What Jobs Can You Bid with a Masonry License in California?
The C-29 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in masonry services.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Stonescapes
- Brick & Stone
- Modern Marble
- CMU’s
- City redevelopment projects
- Masonry Historic Restoration
- Glass and Glazed Block
- Rammed Earth
- Pool decks
- Colored and Stamped Concrete
- Sidewalks
- Bricklaying
- Natural, Artificial and manufactured clay veneers
- Masonry repair
- Driveway construction
- Fireplace mantels
- Retaining walls
- Outdoor living spaces
- Rock and brick pillars
- Stone patios
- Brick pavers
- Custom fire pits
- Decorative patio areas and walkways
- Cultured stone
- Custom Built BBQ’s
- Wood state designs
- Kitchen hoods
- Architectural elements
- Pre-cast fixtures
- Brick tile stone projects
- Block wall projects
- Veneering
C-29 Masonry Contractors and the CSLB
The C-29 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:
Expanding your masonry business in California
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairings for the C-29 license are:
C-29 Masonry License Requirements
To become a licensed contractor 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 masonry 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 C-29 contractor license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to project planning and job site preparation that may not be familiar to you.
Take the time to review every possible question.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Planning and Estimation (12%)
- Scope of work
- Identify and calculate material needs
- Identify and calculate labor and equipment needs
2. Job Site Preparation (24%)
- Pre-construction activities
- Water management
- Reinforcement and bracing
- Job site preparation
3. Masonry Wall and Building Installation and Repair (16%)
- Build CMU walls and buildings
- Repair and reconstruct historical masonry structures
- Build and repair retaining walls
- Clean masonry walls and buildings
4. Decorative Masonry Installation and Repair (10%)
- Install flatwork and staircases
- Install precast masonry
- Install glass block
- Repair and clean decorative masonry
5. Masonry Veneer and Stone Installation and Repair (8%)
- Install adhered veneers
- Install anchored veneers
- Install dimensional stone veneers
- Repair and clean veneer installations
6. Fireplace, Chimney, and Barbecue Installation and Repair (11%)
- Fireplace construction requirements
- Barbecue and fire pit construction requirements
7. Safety (19%)
- Cal/OSHA safety requirements
- Elevated work
- Handling and fabrication of stone slabs
- Disposal of contaminated materials
What’s the C-29 contractor’s exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Masonry
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken at a proctored exam center
- Exam Centers located all over the state of California
Math Skills
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 Building 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-29 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 and is a key part of the job if you are working within a construction crew.
Some aspects of plan reading may also be your examination.
For a deeper look at blueprint reading concepts, check out this free blueprint reading guide.
CSLB law & business exam
Our complete course is a guide for aspiring California masonry contractors.
A step by step break down all of the essential knowledge you need to be successful on your CSLB law & business examination.
In addition to passing your exam, those looking to get the C-29 masonry contractor 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!