"An ornamental metals contractor assembles, casts, cuts, shapes, stamps, forges, welds, fabricates and installs, sheet, rolled and cast, brass, bronze, copper, cast iron, wrought iron, monel metal, stainless steel, steel, and/or any other metal for the architectural treatment and ornamental decoration of structures. This classification does not include the work of a sheet metal contractor" -CSLB.GOV

• The C-23 License is the classification is a requirement for anyone looking to bid on metal works projects where the cost of labor and materials exceeds $500. 
• A Metal Contractor that holds the C-23 license is legally is not allowed to bid on a project that falls outside of the spectrum of fabrication or repair of ornamental metals.

Metal workers can vary based on their particular area of expertise but generally, their duties:

Metalworks Contractors that hold the C-23 license can work in a variety of settings. They could be hired by a homeowner to execute a customized piece.

They may also be subcontracted by a General Contractor who has placed a bid on a project that includes some kind of elaborate metal job. The General Contractor would oversee the subcontractors and make sure their jobs are being executed to code.

Check out this article for an in-depth look at the General Contractor License

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-23 License is issued to metalworks 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. 

To get a C-23 license in California, you must meet the following requirements:

You must also have:

The following people may be used as Qualifying Individuals to sign off on your experience when applying for the C-23 license:

Your Qualifying Individual will also need to provide a brief but detailed description of your knowledge and skillset. The way this description is written will be critical to whether or not your application is accepted. For example:

“Tim has done many handrails for us” is not descriptive enough for the CSLB

 The CSLB will want to see something like:

"Tim has built ornamental iron fences, window guards, fences, gates, fire escapes he has ordered materials, built jail cells, inspected projects, and read" etc.

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.

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 some situations where applicants got their test date sooner and some where they got their test date much later.

The most common reasons your application would get held up are:

1. Time of year (processing time slows down during the holidays) 
2. Criminal History 
3. Proving Experience
4. Mistakes on your application 

Application Costs for the C-23 License

The Current CSLB fees are: 

• State Application Fee - $330 
• License Activation Fee - $200 (after you pass the exam)
• Fingerprinting
• Bond Fee (What is a Construction Bond?)

Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a C-23 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.

The contractor license exam will be:

The Ornamental metal (C-23 license) Examination is divided into five major sections:

1. Planning and Estimation (25%)

• Review project information
• Design ornamental metal products
• Site evaluation
• Fabrication preparation
• Cost calculation

2. Fabrication (23%)

• Cutting
• Tooling
• Forming metal
• Assembly

3. Installation (18%)

• Posts
• Fences, railings, and gates
• Staircases
• Miscellaneous products

4. Finishes and Repairs (12%)

• Preparation and application
• Repairs

5. Safety (22%)

• Personnel and job site
• Transportation
• Environmental

Currently the CSLB has testing locations in the following cities:

You will be assigned a testing location based on the city you live in. Learn more about Contractor License Law

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