Contractors State License Board ripping off contractors for more money in fees Ripoff Sacramento California

Robert was right about one thing: The CSLB is one of the most incompetant, unclear, and difficult agencies to deal with in the state of California. I encourage everyone who has read Mari's rebutal to consider the source: she earns her paycheck as a government employee and depends on these outrageous and ludicrous fees to supply her paycheck. She decieivingly  mentions above one fee of $250. This is how the CSLB reals applicants in- only to put them through months of waiting, repeated requests for documentation and when you supply what they ask for, they ask for more...That is the tip of the iceburg. My husband, who has 10 years of building experience, whose father is also a licensed contractor, and who passed the rigorous exam months ago- still has not recieved his license. We have spent dozens of hours trying to complete the process and tons of money including the following costs: Exam Preparation Course ($800), travelling to Modesto to take Exam ($500 in travel costs), Live Scan Fee (about $20), Application fee ($250), requirement to obtain $12,000 bond. Another $150 fee.  If I had realized what a nightmare dealing with the CSLB would be, I would have never encouraged my husband to obtain his license in California. In my opinion, this is yet another way the state of California extorts substantial amounts of money from honest people trying to do the right thing.

So, here is my suggestion to would be contractors: Practice your trade in a state that treats you with respect and has a sane,  honest and clear application and licensing process. We have now decided we are better off moving out of state. The state of California is driving away skilled trade professionals (and their college educated tax paying spouses) because of their greed and incompetence. It is a shame for California.

Dear CSLB,

Here is an idea. Follow this simple process:

1. Have an individual fill out your form and submit to a live scan background check for $20. process and reply to applicant within 30 days. If they pass, allow them to:

2. Pay application fee of $150 and take the exam.

3. If they pass the  exam: Here is a concept:

4. approve the license immediately contingent upon them posting the required bond.

"Robert" should check his facts before memorializing them for all to see. First of all, if he was listed on a partnership license, the law clearly states(as it has for at least the last 30 years) that once partnerships are established they cannot be modified. Hence the reason he would need to apply for a separate license. Also, I'm guessing and reading between the lines a little, that Robert may have wanted to start his own business anyway or else applying for a new license wouldn't be an issue. Also, the law regarding a waiver of the exam has always stated that waivers are to be granted at the discrection of the Registrar. Given the facts that Robert probably presented during his "phone" conversation, a waiver of the exam may be considered if he has had five years of experience performing the duties of a contractor - that means full knowledge of laws, rules, regulations and the specific trade category. A lot of people tailor their questions to obtain the answer they're seeking. The only way to know for sure, as I'm sure he was instructed, is to submit an applciation for review. The partership license would also have had to be current and in good standing during that a period of five years out of the last seven, i.e. renewed on time, current bond, no legal actions, etc. With regard to Robert's comment that the Board wanted him to resubmit a new application and take the test all over again, well, that's simply not accurate. The Board may have sent back the application for corrections or additional work experience, if necessary, and given him 90 days to comply before the application became void. Maybe, he failed to respond within the time frame, which, indicentially can be extended with a request Also, once an individual has passed the exams, he would not be required to retake them unless a time period of five years had lapsed. P.S. the "tons" of fees to which he refers is only $250.00. Maybe it's best that you wait a little longer before getting your license and your facts straight....I'm sure your future customers and the CSLB investigators would appreciate it.