In this section, you will identify the name and address of your business along will other basic information which you want to be associated with your license.

Basically what you need to understand about this section is that whatever you put here is what people will see when they search your license number.

It is also what appears through CSLB's new public data portal. Key points to remember for this section are:

Key points to remember

Don't use the word “and” or “&” unless you are applying as a partnership. So for example.

“John & Bill construction” would get rejected if you are applying as a sole owner because that name sounds like multiple people.

If you are using a DBA make sure that your business name isn't different from the trade you are applying for. ‘

If you trying to use the name “Hector's Painting Services” and you are applying for the plumbing license… that will probably be sent back for corrections

Section 2 – Business Entity

Here you simply will choose a business entity.

This section is pretty straight forward but one point to remember is that, if you decide to change your business entity down the line… you will have to submit a new application fee.

If you are not sure which business entity you should start with, check out this guide to Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, and Corporations.

Section 3 – Qualifying Individual

getting your cslb application processed correctly is an extremely step in getting your california contractor license

In section 3, you will identify your Qualifying Individual.

This is the person that will be taking the examination. As the qualifying individual, you will be responsible for having the necessary experience and overseeing project duties.

A qualifying individual can be a partner in a company or a Responsible Managing Officer. Whichever applies to your specific situation is what you will put in this section

Section 4 – Personnel Full Legal Name and Address

part four of the california contractor license application

In section 4 we will add the information of anyone who will be listed on the license. Other than the Qualifying Individual.

This applies to partnerships, corporations, or LLCs. Basically, any business structure where there would be multiple people associated with the license.

Section 5 – Required Application Questions

california contractor license application questions

In section 5 you will be asked to answer a series of questions about yourself and anyone associated with your Contractor License.

To see the full list you can click here

Certification of Work Experience

This portion of the application is by far the most important. As you can see above you will enter again the information of the Qualifying Individual.

Remember this is the person that will take the contractor license exam.

Make sure the information entered in section 2 matches the portion above. Once you have completed this section, we will move on to part 2.

Work Experience and Certification Statement for Fence Contractors

section 2 of the california contractor license application work experience form

This section must be filled out by your Certifier.

Your certifier is the person that will be verifying your experience.

They can either be a:

Employer
Fellow Employee
Licensed Contractor
Journeyman
Foreman or Supervisor
Union Representative
Business Associate

Below the section where the certifier enters their information, is the statement portion.

How your certifier fills out this section is extremely critical. When describing your experience they must focus specifically on your job-related duties and knowledge.

If you are applying for the C-13 License and they write:

“Tim is a good guy and is always on time…”

That will 100% be rejected

“Tim has designed and installed wood fences, chain link fences, chain link backstops, and various types of ornamental iron fences. He has extensive experience in iron and pipe handrails as well as fences for warehouses, animal runs, sports fences, and security gates.”

Now obviously you are not going to use that verbatim.

However, this is just to give you an idea of how specific you should be. Think about what you actually know how to do when it comes to your trade and have your qualifier write a detailed description.

Make sure you talk about all of the things you do on a daily basis as a fence installation contractor. Other key points to remember are:

It must be written in blue or black ink (no pencil)
The CSLB offers a form and fill feature which you can see on the application.
Forms containing strikeouts or modifications will not be accepted
Original signatures only – no faxed, photocopied, or stamped signatures
Corrections must be initialed by the certifier

If you are having issues proving your experience. Check out this video that covers the 18 CSLB-approved alternatives for proving work experience.

C-13 Test Questions and Answers

Checking your CSLB License Application Status

The state contractors board in California allows you to check the status of your application at any time.

You will need to be issued an application fee number, which typically arrives up to a month after you have submitted your application.

This basically means your application is received and you can now check the status here

CSLB C-13 License Lookup

At any point, you can look up a current California contractor license number.

This feature was designed for the consumer public to perform a search of the current status of a contractor's license number.

This will allow you to see all of the information which you provide in section 1 of the application. To look up a CSLB license number, click here

C-13 License Application Costs

The costs associated with getting a California contractor license are always changing,

Check out the video below to see the most up-to-date costs.

Get Started!

How To Complete the C-13 License Application

Table of Contents

Sections of the CSLB License Application

Section 1 – Business Name and Address