In this article, we are going to take a look at what you can do with the C-61/D-49 Tree service Contractor License.
The C-61/D-49 Tree Service is one of 73 contractor license 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:
Commonly referred to as the “tree service license”, this classification falls under the C-61 Contractor license category.
For licenses under this category, there is no trade examination.
Duties of California Tree Service Contractors
Individuals or companies that hold this license typically specialize in tree trimming and land clearing, however, there are many other areas covered under this classification as well.
Other services include:
- Land Clearing
- Stump Grinding and Removal
- Tree Removal and Trimming
- Yard Clearing
- Fire Prevention
- Brush Chipping
- Tree Planting
- Root Fertilization
- Chipper Mulch
- Pulling Tree Removal Permits
- Understanding Tree Removal Requirements for each city/county
- Arborist Services
- Tree risk assessment, disease diagnosis
- Trimming per fire regulation codes
- Tree Cabling and Bracing
- Deadwood trimming
Related Licenses to D-49 tree service classification
Some contractors want to expand their services and get additional licensing.
The most common pairing for the D-49 license would be:
Adding on additional license classifications largely depends on the direction you are trying to go with your business.
In some cases, a client may request that you hold a particular classification to fulfill an insurance requirement prior to beginning a project.
California Contractor License Requirements
To get a C-61/D-49 license 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
In addition, you must also pass a California Law & Business Examination
California Contractors License Test
California contractors looking to get their C-61/D-49 license will be tested on the following areas:
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
What’s the exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete
- Taken via Computer at a CSLB Testing Facility
- Exam Centers in: Berkeley, Fresno, Norwalk, Oxnard, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Jose
What kind of math skills do I need?
When it comes to the California contractor license test. You will want to make sure that your math skills are up to par.
It is important to remember that this is a law examination in which questions will be presented to you as if you are a General Building Contractor with multiple projects running simultaneously.
You can expect math questions related to:
- Arithmetic
- Cost Estimation
- Calculating Square Footage
- Units of Measurement
- Percentages and Decimals
Preparing for Your CSLB license exam
Our complete course will break down all of the essential knowledge you must know to be successful on your CSLB law & business examination.
In addition to passing your exam, you will also be equipped with valuable knowledge that will give you a crash course in how to run a contracting business effectively and profitably.
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!