What Jobs Can You Bid with a C-43 License?
The C-43 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in sheet metal fabrication.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Gutter installations
- Rain gutter systems
- Aluminum, steel, and copper gutters
- Fabrication
- CNC machining
- Sheet metal customs
- Metal fabrications
- Metal roof cleaning
- Skylight Repair
- Steel kitchen
- Base flashing
- Custom precision sheet metal
- Machining
- Wall flashing
- Roof Hatches
- Expansion Joints
- Alternate/Exotic wall panels
- Stainless steel refer unit
- Removable pan holders
- Residential oven and hood installations
- Power Coat and Silkscreen
- Patio Covers
- Frames
- Value Add assembly
- Custom kitchen hoods
- Custom chimney caps
- Louvers
- Downspouts
- Skylights, roof saddles, and crickets
- Window and door flashing
- Finials
- Enclosures & chassis
- Metal roofing
- Architectural sheet metal
- ACM panel system installations
- Stainless steel mesh leaf guards
- Copper gutter installation
Sheet metal Contractors and the CSLB
The C-43 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:
- A-General Engineering
- B-General Building
- B-2 Residential Remodeling
- C-Specialty
- C-61 Limited Specialty
Common Pairings for the C-43 License
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairings for the C-43 license are:
C-43 contractor requirements
To become licensed with the CSLB 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 sheet metal 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-43 license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to metal fabrication and rain gutters that could be unfamiliar.
Take the time to review every possible question and concept.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
Planning and Estimating (25%)
- Reviewing project plans
- Evaluating job sites
- Designing sheet metal projects
- Cost calculations
Fabrication (26%)
- Layout and pattern production
- Processing sheet metal
- Welding, soldering, and mechanical assembly
Installation (28%)
- Setting sheet metal components
- Gutters and downspouts
- Flashings
- Hoods and exhaust
- Metal roofs, siding, and paneling
- Specialty and miscellaneous items
Safety (21%)
- Personnel safety
- Shop and job site safety
- Hoisting and rigging operations
What's the C-43 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Sheet metal
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken via Computer at a CSLB Testing Facility
- Exam Centers in: Berkeley, Fresno, Norwalk, Oxnard, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Jose
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-43 license exam may vary. Be prepared for questions that may include:
- Basic Geometry
- Units of measurement
Blueprint Reading Skills
Blueprint reading is a fundamental skill for all contractors.
Knowing how to interpret plans is a key part of the job if you are working within a construction crew.
Interpreting building plans is critical.
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 sheet metal 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-43 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!