Individuals or companies seeking to do flooring work in California need to get a license from the California Contractors State License Board. Either an individual doing the flooring or floor-covering work or a company that employs such an individual can get a state license. The flooring license includes carpet installation, wood flooring, laminate flooring and resilient goods and rubber flooring.
The qualifying person for the license does not need to meet any particular educational requirements for a contractor license. Rather, California wants licensees to have actual experience and sufficient knowledge to pass a California flooring exam. Once those qualifications are met, a prospective flooring contractor can then get a license if certain financial requirements are met.
The qualifying person first needs to get a job for the required work experience. Although some California flooring contractors may have trainee positions, this time does not qualify under the four-year rule. Rather, you must accumulate these years as a journeyman, contractor, foreman or supervisor.
Now, let’s assume you meet the experience requirements. This does not absolutely prove you are competent to work as an independent flooring expert, so you are going to need to take two exams to prove you have the requisite knowledge to be a flooring contractor.
These exams include a California Law and Business exam and a “flooring and floor covering” exam. Passage of both parts is necessary to get a California license.
To study for these exams, the state makes it fairly easy by providing a study guide for both of these exams. In the Resources below, you will see links to both of the exam guides.
Study for the exams by buying the reference books mentioned in each guide. You can also use the exam content outlines in each guide as a way to check your progress.
To take the exams, you will need to apply for a California flooring license using the general application form linked to in the Resources below. You will also need to submit a $250 application fee. Make checks payable to the Registrar of Contractors.
Note:
The total to get a flooring and floor covering contractor license in California is $400, as you will have to submit a final $150 after passing your Law and Business and flooring exams.
Note:
When you receive instructions after applying, the process will require you to submit fingerprints for a background check. This is necessary for all California contractors, and any criminal record might disqualify you for a flooring license.
Besides the experience and exams, you need to meet some financial requirements to ensure the protection of the California public from shady or unprofessional contract work. This includes $2500 in working capital for flooring projects, contractor surety bonds of $7500 and $12,500 and workers comp insurance for contractors who also employ other individuals.
Tip:
In the Resources, there is a link to the contractor blueprint. It is best to read through that blueprint for full details, including some exceptions to the license requirements.
Resources:
Study Guide: California Contractors Law and Business Exam
California Flooring License Application
Study Guide for the California Flooring Contractor Exam
California Contractors Blueprint for Licensed Contractors
