What Jobs Can You Bid as a C-28 contractor in California?
The C-28 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in lock and security equipment services.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Service and repair of gate entry systems
- Installation of telephone entry systems
- Video camera installation
- Burglar Alarms
- Home automation systems
- Motion detectors
- Key card systems and automatic doors
- Garage door installation
- CCTV surveillance systems
- Office Furniture lock services
- Bank services
- Surveillance system installation and design
- Rekeying, master key systems
- Key Copying
- Lost Key replacement
- Vault repair and preventative maintenance
- Combination changes
- Emergency openings of Vaults
- Emergency car key replacement
- Remote key fob replacement
- Broken key extraction
- Locksmith
- Property Management
- Electronic services
- Installation of postal key keepers, alarm systems, latch guards, and intercom systems
- Lock service
- Lock and Safes
C-28 Contractors and the CSLB
The C-28 license is one of 74 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:
Expanding your locksmith business in California
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairings for the C-28 license are:
C-28 License Requirements
To get licensed as a C-28 contractor 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 lock and security systems concepts do I need to know for the exam?
You will definitely want to be prepared for any curveballs that could come up on the C-28 contractor license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to CCTV surveillance systems and wiring that may or may not be familiar to you.
Take the time to review every possible question.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Planning and Estimating (25%)
- Plans and specifications
- Site survey
- System design
- Project and material costs
2. Installation, Repair, and Maintenance of Doors and Hardware (20%)
- Locks, hardware, and closing devices
- Exit devices
- Doors and frames
3. Installation, Repair, and Maintenance of Electronic Locking Systems (18%)
- Wiring
- Locking and operating hardware/software
- Controls, surveillance, and accessories
4. Installation, Repair, and Maintenance of Mechanical Locking Systems (20%)
- Lock cylinders
- Key generation
- Lock bypass
5. Installation, Repair, and Maintenance of Safes, Vaults, and Other Security Containers (5%)
- Safe installation
- Safe repair
- Safe deposit locks
- Drilling/penetrating safes
6. Safety (12%)
- Protective gear
- Power tools and equipment
- Safely work in elevated area
What is the C-28 contractors exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Lock & Security Systems
- 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 SkillsÂ
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-28 license exam may vary. Be prepared for questions that may include:
- Basic electrical theory
- Geometry
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 locksmith 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-28 lock & security systems contractor 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!