tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83472097625955360342024-02-20T17:47:17.615-08:00License Instruction Schools Blog(800)346-7277 www.contractorschool.comMark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-88146546270336595302018-11-27T09:39:00.001-08:002018-11-27T09:39:26.762-08:00California's Fire DisastersAfter the unprecedented devastation to California from the fires in Northern and Southern California, the State is left with the prospect of rebuilding. Over 10,000 structures were destroyed.<br />
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This has left a huge void between how many contractors there are in the state and how much work that needs to be done. Undoubtedly, contractors from other states will move in to fill this void but new contractors right here will be needed.<br />
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If you are considering getting a contractors license, I urge you to do it now. The demand will be overwhelming.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-41462234793104400752017-05-24T06:57:00.001-07:002017-05-24T06:57:49.113-07:00Contractors State License Board Appoints New RegistrarOur congratulations to David Fogt for being appointed the new Registrar of Contractors. He succeeds Cindi Christensen effective May 2, 2017. He started working at the Board in February of 1990 and has held various positions. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. The Registrar heads the Contractors State License Board. He will oversee over 400 employees and a sixty million dollar budget.<br />
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Best of luck at your new position!Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-31827346179374599912017-02-20T07:38:00.002-08:002017-02-20T07:38:04.731-08:00New Laws Affecting Contractors in 2017<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">
<a class="newtab" href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1793" style="color: #06118b;">Assembly Bill (AB) 1793</a> modifies the criteria the courts use to determine if a contractor substantially complied with licensing law under <a class="newTab" href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=7031&lawCode=BPC" style="color: #06118b;">Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 7031</a>. This allows a client to not pay a contractor and to demand the return of compensation paid for work completed if the contractor was unlicensed at any time during the course of work. The new legislation provides the court a modified set of criteria to use when determining if a contractor “substantially complied” with licensure requirements and acted promptly and in good faith to remedy the lapse in licensure once known.</div>
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<a class="newTab" href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB1209" style="color: #06118b;">Senate Bill (SB) 1209</a> provides for enhanced complaint disclosure of legal actions taken against licensees. Under the provisions of this legislation, citations issued against a licensed contractor follow that contractor if he or she is issued another license and allows for the public disclosure of these citations.</div>
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<a class="newTab" href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB2486" style="color: #06118b;">AB 2486</a> requires that by January 1, 2019, CLSB create a system that allows consumers to search CSLB’s website for a licensed contractor either by zip code or geographic area, which should make it easier for consumers to identify and hire properly licensed contractors.</div>
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In an effort to establish further safety measures around underground excavation, <a class="newTab" href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB661" style="color: #06118b;">SB 661</a> enacts the Dig Safe Act of 2016, and makes several changes to existing requirements for excavation procedures. These include requiring that excavators delineate an area to be excavated prior to notifying an appropriate regional notification center and establishing the California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Advisory Board within the Office of the State Fire Marshall.</div>
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<a class="newTab" href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB2286" style="color: #06118b;">AB 2286</a> authorizes CSLB to raise its various fees, resulting in what will be the first fee increase since 2011, and only the second fee increase since 1993. The 10 percent fee increase will ensure that CSLB has enough funds to operate in the coming years. Increases that take effect July 1, 2017 include: The application fee for an original license in a single classification will increase from $300 to $330; the renewal fee for an active license will increase from $360 to $400; and the registration and renewal fee for a Home Improvement Salesperson will increase from $75 to $83.</div>
Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-68020269181916726952016-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:002016-10-24T15:34:51.475-07:00Military Veterans Get Preferred Application Processing for a Contractor's LicenseOn October 13, 2016 in a show of support for our veterans, the Contractors State License Board announced that the applications received by veterans are being processed by specially trained staff for faster test date issuance. Include your DD-214 and I would suggest stapling a piece of paper on the application stating "Military Applicant".<br />
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Other documents you can submit but are not required:<br />
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<span class="s1">Copy of ERB (Enlisted Record Brief)</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Copy of ORB (Officer Record Brief)</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Copy of DD2586 (Verification of Military Experience and Training form)</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Copy of Joint Service Transcripts (military transcripts)</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sealed, official educational transcripts for formal civilian education</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you don't have a copy of your DD-214 (or any other document listed above) you can request one at </span><a href="http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records">www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records</a></div>
