Swimming Pool Contractors are specialty tradesman who engage in pool, spa and hot tub:
This article will provide you with every single detail you need to know about C-53 license requirements, the contractor exam, study guides, as well as information on the D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance license.
The C-53 license is the classification required in the state of California for all persons looking to bid on pool and spa projects where the cost of labor and materials exceeds $500.
Swimming pool contractors engage in a wide variety of duties associated with swimming pools but typically their responsibilities include:
If you specialize only in pool and spa maintenance, there is a sub-classification known as the D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance license.
Swimming Pool Contractors that hold the C-53 license work in a variety of settings. Typically they are hired by homeowners to erect swimming pools or spas.
They may take on larger contracts with local governments or large companies.
A swimming pool contractor may also be subcontracted by a general Contractor who has accepted a bid that includes swimming pool construction.
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-53 License is issued to swimming contractors by the CSLB.
In addition to licensing, the CSLB also:
Knowing how to read blueprints is an important skill for swimming pool contractors.
Construction blueprints provide a visually representation of a project, which is vital when making measurements and calculating costs for pool or spa installation.
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.
To get a C-53 license in California, you must meet the following requirements:
You must also have:
Journeyman level experience means that you have worked unsupervised full time for a swimming pool company, or for a contractor that holds the C-53 License.
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.
The following people may be used as Qualifying Individuals to sign off on your experience when applying for the C-53 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:
“Ted built our swimming pool” will not be descriptive enough for the CSLB
The CSLB will want to see:
"Ted has installed pools, spas, hot tubs, he has done plumbing, tile work, electrical wiring and also poured concrete, done excavation, and steel placement"
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 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.
The time it takes to get your application processed and assigned a test date fluctuates throughout the year.
Typically you can expect:
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:
The Current CSLB fees are:
Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a C-53 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.
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 primarily concerned with criminal charges associated with: Fraud, Embezzlement and Forgery.
The exam will be:
The Swimming Pool (C-53 license) Examination is divided into eight major sections:
1. Planning and Estimation (28%)
2. Swimming Pool/Spa Shell Construction (31%)
3. Pool/Spa Systems Installation (10%)
4. Non-Concrete Pools/Spas and Extra Pool/Spa Features (3%)
5. Pool/Spa Shell Finishing (8%)
6. Commercial Swimming Pools/Spas (3%)
7. Pool/Spa Repair, Renovation, Removal, and Maintenance (7%)
8. Safety (10%)
• Swimming pool/spa safety
• Job site safety
Currently there are CSLB test 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.
The CSLB will grant you 18 months after your application is accepted to pass both examinations.
You must wait three weeks before retaking the state exam ($60 per retake) A 70% score will be required to pass.
Some things to remember:
Getting your swimming pool contractor license can be a smooth process if you have the right information.
Be as prepared as you possibly can. Studying just 10 mintues 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-53 License exam.
Swimming pool construction is a multi-million dollar industry and highly skilled contractors 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 plastering contractor would want to look into an apprenticeship or find a skilled tradesman to learn under.
For a detailed explanation on this process, check out my article: Apprentice vs Journeyman
Understanding how to safely contain lead-based paint when altering structures built before 1978 is required by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The most profitable swimming pool contractors are ones that position themselves as the experts and are the most knowledgable 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 the safety of your customers.
Learn how to get an EPA Certification, in 8 hours!
Getting the C-53 License can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own company, advertise your services, 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!
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