In California, anyone looking to charge over $500 for low-voltage electrical services must have a C-7 License.
I have worked with contractors from all trades, skill sets, and backgrounds to pass the CSLB exam and set up their businesses.
This article will cover the 3 main things you have to know to successfully pass the C-7 License exam!
1. Know The C-7 License Requirements!
To get the C-7 License you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age
- Driver's License or USA ID
- Social Security or ITIN #
- Not currently on probation or parole
- 4 Years of Journeyman Level Experience
- Pass a Two Part Exam
The C-7 License is issued by the Contractors State License Board, which is the governing agency for contractors in the state of California.
The CSLB has offices all over the state of California and offers 73 different licensing classifications.
In addition to the basic requirements for a low-voltage contractor license. Applicants have to have a signature from a qualifying individual, to learn more click here.
Low Voltage Electrical Services
Low voltage contractors that are looking to get the C-7 license typically are familiar with or offer the following services:
- Installation
- Troubleshooting
- Wiring
- Repair
- Maintenance
- Alarm Systems
- Recording Studios
- Nightclubs and Sound Systems
- Audio, Video, and Computer Technology
- Satellite and Phone
Jobs You Can Do With a C-7 License
2. Study What Is On The C-7 License Test!
The C-7 license test will have two parts.
- 115 Questions on Contractor LAW
- 115 Questions on Low Voltage Electrical
- 3 Hours To Complete Each Portion
- Close Book
- Taken on a Computer at a CSLB Testing Facility
- 72% Score To Pass
For a complete guide on the LAW portion of the C-7 license test, check this out.
LAW & Business
- Business Organization
- Business Finances
- Employment Requirements
- Contract Requirements and Execution
- Safety Public Works
- Licensing Requirements
Low Voltage
- Job Planning and Design (19%)
- Material Selection and Estimation (18%)
- Wire/Cable Installation and Termination (11%)
- Systems Configuration and Installation (15%)
- Testing and Project Closeout (12%)
- System Troubleshooting and/or Repair or replacement (8%)
- Safety (17%)
C-7 License Sample Questions
1. A low-voltage contractor needs to wire 25 offices with Cat 6 voice and data. The distance between the IT room and the offices is an average of 250′. How many 1,000-foot boxes of cable will the contractor need?
A. 7
B. 8
C. 12
D. 13
2. Which wire should be used to cross-connect a standard telephone connection?
A. 18 AWG stranded
B. 18 AWG solid
C. 24 AWG stranded
D. 24 AWG solid
3. Take Contractor Classes!
If you are looking for instruction covering the law and business side of the C-7 license exam you will want to look into contractor classes.
It is essential to understand the distinction between a contractor license and a trade school. The C-7 license test is for journey-level low-voltage electricians who have a solid understanding of their trade. Contractor classes are not meant to teach you low-voltage wiring. Contractor Classes can be great for those of us who haven't been in school for a while.
Contractor Classes are:
- Taught by Contractors, Project Managers, Foreman, Superintendents, and construction veterans
- Live Instruction with a Q&A portion
- Bilingual (depending on the school you chose)
- In-depth classes that cover important LAW concepts
Contractor License schools offer services in addition to exam prep that can help you get everything taken care of quickly and easily.
Check out this article for a more in-depth look at how to choose the right school.
Conclusion
Now that you know the 3 most important steps to getting your low-voltage contractor license, let's begin with the information you need to get your application prepared and sent out!
Be sure to check out this article for a complete guide to the C-7 License. If you have found this information feel free to drop us a comment and check again in the future for updates!