What is a Central Vacuum System?

A Central Vacuum System is a device that is installed into a building  which collects dust particles and debris through tubes.

• The dust is stored in a remote place and can be cleaned manually. 
• Central Vacuum Systems are widely considered to be a healthier alternative to traditional vacuums. 

Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as  UC Davis have proven the benefits of central vacuum systems in preventing allergies and respiratory problems.

"Using central vacuum systems that are vented to the outdoors can significantly reduce dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and other allergy causing agents." - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Study Conducted by UC Davis on the health benefits of Central Vacuum Systems

What is a Central Vacuum Systems Contractor?

"A central vacuum systems contractor installs, modifies, maintains or repairs central vacuum systems, pneumatic tube dispatching systems or any other type of pipeline which operates systems of reduced pressure for any purpose" - CSLB.GOV

The C-61/D-4 license is in the state of California for all persons looking to bid on all projects involving awnings where the cost of labor and materials exceeds $500.

C-61 Limited Specialty Classification

The C-61 Limited Specialty License is an umbrella term for all licenses that may fall under a more obscure category of construction work.

They cover specific areas of construction and construction-related tasks. 

If your skill set or business is limited to one particular portion of trade work, you could obtain a C-61 limited specialty license to contract over $500 for your services legally.

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Typical duties associated with Central Vacuum Repair and Installation

Companies that specialize in central vacuum installation and repair typically engage in duties including:

Central Vacuum Subcontractor

Vacuum contractors typically work directly with small businesses or homeowners. However, they may also function as subcontractors as part of a larger construction project.

In a construction setting, a General Contractor hires a vacuum installation specialist. Perhaps a client has requested a specific customized central vacuum system as part of their construction or remodel.

As a result, a general contractor ensures that the central vacuum installation is executed in adherence to safety codes.

Learn more about the General Contractor License!

CSLB

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the governing body for all contractors in the state of California. Their sole responsibility is to protect the consumer public. 

They ensure that anyone charging over $500 for construction services is qualified and registered with the state.

The C-61 / D-4 central vacuum systems contractor license is issued to contractors by the CSLB. 

EPA Certification

When making alterations to or around structures built before 1978, contractors must know how to contain lead paint if it is present.  

Lead paint can travel miles through air, rest on soil, and enter air ducts causing potentially fatal respiratory damage.

Central vacuum contractors looking to build profitable businesses must position themselves as experts and the authority within their industry. 

Central vacuum installation specialists must be a source of information for their clients and community if they want referrals and repeat business. Learn how to get an EPA Certification in 8 hours!

Blue Print Reading Course

It is critical for central vacuum contractors to be able to read designs and symbols on construction blueprints.

If installation or repair is part of a larger project, being able to execute their duties within the larger scope of the job is essential. 

Reading blueprints is an invaluable skill for all tradesman but can be especially important for central vacuum contractors.

Check out our Free Blueprint Reading Course!

C-61 / D-4 Central Vacuum Contractor License Requirements

Central Vacuum Contrators in California must prove a minimum of 4 years journeyman level experience and pass a law exam.

To qualify for an exam date you must meet the the following requirements:

You must also have:

What is journey level experience?

Journeyman level experience means that you have worked unsupervised full time for a central vacuum company, or for a contractor that holds the D-4 License.

• A journeyman can perform all of the duties associated with his or her trade.

The CSLB will want to see four full-time years over the last ten years. The years do not need to be consecutive, but they do need to be four years in total. 

Signature of a Qualifying Individual

The following people may act as a Qualifying Individual when applying for your Central Vacuum License

How to fill out the Contractor License application

In addition, your Qualifying Individual will need to provide a brief but detailed description of your knowledge and skillset. The way this description is written is critical to whether or not your application gets accepted. For example: 

“Ted installed our vacuum system and now the air is great” is not descriptive enough.

Most importantly, the description written by your qualifying individual has to include the core skills required a central vacuum contractor.

​​​​Work experience for the Contractor License

You must be prepared to submit documentation supporting the experience you claim to have. The Contractors State License Board gives you a few ways that you can prove your experience which include:

• Tax Returns
• Check Stubs
• Contracts
• Material Order Invoices or Receipts

The CSLB  receives thousands of applications per month so there is a good chance they won’t document your experience.

However, if you are one of the applicants that get reviewed you will need to be ready to submit something. 

The CSLB does not accept pictures of projects.

Application Processing, Fees and Criminal History

The time it takes to get your application processed and assigned a test date fluctuates throughout the year.

Typically you can expect:

• 6-8 Week Application Processing Time
• 3-4 Week wait for an Exam date

I have seen some situations where applicants got their test date sooner and some where they got their test date much later.

The most common reasons your application would get held up are:

1. Time of year (processing time slows down during the holidays) 
2. Criminal History 
3. Proving Experience
4. Mistakes on your application 

Contractor License Costs

The Current CSLB fees are: 

• State Application Fee - $330 
• License Activation Fee - $200 (after you pass the exam)
• Fingerprinting
• Bond Fee (What is a Construction Bond?)

Can you get a Contractors License with a Felony in California?

Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a central vacuum contractor License. Thousands of tradesman get licensed each year despite having criminal records, some of whom obtain multiple licenses.

The key is to be honest on the application, even if the felony or misdemeanor happened years ago and even if it was expunged.

BE 100% HONEST ON THE APPLICATION, because they will see everything anyway when you do fingerprinting. The CSLB handles criminal records on a case by case basis.

Remember, their responsibility is to protect the public. Typically the CSLB is most concerned with Fraud, Embezzlement and Forgery.

The Contractor License Exam

Contractor licenses are broken down into four categories:

1) A-General Engineering

2) B-General Building

3) C-Specialty classes

4) C-61 / D-Limited Specialty classes

Each category of license except the D-Limited Specialty license class requires that you pass a TRADE exam. C-61 Classification licenses do not have trade portions.

You must only pass a LAW exam.

The exam is:

The Law Examination is divided into eight major sections:

1. Business Organization (10%)

•  Company organization
•  Project organization

2. Business Finances (15%)

• Cash management
• Budget and planning
• Taxes
• Financial reporting

3. Employment Requirements (12%)

• Employment regulations
• Evaluation and record-keeping
• Payroll

4. Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%)

• Bonds
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Liens and other remedies
• Other insurance

5. Contract Requirements and Execution (23%)

• Bidding
• Cost control
• Contracts
• Payments

6. Licensing Requirements (8%)

• Business license
• Contractor’s license
• Activity regulation

7. Safety (15%)

• Training and reporting requirements
• General safety
• Hazardous/unknown materials

8. Public Works (7%)

• Prevailing wage requirements
• Bonding requirements
• Insurance requirements

Learn more about Contractor License Law!

CSLB Test Locations

There are CSLB testing locations in the following cities:

California Contractors License Exam Prep

• Getting your central vacuum systems contractors license is a smooth process if you have the right information. 
• It can be confusing to see un-familiar terms used to describe tools or job site practices. The Contractor LAW exam covers a number of different topics.
• Questions are presented to you as if you are running a large scale remodeling business with multiple employees.
• Being prepared and knowing what to study is the most important thing you can do in ensuring your success on the contractor license exam.

Construction Apprenticeships

If you do not have the experience required to get the C-61/D-4 Central Vacuum systems Contractor license, not to worry!

Your journey begins here. Generally someone looking to become vacuum systems contractor would want to look into an apprenticeship for find an experienced person to work with.

For a detailed explanation on this process, check out my article: Apprentice vs Journeyman!