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There is also expedited application service for spouses/domestic partners under certain circumstances.</div>
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For more information you can visit the official website of the Contractors State License Board at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Military/">http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Military/</a></div>
Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-68285311139219079272016-06-12T14:24:00.001-07:002016-06-12T14:24:15.534-07:00The CSLB Streamlines The Application ProcessThe California State Contractors License Board has, in the last couple of months, streamlined the application process. They are now requiring less paperwork for applicants resulting in faster test dates for a large percentage of applicants.<br />
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If you were thinking about becoming a contractor, now is a great time to apply for your contractor's license.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-35027536670191624502016-01-22T12:01:00.000-08:002016-01-22T12:05:28.427-08:00New C-1 Classification for Handymen and Light RemodelsThe Contractors State License Board is considering adding a classification of license that addresses the gap between light general work, such as handyman and light remodels, and more extensive general building such as additions and new construction. It is still in meetings and it is unsure at this point whether it will be approved. The idea is that a person who does general building work that does not include structural (load bearing) framing and is less than $15,000.00 (the new amount of a contractor's bond) will be able to legally contract. The problem currently is that a person who does construction that doesn't involve framing can't qualify for a B-General Building license but is required to be licensed to do work that is $500.00 or more. More on this issue soon.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-77114172429342679222015-10-29T12:02:00.000-07:002015-11-10T09:58:26.535-08:002016 California Contractors License Bond IncreaseThe Governor has recently signed Senate Bill 467 increasing the bond amount for licensed contractors from $12,500.00 to $15,000.00. This will not affect the Bonds of Qualifying Individuals (bonds for RME's and RMO's who own less than 10% of the business). Although the bill itself does not set an exact time, it is my understanding that the Contractors State License Board intends to make it effective on January 1, 2016. If you are a licensed contractor, this probably means that you will be getting a supplemental bill for the increase. Since it is a 20% increase, you can expect new and renewal bonds to cost about 20% more. If you are already bonded, you will only have to pay a pro-rata increase based on the amount of time that you have left on your current bond. For example, if you purchased a 2-year bond one year ago, you will be billed approximately 10% of your original premium, or half the 20% increase.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-35091839955364706792015-06-22T10:34:00.001-07:002015-06-22T10:34:32.793-07:00Take a look at our video detailing how the process of preparing for the California Contractor's License exam works.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bgE6VR4BCUM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bgE6VR4BCUM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-14835799862224808102015-06-14T08:08:00.001-07:002015-06-14T08:08:20.251-07:00Social Security Number No Longer Required to Obtain a Contractors LicenseDue to Senate Bill 1159 professional and vocational licensing in California will no longer require a Social Security Number (SSN), effective no later than January 1, 2016. This affects those obtaining a contractors license among many others. These types of licenses can now be obtained with only an IRS-issued ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).<br />
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The practicality of this is dubious since you need to have a contractors license bond in order to have an active license, unless you can make a cash deposit of $12,500.00. A bond usually requires a credit check and therein lies the dilemma.<br />
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Whether you are for it or against it, it is now the law of the land. The Contractors State License Board is being proactive and accepting applications now with only ITIN's, ahead of the mandated effective date.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-83081887097039770412015-02-18T07:10:00.001-08:002015-07-09T07:58:32.140-07:00New C-22 Asbestos Abatement Contractor Classification Became Effective on January 1, 2015The State has added a new classification to the 43 existing classifications. Prior to this year, the Asbestos Certification was the only option to legally remove asbestos. The problem was that contractors were limited to removing asbestos within their classification. So a drywall contractor could not remove asbestos outside of the scope of his/her drywall classification.<br />
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The argument to justify the new classification was that if a contractor was qualified to remove asbestos from a home within their classification, why not allow that same contractor to remove asbestos from any part of the house since the process is the same?<br />
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The law describes the C-22 as:<br />
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"An asbestos abatement contractor performs abatement, including containment, encapsulation, or removal, and disposal of asbestos containing construction materials, as defined in Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, in and on buildings and structures. </div>
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All work performed and all documentation prepared by an asbestos abatement contractor shall be done in accordance with regulations and requirements of the Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).</div>
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The C-22 Asbestos Abatement contractor classification operates as a stand-alone specialty contractor classification for asbestos abatement work, regardless of any other classification(s) that may be held by the licensed contractor, and functions within the scope of the contractor’s DOSH registration."</div>
