What Is a C-17 License?
The C-17 License is the classification required in the state of California for all persons looking to bid on glazing projects where the cost of labor and materials is over $500.
What does a Glazing Contractor do?
Generally, a glazing contractor’s duties would include:
- Glass door and window repair
- Retrofitting, performing calculations, evaluating plans, bidding, and estimation
- Installation of structural and plate glass
- Operating a variety of power tools including power vacuums, glass handling booms, glass sings, and cutoff machines
- Cutting and shaping of glass
- Installing and retrofitting windows for skyscrapers
- Replacing Shower Windows
- Creating invoices, hiring, handling contracts, accounting, and bookkeeping
- Maintaining a safe job site
To get the C-17 license you have to be familiar with all aspects of the glazing trade
Jobs you can do with a C-17 license!
Subcontractors Explained
Contractors that hold the C-17 license can work in a variety of settings.
- They may install or shape glass windows as part of a customized project for a client.
- They may also be subcontracted by a General Contractor who has placed a bid on a project that includes glazing.
A General Contractor would oversee that the glass contractor has executed their duties safely.
Check out this article for an in-depth look at the General Contractor License.
Online Practice Exams and Study Guides
The CSLB
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the governing body for all contractors in the state of California.
Their sole responsibility is to protect the consumer public and ensure that anyone charging over $500 for construction services is qualified and registered with the state of California.
The C-17 License is issued to glazing contractors by the CSLB.
The CSLB administers applications, exams, and maintains a database of all active and inactive contractor license numbers which are public domain.
How to get your C-17 License
To get a C-17 license in California, you have to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid Driver's License or USA Issued Identification
- Have a Social Security or ITIN #
- Not Currently be on probation or parole
You must also have:
- 4 Years Journey Level Experience
- A Certifier to sign off on your experience
- A way to prove your experience if the state asks for documentation
What is Journey Level Experience?
Journeyman-level experience means that you have worked unsupervised full-time for a glazing company, or for a contractor that holds the C-17 License.
- A journeyman glass contractor can perform all of the duties associated with his or her trade.
The CSLB will want to see four full-time years over the last ten years. The years do not need to be consecutive, but they do need to be four years in total.
Signature of a Certifier
A certifier can be any of the following:
- Licensed General Contractor
- C-17 License Holder
- Fellow Employee (within the last 10 years)
- Former Supervisor (within the last 10 years)
- Business Associate
- Fellow Journeyman
- Union Representative
Proving Your Work Experience for the C-17 License
You must be prepared to submit documentation supporting the experience you claim to have. The Contractors State License Board gives you a few ways that you can prove your experience.
- Tax Returns
- Check Stubs
- Contracts
- Material Order Invoices or Receipts
The CSLB receives thousands of applications per month so there is a good chance they won’t document your experience but if you are one of the applicants that get reviewed you will need to be ready to submit something.
The CSLB does not accept pictures of projects.
Filling out the C-17 License Application
- Your Qualifying Individual will also need to provide a brief but detailed description of your glazing knowledge and skillset.
- The way this description is written will be critical to whether or not your application is accepted.
- For example:
“Bob is a nice guy he replaced the windows in my bathroom” will not be enough for the CSLB.
The CSLB will want to see something like: “Bob has used drills, smoothers, polishers, has cut and installed insulated glass”.
Application Processing, Fees, and Criminal History
The time it takes to get your application processed and assigned a test date fluctuates throughout the year. Typically you can expect:
- 6-8 Week Application Processing Time
- 3-4 Week wait for an Exam date
I have seen situations where applicants got their test date sooner and somewhere they got their test date much later.
The most common reasons your application would get held up are:
- Time of year (processing time slows down during the holidays)
- Criminal History
- Proving Experience
- Mistakes on your application
Application Costs for the C-17 License
The Current CSLB fees are:
- State Application Fee
- License Activation Fee
- Fingerprinting
- Bond Fee (What is a Construction Bond?)
Can you get a Contractors License with a Felony in California?
Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a C-17 License. I have personally helped guys with all types of criminal records obtain multiple licenses.
The key is, to be honest on the application, even if the felony or misdemeanor happened years ago and even if it was expunged.
