Each license requires a qualifier who directly supervises and controls the construction operations conducted under the license. This person must be at least 18 years old and have four years of at least journey-level work experience in the last 10 years in the classification (specific trade) being applied for. The qualifier will need to take and pass the required exam(s) before CSLB can issue a license.
If you don’t meet these minimum qualifications, apply for a California Contractor License once you do. In the meantime, to work legally you must either choose someone else who meets the requirements to act as the qualifier or work for a licensed contractor until you meet the requirements
For more information review A Guide to Becoming a California Licensed Contractor.
A “qualifier” is the person listed in CSLB records who meets the experience and exam requirements for the license. A qualifier is required for every classification on each license CSLB issues.
The qualifier for a license must take and pass all required exams, as well as undergo a criminal background check. After the license is issued, the qualifier is responsible for exercising direct supervision and control of the employer’s (or principal’s) construction operations.
If the qualifier is an RME, they must be a bona fide employee of the firm and may not be the qualifier on any other active CSLB license. The RME must be permanently employed by the firm and actively engaged in the operation of the contracting business at least 32 hours per week or 80 percent of the total business operating hours per week, whichever is less.
Yes. But only if one of the following conditions exists:
Even if one of the above conditions exists, a person may act as the qualifier for no more than three firms in any one-year period.
Not necessarily. CSLB may deny a license if the criminal conviction is substantially related to the duties, functions, and qualifications of a contractor. However, even under such circumstances, CSLB may issue a license if the individual has demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation.