The California Contractors State License Board issues a license for demolition and building moving. Those seeking to negotiate contracts and perform demolition and moving jobs in California must get this license. The main requirements are work experience and California contractor exams. In addition, all applicants must satisfy the board that they have the moral and financial fitness to run a contracting business for California demolition and building moving.
Note:
When a company wants to negotiate demolition contracts as a business entity, then it must have an employee that meets the California demolition license requirements. Otherwise, an individual can personally qualify and get a license under his or her own name.
The various construction specialties are sometimes learned in a technical school or college, but the bulk of learning occurs on the job. This is why the California board does not require any specific education to get a license for demolition and building moving. However, any general classes on construction and engineering can be good for your future demolition career. In particular, securing a job to obtain the necessary work experience may be contingent on having some level of schooling.
Speaking of work experience, you need at least four years in the demolition and building moving construction field to get a California license. 100% of this time must be spent as either a foreman, supervisor, contractor or journeyman. In other words, mere trainee positions do not apply to this requirement.
Note:
While this article is meant to give the major highlights for getting a California demolition license, you should also refer to the “Blueprint for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor,” which is linked to in the Resources below. That document gives the long but detailed process to get one of the various California contractor licenses.
Ideally, you should start studying for your demolition/building moving exam while you are still gaining experience. That way, you will be ready to take the exam on the day you qualify for a license. Actually, you must take both the California demolition exam and the Law and Business exam.
The board has a study guide for both of these exams. You can see links to the guides in the Resources below. Get the study references listed in the guide to prepare.
Application
Now, once you feel confident that you can pass both tests to get your demolition license, then you need to apply. Fill out the general contractor application linked to below. Submit that and the $250 application fee to the California Contractors State License Board. You will later have to pay an additional $150 to get the actual license assuming you pass the exams and otherwise qualify.
You will also be submitting fingerprints for a background check. This is a requirement in California. Not all applicants with a criminal record will be denied. It depends on the number and type of crimes for which you have been convicted.
In addition to this moral fitness requirement, you also need some financial resources to work as a licensed demolition and building moving contractor in California. This includes, among other things, workers compensation insurance if required by state law, $2500 in working capital and some surety bonds for contractors that total about $20,000 ( or a cash equivalent).
Sources:
California Law and Business Exam Study Guide for Contractors
California Demolition Contractor’s License Application
California Contractors Blueprint for a Demolition Contractor’s License
California Demolition Exam Study Guide