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The Contractors State License Board requires that a C-22 contractor be registered with DOSH in order to be licensed in that classification. Proof needs to be submitted to the Board prior to any work being done in this classification. The State will issue the license without it, but proof of registration must be received by the Board within 90 days of licensure and the contractor cannot perform any asbestos work until the Board receives it.</div>
Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-24576968404640828402014-10-14T07:36:00.001-07:002014-10-15T06:00:50.418-07:00How long does it take to get a test date and can you get a faster contractors exam date?The first correspondence you receive from the Contractors State License Board after submitting an application for a California Contractors License is a letter informing you that your application has been received. This letter will also provide you with your unique Application Fee Number and a PIN. You can use this to log into the State's website to track the progress of your application. About a week later you will receive a letter from the state informing you that you have a test date in about three to four weeks. So you can expect to test about five to six weeks from the time you submit your application. This is assuming the state does not require any corrections or additional proof of your experience.<br />
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You can take the test faster if you like. There are two ways this can be accomplished:<br />
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(1) You can include a letter with your application addressed to the Expedite Committee. This committee meets once a week and reviews such requests. If granted you can expect to test much sooner (maybe two weeks) and have your license number issued much quicker than the three weeks it normally takes after you pass the exams. Expedites are rarely granted except under extremely urgent situations that were not under the control of the applicant, especially now since you have the next option discussed below.<br />
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(2) The other option is to do what is called a "Walk-In". Once you are notified that you have a test date in the future, you can just show up at a State testing center at 7:30 a.m. on any weekday and, if they have room, they will test you! Some days they don't test so you should call in advance and check to see if they are testing on the day you would like to do a Walk-In (be sure to specify which city). They almost always have room, especially now since they are only testing about half the number of applicants that they were just a few years ago. I have not had one student call me and say that they could not get in. This way you are testing as fast as if you were approved for an Expedite. The only difference is you will still have to wait the three weeks after you pass to get your license number.<br />
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Keep in mind that the three weeks it takes to get your license number after your exam is assuming you pay your license fee and get your bond(s) right after your test.<br />
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You cannot bid on a contract until you have a license number, even if you have passed the test.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-23755764640630668332014-10-03T07:29:00.002-07:002015-06-14T08:27:39.468-07:00The California Contractors License ExamA lot of you are probably wondering what kind of test is involved in order to get a contractors license. There are actually two tests that you must pass, one on law and one on your trade, unless you are getting a C-61 classification which has no trade exam. If you pass one and fail the other, you only have to retake the one that you failed.<br />
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The questions are multiple-choice (A, B, C or D). There are 115 questions on the law test and a passing score is 66%. The trade tests range between 100 and 120 questions, depending on the trade. The scores required to pass range between 60% to 76%.<br />
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If you fail, the State charges $60.00 to re-take the test(s). You can keep taking the test for up to eighteen months and then your application voids and you must re-apply. Your application also voids if you fail (or fail to appear) and don't pay the re-exam fee within the 90-day time limit. Note that if you fail to appear twice your application will void as well. If you re-apply within 60 days of your void date you will not have to prove your experience again.<br />
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Once you have passed the test and obtained your license you do not have to test again. There are no continuing education requirements either. If you pass your test(s) and do not move forward with getting the license, for whatever reason, it is good for five years. So, if you re-apply you will not have to take the test(s) that you passed.<br />
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The key, of course, is good preparation.<br />
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For more detailed information, see this article <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?California-Contractors-License---How-To-Obtain-One&id=8066189">http://ezinearticles.com/?California-Contractors-License---How-To-Obtain-One&id=8066189</a>Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-50136395195079320102014-09-22T05:52:00.001-07:002015-07-09T07:59:32.085-07:00Does Construction Experience Count if it Was Obtained in the Military?<span style="background-color: white;">Military experience absolutely does count when applying for a contractors license. As a matter of fact it affects the 10 year limitation and you might be able to get the whole process sped up because of your service.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
The Contractors License Law and Reference Book states:</span><br />
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"An applicant shall not be jeopardized in computing time for service in the armed forces of the United States during a National Emergency and the length of service may be added to the 10 years mentioned above."</span><br />
