What Jobs Can You Bid with a C-55 License?
The C-55 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in water conditioning and filtration work.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Water systems repair and installation
- Residential & commercial systems
- Filtration replacement services
- Reverse osmosis
- Bottled water delivery
- In home test analysis
- Nanofiltration systems
- Installation of Alkaline water systems
- Troubleshooting water softeners
- Equipment inspection
- Beverage filtration systems
- FDA compliance consultations
- Adjusting all bleed & feed control ranges
- Ion exchange
- Acid cleanings
- Chemical services
- Biological control
- Private water well treatment
- Salt free conditioners
- Ultra violet (UV) systems
- Membrane cleaning
- Remote monitoring solutions
- Chemilizer pumps
- Filtration hybrids
- Expedient system qualification
- Analytical sampling
- Whole house water conditioning systems
- Validation delivery
- Reporting
- House water filtration systems
- Industrial water systems design
- Water specialties
- Water conservation
- Anti-scale water conditioning
- Treatment specialists
- Water treatment services
Water Conditioning Contractors and the CSLB
The C-55 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-55 License
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairing for the C-55 license is
C-55 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 water filtration 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-55 license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to reverse osmosis and plumbing 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 (22%)
- Water analysis
- Job site evaluation
- System selection
- Planning and estimating
Water Systems, Component Installation, and
Startup (29%)
- Piping and valves
- Equipment installation
- Drain connections/backflow
- Electrical connections
- Startup and calibration
Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair,
and/or Replacement (34%)
- Service and maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repair and replacement
- Disinfection
Safety (15%)
- Personnel safety
- Handling hazardous materials
- Environmental safety
- Tool and equipment safety
What’s the C-55 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Water Conditioning
- 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 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 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-55 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, 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-55 California water conditioning contractor license exam.
In addition to getting brushed up on the construction trade, those looking to get the C-55 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!