What Jobs Can You Do With a C-13 Contractors license?
The C-13 license is a California contractor classification for individuals or companies that specialize in residential and construction fencing services.
There are a variety of services that can be offered if you have this license, including:
- Public Works: Prisons, Schools, Airports and Military bases
- Fence building and design
- Installation and removal
- Pedestrian or vehicle gates
- Barbwire
- Gate construction
- Corrals, runs, railings, and cribs
- Game court enclosures, guard rails and barriers
- Metal Supply
- Iron and Vinyl Fencing
- Playground game equipment, backstops and posts
- Flagpoles
- Craft Fencing and fence concepts
- Selling Modular fencing, cement and lightweight metal stands
- Vinyl coated fence
- Galvanized chain link fence
- Ornamental iron fencing
Fence Contractors and the CSLB
The C-13 license is one of 73 classifications available in California. Contractors in the state of California are governed by the CSLB(Contractors State License Board)
There are 4 major classification categories:
Commonly referred to as simply the “C-13 or fence contractor license”.
Expanding your fence construction business in California
Contractors in California can hold multiple licenses.
The most common pairings for the C-13 license are:
Requirements for California C-13 Contractors
To get a fence contractor license you must meet the following basic requirements:
- 18 Years of Age
- 4 Years of Journeyman Level Experience
- Social Security or ITIN #
- Not Currently on Probation or Parole
- Signature from a licensed contractor, fellow employee, supervisor, or business associate
What fence construction concepts do I need to know for the test?
You will definitely want to be prepared for any curveballs that could come up on the C-13 license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to project estimation, post-installation, and safety procedures that you may or may not be familiar with.
It will be important to review everything you can.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Planning and Estimating (32%)
- Planning fencing projects
- Reading and interpreting plans
- Estimating fencing projects
2. Preparation and Post Installation (23%)
- Job site layout and marking
- Determining posthole dimensions
- Post and concrete footing installation
3. Fence, Gate, and Rail Installation andRepair (32%)
- Chain-link fences and gates
- Agricultural fences and gates
- Wood fences and gates
- Ornamental fences and gates
- Vinyl fences and gates
- Metal cable fences and gates
4. Safety (13%)
- Personnel safety
- Cal/OSHA procedures
- Environmental safety
What’s the C-13 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Fencing
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken via Computer at a proctored exam facility
- Exam Centers located all over the state of California
Math Skills
There will be math on your CSLB law & business and trade exam.
On the law side, questions will be presented to you as if you are a General Building Contractor with multiple projects running simultaneously with several employees.
You can expect math questions related to:
- Arithmetic
- Cost Estimation
- Percentages and Decimals
The math you can expect on the C-13 license test will be a little bit more complex.
- Geometry
- Units of Measurement
Blueprint Reading Skills
Blueprint reading is a fundamental skill for all contractors. Knowing how to interpret plans and is a key part of the job if you are working within a construction crew.
Some aspects of plan reading may also be your examination.
For a deeper look at blueprint reading concepts, check out this free blueprint reading guide.
CSLB law & business exam
Our complete course is a guide for aspiring California fence contractors.
A step by step break down all of the essential knowledge you need to be successful on your CSLB law & business examination.
In addition to passing your exam, those looking to get the C-13 license will be equipped with a crash course on how to run a profitable business.
You will learn:
- Company organization
- How to bid effectively
- Understanding cost control
- Various contract types
- Cash management
- Estimation fundamentals
- CAL/OSHA
- Business Structures
- Worker’s Compensation and Taxes
- Insurance Types in Construction
- Labor Laws and Employee Rights
- Hiring and Firing Practices
- Contractor Bonds
- Mechanics Liens
- State Laws and Statutes
- Project Management 101
- Prevailing Wages and Public Works
- And Much More!