What Jobs Can You Bid with a C-57 License?
The C-57 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in water well drilling work.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Drilling and pump services
- Testing and engineering
- New pump installation, repair and replacement
- Environmental services
- Geo testing
- Water tank systems
- Water filtration and testing
- Obtaining permits
- Air rotary, mud rotary, and casing hammer drilling
- Well monitoring
- New pump sales
- Geo-technical drilling
- Well deepening
- Well rehabilitation, sealing, and repair
- Soil sampling
- Utility locating
- Tri-pod drilling
- Variable frequency drive control systems
- Cost benefit analysis
- Aquifer testing
- Down hole video surveying
- Pump upgrade and reconditioning
- Custom fabricating
- Customized pump maintenance programs
- Sonic well descaling
- Chemical treatments
- Identifying bacteria, sulfur and calcium buildups
- Removal of soil, concrete, and brush
- Concrete coring
- Installing test pits
- Well destruction
- Hollow stem auger drilling
- HQ and NX diamond core drilling
- Environmental field services
- Standard penetration tests
- Grouting
- Permeability and aquifer testing
- Engineering consulting
- Surge blocking
- Bailing and airlifts
- Limited access coring
- Off-road drilling
- Operating all terrain rigs
- Water quality and quantity testing
- PVC and steel casing perforation
Well Drilling Contractors and the CSLB
The C-57 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-57 License
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairing for the C-57 license are:
C-57 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 drilling 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-57 license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to water well drilling and geological testing 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 (20%)
- Site evaluation
- Equipment and material selection
- Cost calculation
Water Well Drilling and Well Development
(26%)
- Water well setup
- Water well drilling
- Water well construction
- Water well monitoring
Geotechnical Borings and Environmental
Wells (5%)
- Geotechnical borings
- Environmental wells
Water Distribution System Installation (7%)
- Pump systems
- Distribution systems
Water Distribution System Repairs (7%)
- Pump system repair
- Delivery system repair
Water Well Rehabilitation and Destruction
(10%)
- Water well rehabilitation
- Water well destruction
Safety (25%)
- Employee safety
- Job site and equipment safety
- Hazardous materials
What's the C-57 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Water Well Drilling
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken via Computer at a proctored exam center
- 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 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-57 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-57 California well-drilling contractor license exam.
In addition to getting brushed up on the construction trade, those looking to get the C-57 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!