California has a strict code for persons operating as contractors in the state. Though many 'contractors' try to skirt the system, operating as a contractor in California without a license has never been a good idea; and with the state's renewed commitment to protecting homeowners through strict enforcement of state contracting laws, (especially in the fire stricken areas of Southern California) the importance of getting a California contractor's license is growing all the time.

Why Is A California Contractor's License Important?

The intent of the laws of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is to protect the consumer by ensuring that all contractors in the state meet a minimum set of standards, thereby ensuring the quality and level of service of work performed by those professionals.

For both regulatory reasons and for personal/professional reasons, getting a California contractor's license is important for people in the business.

o Odds are increasing those unlicensed operators will be caught! The CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) performs undercover stings to catch violators in the act; 43 stings were conducted in 2006 (most recent CSLB reporting), during which a total of 311 people were cited for operating as contractors without the appropriate license.

o California imposes strict fines for unlicensed contractors; fines can range from a $500 up to $15,000. In addition, fines can carry a six-month jail sentence. The fines for repeat offenders are even more serious ($4500 or 20% of contract price, mandatory 90 days jail time).

o Felony charges may apply if it is proven that the unlicensed contractor attempted to commit fraud.

Legalities aside, though, there are a great number of benefits to completing contractor education and obtaining the right California contractor's license; contractor education through a good contractors license school can greatly increase the profitability of a business.

o Holding a California contractor's license give the licensee the ability to bid on bigger and better jobs, including state jobs and projects endorsed by emergency management agencies (state and federal).

o A contractor's license grants legal protection; consumers do not have to pay unlicensed contractors, and without a license a contractor cannot sue clients for non-payment.

o A contractor's license gives the licensee the ability to work independently and increase rates as he or she sees fit.

o A contractor's license gains access to business loans, tax write-offs, and business contacts.

o It is more professional to hold a license (and more trustworthy!) A California contractor's license lends a level of prestige, which translates into higher profits.

How Do I Get My Contractors License?

Thanks to the Internet, unlicensed contractors in California no longer have to wonder "…how do I get my contractor's license?" Contractor's license schools, like Contractor University, offer highly educational contractor education programs that not only help operators get their license, but gain valuable knowledge and skills in the meantime.

The contractor education programs available online prepare individuals for examination, and some also offer complete licensing packages. (One contractors license school, Contractor University, provides a full-service program that helps prospective licensees through every step

of the process, including downloadable exam study materials, application filing; bonds and contractors general liability insurance is offered, too.)

Professional Education, Professional Protection

In California, operating as a contractor without a license, whether expressed or implied, is no longer an option. For the protection of the contractor and his or her consumers, it is absolutely imperative that people operating in California as contractors obtain the license to back them up, and gain the contractor education needed to get that license with confidence and ease.