So who should certify your CSLB experience and who shouldn't?
And how should your trade experience be outlined on the license application.
Other questions are:
Who should certify your CSLB experience?
You only need one unless your certifier is not certifying a full four year period. If you have one certifier that has first-hand knowledge of only two years of experience, then you would need a second certifier to cover the remaining two years. Submitting more than one work experience page for the same time period with different certifiers is not a benefit to you. It does not increase your chances of the application being accepted (aka "posted").
Can your dad, mom, uncle, or brother be your certifier?
Yes. As long as they have first-hand knowledge of your experience and are qualified to know if your experience is at the journeyman level. The title they would select would most likely be "Business Associate" unless they are licensed. Then you would select the Contractor box and enter their license number.
What if you can't use your employer as your certifier because it might put your employment status in jeopardy?
You could use a fellow employee or foreman/supervisor as your certifier. Submit a letter with your application stating that you do not want the CSLB contacting the employer directly because it could jeopardize your employment. The CSLB isn't in the business of getting people fired from their jobs.
How should your trade experience be outlined on the license application?
The application states: "In the space below, list all specific trade duties applicant performed or supervised in the classification for which he/she is applying."
This implies that the certifier has to fill out the experience outline. Although the implication is there, it is acceptable for you to complete the experience outline and have your certifier sign-off on it.
The outline should be generic, straight forward, and trade specific. Begin the outline with "Experience includes... " Then describe the trade duties you perform/supervise on a daily basis. Do not list administrative duties. These include, reading plans, getting permits, contacting clients, etc.
So who should certify your CSLB experience and who shouldn't?
Hopefully I've laid it out in a way that explains it in a clearer, more understandable way.
And how should your trade experience be outlined on the license application.
Other questions are:
- How many certifiers do I need?
- Can my dad, mom, uncle, or brother be my certifier?
Who should certify your CSLB experience?
- If you are submitting experience as an employee, do not check the "self-employed" box in Line two. Enter the employer's business name, license number, and business address. The certifier in this case could be the license holder, officer on the license, foreman or supervisor, fellow employee, or anyone who has first-hand knowledge of that experience.
- If you are submitting experience as self-employed, do check the "self-employed" box in Line two, and leave the employer name, license number, address boxes blank. The certifier in this case could be a business associate, another journeyman, or a contractor listed in the same classification or above. I would avoid checking the "client" box because most people are not working for the same client 40 hours a week for four years. If you are, you should probably be on the payroll.
You only need one unless your certifier is not certifying a full four year period. If you have one certifier that has first-hand knowledge of only two years of experience, then you would need a second certifier to cover the remaining two years. Submitting more than one work experience page for the same time period with different certifiers is not a benefit to you. It does not increase your chances of the application being accepted (aka "posted").
Can your dad, mom, uncle, or brother be your certifier?
Yes. As long as they have first-hand knowledge of your experience and are qualified to know if your experience is at the journeyman level. The title they would select would most likely be "Business Associate" unless they are licensed. Then you would select the Contractor box and enter their license number.
What if you can't use your employer as your certifier because it might put your employment status in jeopardy?
You could use a fellow employee or foreman/supervisor as your certifier. Submit a letter with your application stating that you do not want the CSLB contacting the employer directly because it could jeopardize your employment. The CSLB isn't in the business of getting people fired from their jobs.
How should your trade experience be outlined on the license application?
The application states: "In the space below, list all specific trade duties applicant performed or supervised in the classification for which he/she is applying."
This implies that the certifier has to fill out the experience outline. Although the implication is there, it is acceptable for you to complete the experience outline and have your certifier sign-off on it.
The outline should be generic, straight forward, and trade specific. Begin the outline with "Experience includes... " Then describe the trade duties you perform/supervise on a daily basis. Do not list administrative duties. These include, reading plans, getting permits, contacting clients, etc.
So who should certify your CSLB experience and who shouldn't?
Hopefully I've laid it out in a way that explains it in a clearer, more understandable way.
If you have questions regarding this topic, feel free to contact me. And remember, I do offer an application review service for only $50.
Phil Cocciante is the only former California Contractors State License Board application technician in the licensing industry within California. He worked in the building trades for 6 years prior to working at the CSLB for 5 years. His company, Contractors License Service, offers up-to-date study materials with online practice exams, application and document preparation and review, and consulting. You can contact Phil at
Phil Cocciante is the only former California Contractors State License Board application technician in the licensing industry within California. He worked in the building trades for 6 years prior to working at the CSLB for 5 years. His company, Contractors License Service, offers up-to-date study materials with online practice exams, application and document preparation and review, and consulting. You can contact Phil at