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This means that if you did serve during a National Emergency in the last 10 years, it extends the time limitation. Let's say you served 3 years. You now can count experience in your trade going back 13 years, including your military service if it was engaging in or directly supervising the trade for which you are applying.</span><br />
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Another benefit if you served in the military is The Military Veterans Application and Assistance Program. See the following:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">"The Military Veterans Application Assistance Program aids those who are transitioning from military service to civilian employment. In some cases, veterans possess transferable skills that help meet the minimum experience and training requirements to apply for a contractor’s license. This program offers expedited processing of veterans’ applications, including the evaluation of transferable military experience and training, as well as education.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">CSLB assists military veterans by providing:</span></div>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://www.cslb.ca.gov/images/template2013/bullet_blue_disc.png); background-position: 0px 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; padding: 0px 0px 16px 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Expedited application processing when appropriate;</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.cslb.ca.gov/images/template2013/bullet_blue_disc.png); background-position: 0px 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; padding: 0px 0px 16px 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Direct contact with CSLB staff;</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.cslb.ca.gov/images/template2013/bullet_blue_disc.png); background-position: 0px 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; padding: 0px 0px 16px 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Licensing staff specially trained to evaluate transferable military training and experience from all branches of the military in an effort to meet minimum licensure requirements; and</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.cslb.ca.gov/images/template2013/bullet_blue_disc.png); background-position: 0px 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; padding: 0px 0px 16px 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Evaluation of college transcripts to help verify acceptable educational credit (in addition to military training and experience)."</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">On a personal note: Thank you for your service!</span></span></div>
Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-29440697639769633212014-09-22T05:21:00.000-07:002014-09-22T05:21:03.034-07:00Will The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Accept Part-Time ExperienceThe State of California does accept part-time experience as long as it was within the last ten years. It only counts for the actual time it would add up to as full-time. I'll give you an example. If you worked half-time for eight years it would be the equivalent of four years of full-time experience.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-47369548804636660002014-09-18T06:54:00.002-07:002014-09-18T06:54:21.376-07:00Will Out Of State Experience Count When Applying For a California Contractors License?The simple answer is: Yes. Your experience can be anywhere in the world.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-18968982939603036622014-09-18T06:51:00.000-07:002014-09-19T05:27:26.341-07:00Does The California CSLB Accept Self-Employed Experience?The Contractors State License Board does accept self-employed experience, even if that self-employed experience is working in the state of California without a contractors license. I believe they adopted this policy to encourage unlicensed contractors to become legal. It's better to have someone licensed, bonded and regulated than working underground.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-77376732680564976952014-09-17T06:28:00.003-07:002014-09-17T06:28:57.694-07:00Contractors License Experience RequirementsThe Contractors State License Board <a href="http://www.cslb.ca.gov/" target="_blank">http://www.cslb.ca.gov</a> requires applicants to show four years of experience within the last ten years engaged in or directly supervising your trade. If you don't have that, education can count up to three years. Notice I said UP TO. The amount of months or years the state gives you toward the four year requirement depends on the subject(s) studied. For example, in my experience, a Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management will count the full three years while a Bachelors Degree in Business counts for only two.<br />
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Much more to come...Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347209762595536034.post-28638195765620321282014-09-17T06:13:00.003-07:002017-06-13T10:08:06.634-07:00Welcome to License Instruction Schools' Blog!Hello everyone. This blog is for those considering obtaining a California contractors license or adding a classification on their existing license.<br />
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A little about myself: My name is Mark Needham and I am the Director of License Instruction Schools, the largest contractors license school in America even though we only serve the state of California. That's how big our state is! I started License Instruction Schools in 1982. Since then we have enrolled over 100,000 students to prepare for the California contractors license exam. You can view our website <a href="http://contractorschool.com/">contractorschool.com</a>, watch a video that shows exactly what we do <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgE6VR4BCUM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgE6VR4BCUM</a> or call us at (800)346-7277.<br />
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Look for posts that will help you through the process of becoming a licensed California contractor and thank you for visiting. If you are looking at this on a mobile device, click "Home" below to see all of our blog articles.Mark Needhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194023042442635342noreply@blogger.com0