- Reinforcing steel Contractors are highly skilled tradesmen that specialize in the fabrication and placing of steel mesh or bars to reinforce steel structures.
- The C-50 license is the classification required in the state of California for all persons looking to bid on steel reinforcement projects where the cost of labor and materials exceeds $500.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about getting the C-50 License for Reinforcing Steel Contractors
What is a C-50 Reinforcing Steel Contractor?
Duties of Reinforcing Steel Contractors
The C-50 License exists as a classification in the state of California primarily because it certifies a service that is a fundamental element found in many structures all over the country.
Sometimes referred to as steel contractors or rebar contractors, the reinforcing steel trade can include duties such as:
- Fabricating and shaping steel bars
- Setting bar supports
- Placing and tying reinforcing steel
- Reinforcing Steel for Bridges, Parking Structures, Patios, Pools, High Rises, and Water Treatment Plants
- Setting templates and placing marks
- Using various types of rebar and welded mesh to achieve structural soundness
- Stressing cables
- Reading blueprints, plans, and specifications
- Estimating materials and costs
- Maintaining personal and job-site safety
Jobs You Can Do with a C-50 License!
Steel Contractors engage in various forms of cost calculations as well as welding and fabrication methods to complete projects.
They also typically have strict methods of job site safety and follow specific storage requirements for products and equipment.
To get the C-50 license you will need to demonstrate a knowledge of all the duties associated with reinforcing steel.
Subcontractors
Reinforcing steel contractors typically work with General Engineering Contractors, architects, or developers.
The C-50 license is typically held by steel contracting firms that engage in large-scale engineering projects.
A General Engineering Contractor oversees that the reinforcing steel subcontractor has executed their duties in adherence to code. Learn more about the General Engineering Contractor License
The CSLB
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the governing body for all contractors in the state of California.
Their 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 reinforcing steel contractor license is issued to contractors by the CSLB.
The CSLB administers applications and exams. They also maintain a database of all active and inactive contractor license numbers which are public domain.
How to get the C-50 License
To qualify for an exam date you must 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 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 a Journey level experience?
Journeyman-level experience means that you have worked unsupervised full-time for a reinforcing steel contractor that holds the C-50 license.
- A journeyman 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
The following people may be used as a Certifier to sign off on your experience when applying for the reinforcing steel contractors license:
- Licensed General Engineering Contractor
- C-50 License Holder
- Former Supervisor (within the last 10 years)
- Fellow Employee (within the last 10 years)
- Business Associate
- Fellow Journeyman
- Union Representative
Filling out the Reinforcing Steel Contractor License Application
Your certifier will also need to provide a brief but detailed description of your knowledge and skill set.
The way this description is written will be critical to whether or not your application is accepted.
For example:
“Rob has worked with steel for a long time” is not descriptive enough.
The CSLB will want to see:
“Rob has installed welded wire mesh, pre-tension tendons, fabricated steel reinforcing bars, read blueprints, estimated for materials, and done job site evaluations” etc.
The description written by your certifier will need to include the core skills required for reinforcing steel contractors.
Work experience for the Contractor 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.
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 some 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-50 License
The Current CSLB fees are:
- State Application Fee
- License Activation Fee (after you pass the exam)
- Fingerprinting
- Bond Fee (What is a Construction Bond?)
Can you get a Contractor's License with a Felony in California?
Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a C-50 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 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
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
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.
The C-50 Reinforcing Steel Contractors License Exam
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions on Contractor LAW
- 115 Questions on Reinforcing steel
- You will have 3 hours to complete each portion
- The exam is multiple choice and is taken on a computer
- Closed Book
The Reinforcing Steel Contractor's License (C-50 license) Examination is divided into six major sections:
1. Planning and Estimation (35%)
- Plans and specifications
- Types and grades of reinforcing steel
- Determining quantities of materials
- Estimating costs
2. Fabrication (10%)
- Preparation
- Fabrication
3. Layout and Placement of Reinforcing Steel(25%)
- Placing marks
- Setting templates
- Setting bar supports
- Placing and tying reinforcing steel
4. Post-Tensioned Cables and Specialty Projects (8%)
- Layout and placement of cables
- Stressing of cables
- Placing Reinforcing Steel in Special Locations
5. Safety (22%)
- Personnel safety
- Equipment and site safety
Recommended Resources
- C-50 Complete Home Study Kit
- Introduction to Blueprint Reading Course
- Welding Trade Skills 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.
Learn more about Contractor License LAW
Contractor License 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
I have helped reinforcing steel companies from all over the country get licensed in California. Many are startled by how strict the laws are here.
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-50 License for Structural Steel.
Steel Apprenticeships
If you don’t have the 4 years required journeyman-level experience to get a C-50 license, your journey begins here.
Steel is a global multi-billion dollar sector. Generally, someone looking to get into this trade would find a union or apprenticeship program.
For a detailed explanation of this process, check out my article: Apprentice vs Journeyman!
Blueprint Reading Course
It is critical for reinforcing steel contractors to be able to read construction blueprints or at least be able to recognize lines and symbols.
Construction blueprints communicate important information about how a structure has been built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for all tradesmen but is especially important for those looking to get the C-50 license. See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
OSHA Certification
Occupational Safety Hazard Association
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
The steel industry is notoriously dangerous, especially if your workers are not properly trained.
For employment with a steel contractor, it is typically required that you have completed some level of OSHA training.
Learn more about OSHA Training
Conclusion
Getting the C-50 License can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own company or become an RMO for an existing firm!
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!