In California anyone looking to charge over $500 for elevator construction services must have the C-11 License.
Thousands of contractors from all trades, skill sets and backgrounds apply for their contractors licenses each year, those that prepare correctly are successful.
This article will cover the 3 Insider tips for elevator contractors looking to pass their C-11 license test on the first try!
1. Know The Requirements for Elevator Contractors
To get the C-11 License you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age
- Drivers License or USA ID
- Social Security or ITIN #
- Not currently on probation or parole
- 4 Years Journeyman Level Experience
- Pass a Two Part Exam
The C-11 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 an elevator license, Applicants have to have a signature from a qualifying individual, to learn more click here.
Elevator Construction Services
A few of the services elevator technicians might offer include:
- Elevator Service and Maintenance
- Chair lifts
- Home Elevator Design
- Servicing Construction Hoists
- Fabrication of Platform Lifts
- Servicing Dumb Waiters and Construction Lifts
- Designing Hydraulic Elevators
- Passenger Lifts
- Wiring Electrical Apparatus
- Constructing Man-Lifts and Hoist Ways
You will want to make sure you are knowledgable in all aspects of your trade before taking the elevator contractor license exam!
2. Study Whats Going To Be On The C-11 License Test
The C-11 license test will have two parts.
- 115 Questions on Contractor LAW
- 115 Questions on Elevator Construction
- 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 test, check this out.
Law & Business
- Business Organization
- Business Finances
- Employment Requirements
- Contract Requirements and Execution
- Safety Public Works
- Licensing Requirements
Trade
- Planning and Estimation (11%)
- Project Preparation (5%)
- Install and Modernize Elevators, Dumbwaiters, and Lifts (22%)
- Install and Modernize Escalators and Moving Walks (5%)
- Conveyance Repair, Maintenance, and Service (35%)
- Safety (22%)
C-11 License Sample Questions
1. Towards which jamb does a single-slide door close?
A. Head
B. Close
C. Strike
D. Return
2. What is the MAXIMUM horizontal clearance on the rear of a new elevator car top without guardrails?
A. 36”
B. 24”
C. 18”
D. 12”
Recommended Courses
- C-11 Online Practice Exams and Study Guides
- Introduction to Blueprint Reading Course
- OSHA Safety Training Bundle
3. Contractor License School!
If you are looking for instruction covering the law and business side of the elevator contractor 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-11 license test is for journey level elevator technicians who have a solid understanding of their trade.
Contractor classes are not meant to teach you you elevator construction or maintenance. 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 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 elevator contractor license, lets 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-11 License.
If you have found this information feel free to drop us a comment and check again in the future for updates!