2013 has been full of changes when it comes to the CSLB License Application. It used to be the experience that the schema could make or break your request. Now, he’s just a minor player for eight of the 43 license rankings. Although the schema is a vital component to any business classification, certain business classifications require that you have a schema that accurately reflects your actual business experience.
While it is important to have a CSLB work experience form properly formatted for all 43 classifications, preparing a suitable experience outline for the eight critical classifications is only the first step.
As I described in a previous post, and what seems to be the most confusing for applicants, you should avoid including clerical jobs like; specific details of the project, period of time in the trade, etc. The CSLB wants to see what you do in the workplace on a daily basis. What trades are you doing? If you are applying for the C-10 electrical license, you are pulling cables, installing 110 / 220v, installing panels, laying conduit. If you are applying for a C-53 pool license, are you installing rebar, applying gunite, installing electricity; ie lighting, pool control systems or plumbing? If you are applying for the C-33 paint license, are you preparing the paint surface, repairing drywall, mixing paint, applying latex or water-based paints or stains?
The CSLB experience form should not include what you do on the business side of things. For example, obtaining permits, signing contracts, dealing with clients, managing projects, providing quotes, etc. The CSLB assumes that everyone in the business can perform these administrative tasks.
Going back to those eight “critical classes” which include A-General Engineering, B-General Building, C-10 Electrical, C-16 Fire Suppression, C-20 Heating / Ventilation / Air Conditioning, C-36 Plumbing, C-38 Refrigeration and Well Drilling Trades C-57. The CSLB work experience form is only the first step because they will ask you to provide additional proof of experience. So in this case, your outline should be as detailed and close to your actual experience as possible. If they contact your employer or certifier and ask if you have actually installed a 220v cable and say no, you will likely have a hard time taking your application to the testing phase.
If you are wondering how to complete the CSLB work experience form, I will be happy to help. I offer full application preparation or application review.