Contractors state license services
The school helps Hispanic contractors overcome language hurdles with bilingual classes, instructional materials in Spanish, and bilingual teachers and staff.
In California, it is illegal for a contractor to take on a job worth $500 or more without a contract or license. A conviction could mean heavy fines or jail, and without a license, a contractor has no recourse with a non-paying customer. Since 1985, Contractors State License Services (CSLS) has helped more than 110,000 contractors obtain licenses, the largest school of its type in California.
Contractors State License Services classes are designed to help attendees pass state exams for more than 43 types of licenses, including those for general building contractors, landscaping contractors and many specialty trades.
“We’re like a one-stop shop for contractors,” says Ernie Barberi, regional manager for Contractors State License Services. “We help people get their California licenses, and we also conduct business seminars because we want them to be successful.” CSLS boasts a 98 percent first-time pass rate on licensing tests. “We have something that works,” says Barberi. “As long as you do what we ask, you are going to pass.”
The school helps Hispanic contractors and Hispanic Constrction Business Owners overcome language hurdles with bilingual classes, instructional materials in Spanish, and bilingual teachers and staff. Bilingual courses are offered at nearly half of the school’s 33 locations. In addition, CSLS has launched a new Spanish-language website at www.contractorslicensingschools.com.
What sets Contractors State License Services apart from other schools is expert guidance. “We have licensed consultants that go through the process and assess what learning methods will work best,” says Barberi. “We often recommend bilingual classes, so students learn in their native language, but also in English, so they learn the terminology.”
Training is held in traditional classroom settings, in online classes with instructors, via self-study programs and through crash courses. “One of the benefits of the classroom setting is that students can network with others that are here,” says Barberi. “We hold students’ hands through the whole application process,” says Barberi. In the case of a language barrier, paperwork is filed to allow for a translator, as well as extra time to complete the exam. This helps avoid returned applications and delayed exams.
In addition, CSLS courses, such as the “Business Bootcamp Seminar” and “Estimating for Construction,” provide practical tools for the contractor. When new requirements develop, such as the EPA Certified Renovators Certification, CSLS is there to provide training. CSLS can be reached at (800) 303-4691.
Popular Contractors State License Services classes
(B) General Building Contractor
- C10 – Electrical Contractor
- C33 – Painting and Decorating Contractor
- C36 – Plumbing Contractor
- C27 – Landscaping Contractor
(A) General Engineering Contractor
- C20 – Warm Air Heating, Ventilating and Air- Contractor
- C54 – Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor
- C7 – Low Voltage Systems Contractor
- C15 – Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor
For a list of all the classes offered by Contractors State License Services, visit www.contractorslicensingschools.com.