See the CSLB's verbiage below:
Just because you have been convicted of a crime does not automatically mean
your application will be denied. CSLB's Criminal Background Unit (CBU) reviews
all criminal convictions to determine if the crime is substantially related to
the duties, qualifications, and/or functions of a contractor. Since no two
conviction records are the same, they are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The
criteria used by CSLB include whether the crime shows the present or potential
unfitness of an applicant or licensee to perform the functions authorized by
the license in a manner consistent with the public health, safety, or welfare.
In addition, CSLB reviews and considers any evidence of rehabilitation
submitted by the applicant or licensee. Please see the above link to the
California Code of Regulations sections 868 and 869 for more specific
information on the criteria for determining substantial relationship and
rehabilitation.
Learn more about the Background Check Process here:
BE 100% HONEST ON THE APPLICATION, because they will see everything anyway when you do your fingerprinting.
The CSLB handles criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Remember, their responsibility is to protect the public. In my experience, they are primarily concerned with criminal charges associated with:
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
In the state of California, you are required to divulge any criminal charges when applying for any state license even if they have been expunged.
You will need to be prepared to submit anything they ask for regarding your criminal history.
C-17 License Exam
The C-17 Glazing Contractor exam will consist of:
- 115 Questions of Contractor LAW
- 115 Questions on Glazing
- 3 hours to complete each portion
- Multiple choice exam done on a computer
- Closed Book
Content of the TRADE Examination
The C-17 license Examination is broken up into 5 sections:
1. Planning and Estimation (27%)
- Evaluating plans and specifications
- Performing job-related calculations
2. Fabrication and Installation of Framing Systems (21%)
- Measurements and calculations
- Fabrication of framing systems
- Installation of framing systems
3. Fabrication and Installation of Glazing Materials (18%)
- Installation of glazing materials
- Specialty glazing installations
- Finish installation work
4. Glazing Replacement and Retrofit Projects (15%)
- Glazing replacement projects
- Glazing retrofit projects
5. Safety (19%)
- Worker safety
- Job site safety
Recommended Resources
- C-17 Online Practice Exams and Study Guides
- Introduction Blueprint Reading Course
- OSHA Safety Certification Bundle
CSLB Test Locations
The CSLB has exam centers all over the state of California. Once your
application is approved you will be given a list of locations you can go and
take the exam based on your zip code.
These are proctored facilities with cubicles where you take the exam on a
computer. The computer will have a calculator for your use. You will not be
able to bring in a phone, notes, or personal calculator to the exam center.
C-17 License Study Guides and Exam Prep
Some things to remember:
- The questions you will see on the exam may use outdated terms
- Processes may be completely different from how things are done on the job site
- You will see questions about things you may have never done before
- Questions will be presented to you as if you are running a large-scale construction business with several employees and jobs happening all at once.
- Know all aspects of your trade
California contractor license exam day
I have helped all types of construction professionals from various backgrounds and experience levels get licenses.
The truth is most are startled by how different the subject matter on the state exam is from their years of first-hand experience.
Be as prepared as you possibly can.
Studying just 10 minutes a day consistently can dramatically increase your chances of passing the test on your first try.
Focus on and study ONLY the information that you need to pass the C-17 License exam.
Glazier Apprenticeship
If you don’t have the four years required journeyman-level experience to obtain the C-17 License, not to worry.
Your journey begins here!
- Construction is a Billion-dollar industry and highly skilled glazers are always in demand.
- Whether you are completely new or have some experience already, there are resources available to you.
Generally, someone looking to become a Glass Contractor would want to look into an apprenticeship or certification program.
For a detailed explanation of this process, check out my article: Apprentice vs Journeyman
Blueprint Reading Course
Knowing how to read blueprints is a valuable skill for virtually all tradesmen but especially for those looking to get the C-17 License.
Blueprint Reading Skills are also critical to pass the General Contractor exam.
Check out this Blue Print Reading Course for a basic introduction to the concepts you will want to know about.
EPA Certification
Understanding how to safely contain lead-based paint when altering structures built before 1978 is required by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The most profitable glazing contractors are ones that position themselves as the experts and are the most knowledgeable and helpful to their clients.
Becoming EPA Certified can help you expand your business and can be completed in a one-day 8-hour course.
Staying EPA compliant is not only important to the survival of your business but also to the safety of your customers. For a complete guide on how to get the EPA Certification, check out the article.
Conclusion
Getting the C-17 License can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to open your company, take on larger clients, or become an RMO!
The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end.
If you have found this article helpful feel free to drop a comment below and be sure to check back for updates!