What Jobs Can You Bid with a C-51 License?
The C-51 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in structural steel construction work.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Steel construction
- Structural steel engineering
- Layouts
- Custom metal fabrication
- Iron works
- Steel & stairways
- Contract administration
- Machining
- Custom brackets and frames
- Trash enclosures
- Beams and anchoring
- Shop drawings
- Gates, doors, and balconies
- Aluminum, carbon steel and stainless steel
- Auto CAD and design suites
- Drill & Tap
- Forming
- Coordinating submittals
- Scheduling
- Anchor setting, truss and joint details
- Airports, harbors and naval stations
- Coordinating of material delivery
- Production management
- Cutting, welding, forming, and layout
- Handrail and Guardrails
- 3D modeling and design services
- Gates, grills, wrought iron, and access ladders
- Shearing, Plasma Cutting, punching, water jets and lasers
- Outside sourcing
- Steel erectors and fabrication
- High rise construction
- Structural and ornamental works
- Welding and installation
- Steel framing
- Metal products design
- Project estimating
- Material procurement
- Project management
Steel Contractors and the CSLB
The C-51 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:
Common Pairings for the C-51 License
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairings for the C-51 license are typically…
C-51 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 construction 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 California C-51 license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to structural steel which 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 (20%)
- Reviewing plans and specifications
- Conducting site visits
- Coordinating with other trades
- Estimating equipment and material
Job Preparation (15%)
- Developing drawings
- Storing material
- Determining placement of material
Shop Fabrication (20%)
- Processing material
- Creating holes and slots in material
- Cleaning and priming members
- Loading and transporting material
Field Erection (20%)
- Erecting and securing material
- Installing beams and trusses
- Installing high strength bolts
- Finishing joints and connections
Safety (25%)
- Working in elevated areas
- Hoisting and rigging
- Correcting safety hazards
- Operating lift equipment
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
What's the C-51 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Structural Steel
- 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 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-51 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 and 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, you will want to check out this free blueprint reading guide.
CSLB law & business exam
Our complete course gives you everything you need to pass the C-51 California structural steel contractor license exam.
In addition to getting brushed up on the construction trade, those looking to get the C-51 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!