What Jobs Can You Bid with a General B License?
The General B license is for individuals or companies that specialize in residential and commercial construction work.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Design & Builds
- Remodeling
- Concrete Foundations
- Residential houses
- Strip malls
- Apartment complexes
- Commercial office buildings
- Framing
- Rough Carpentry
- Residential and Commercial building construction
- Windows and Doors
- Painting and Mold removal
- Guesthouses
- Hardscapes
- Room additions
- Garages
- Masonry Features
- Hardscapes, decks, porches & gazebos
- Property management
- Hammock frames
- Entertainment centers
- Storage spaces
- Custom designs
- Decks, Fencing, Gates & Railing
- Demolition and Hauling
- Flooring
- Sewage clean up
- Storm and Smoke Damage Restoration
- Project Scheduling, Permitting, Safety Planning
- Impact mitigation
- Compliance
- Post-construction services and clean up
- Construction Management
- Capital Improvements
- On-site inspection and reporting
- Budget Development
- Cost estimating and reporting
- Tenant improvements
- ADA upgrades
- Exterior upgrades
- Green building
- Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing
- Cool Wall Systems
- Landscaping
- Acrylic shower bases, bathroom vanities
- Glass shower door installation
Limitations of the General B license
It is extremely important to remember that there are limitations to the General B license.
Holding this classification does not mean that you can simply bid on any project. Let's analyze the definition of a General Contractor by the CSLB:
A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work.
A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification.
The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
When in doubt. ALWAYS check with the Contractors State License Board for clarification.
General Contractors and the CSLB
The General B 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 General B Contractor License
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairing for the General B license are:
General B license 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 General b license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to cost estimating, electrical, plumbing or concrete 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 (17%)
- Scope of work and code compliance
- Design and construction error identification
- Shop drawings, plans, and specifications
- Field inspection performance
- Coordination of project
- Cost estimation for materials, equipment, and
- labor
Framing and Structural Components (22%)
- Subfloor and wall framing
- Roof framing
- Seismic and load requirements
- Siding and stucco
- Decks
Core Trades (30%)
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Concrete
- Earthwork and surveying
- Insulation, acoustical, and weatherproofing
- Roofing
Finish Trades (19%)
- Painting, staining, coating, and interior wall
- covering
- Tile and stone
- Floor covering
- Cabinetry and millwork
- Plaster, drywall, and ceilings
- Windows, skylights, and doors
- Landscaping
Safety (12%)
- Personnel safety
- Transportation and traffic control
- Environmental safety
What's the General B Contractor license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions General Construction
- 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 General contractor license exam may vary. Be prepared for questions that may include:
- Basic Geometry
- Units of measurement
- Percentages and Decimals
- Light algebra and electrical math
Blueprint Reading Skills
Blueprint reading is a fundamental skill for all contractors... but especially general 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 California general b contractor license exam.
In addition to getting brushed up on the construction trade, those looking to get the General b 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!