothing worse than trying to cram a bunch of
information into your head in a short time frame. If you are looking to be
approved for a General Engineering Contractor License, you will want to give
yourself plenty of time to study and prepare for the exam. Don’t leave it to
the last minute.
Repetition is Key
The CSLB study guide provides a comprehensive overview of
all the necessary components for your licensure exam. While it may be helpful
at first to study each section individually, it’s important to have a complete
understanding of everything.
Reviewing the study materials regularly will ensure that you
have an easier time recalling the information when it’s time for your exam.
Use Professional Resources
You are not expected to become fully self-taught overnight
when studying for the California Contractor License exam. Thus, there are many
resources available that are designed to make the process easier.
The CSLB study guides are accessible for anyone looking to
become licensed, offering support and valuable information from experts. This
will, hopefully, maximize your chances of passing and being approved.
Necessary Documentation for a Smooth Application Process
After confirming that you meet the requirements necessary to
take the General Engineering Contractor License in California application, it will be
time to get your documentation in order. A full set of paperwork must be
submitted with your license application to be approved by the state.
If anything is missing, then you will most likely be unsuccessful.
This documentation may include, but is not limited to:
• Personal financial statements
• Business financial statements
• Fingerprints
• A criminal background check
• Proof of a surety bond
• Insurance policy coverage
How to Avoid Pitfalls When Pursuing Your License
Ensure you meet the specific license requirements for the type of construction work you will be completing. These requirements may vary between residential and commercial jobs.
Certain trade personnel (such as electricians, HVAC workers,
etc.) are required to obtain state certification if they are not supervised by
a general contractor.
Keep in mind that some states require you to obtain the
necessary license before bidding on larger projects.
There are reciprocity agreements in place between some
states, which make it easier for licensed contractors to obtain a license in
another state.
Why apply for a General Engineering Contractor License in California?
Although the process of getting a General Engineering
Contractor License may seem complex, the benefits are undeniable. Once you
understand how the whole process works, it becomes much easier to navigate.
Becoming a licensed contractor not only ensures the consumer
receives high-quality work but also allows you to work on a wider range of
projects. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and reap the rewards that a
license can bring.
