How do you get it?

The sheet metal license is a good one, really solid, to get. If you’re a sheet metal contractor. If you’re a toaster contractor (there is no such thing; I just made that up to make a point) then you would need your Toaster License.

But you’re a sheet metal contractor.

So, yeah, you’re on the right page.

Anyway, that’s all beside the point. The point is, a C43 License is defined by the CSLB as such:

California Code of Regulations
Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications

A sheet metal contractor selects, cuts, shapes, fabricates and installs sheet metal such as cornices, flashings, gutters, leaders, pans, kitchen equipment, duct work (including insulation, patented chimneys, metal flues, metal roofing systems and any other installations requiring sheet metal).

Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059 (Business and Professions Code)

Pretty cool, right?

Reminds me of Metal Mario, which was a thing in some old video game.

Moving on, and on, and on.

What does a Sheet Metal Contractor do?

What you do. Because you’re a sheet metal contractor. I feel like we’re going in circles.

You do pretty much most things related to sheets and metal.

But How Do You Get The License?

I’m glad you asked. It’s not the first time someone’s asked me, but I’m blushing nonetheless.

It’s so simple your head is going to spin (so hold onto your head. head spinning was an epidemic in the 90s when breakdancing was a thing) and you’re not going to believe it. Most people don’t.

All you need is three things: you have to be eighteen-years or older, you have to be legally allowed to work in California (which means you would need an SSN or an ITIN), and you have to have 4 years of experience doing sheet metal things.

That’s it.

I know, I know.

You’re scratching your head and asking, HOW CAN THIS BE?

All along, it was this simple.

Really and truly.

So now it’s time to get the license.

Pass The Tests

You have to pass two tests with the state of CALI. Which is the best state, by the way.

The first test covers the law — construction law, that is. And a little bit of brain neuroscience. (kidding about the neuroscience thing.)

The second test covers the trade — which for you is the C43.

Once you pass these tests, you receive the license.

THE DEETS.

There are a few minor details.

Like, for example, you have to get a Surety bond in the amount of $15,000 — which will cost you about $100 for the year. And that’s with inflation, which is a beast.

Gas prices and inflation are my least favorite things.

My favorite things are writing sentences that help you to understand how to get your contractors license (and the Christopher Nolan Batman movies).

You also have to get a Livescan.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE (DON’T SKIP)

You don’t get the bond or the livescan until after you’ve already passed the freakin’ tests.

Got it?

Some of our students have done this out of order, which is a terrible idea.

If you do it out of order, your life will never be the same. You’ll be on an insane downward trajectory for the rest of your life and you’ll eat so many gingerbread cookies that you’ll become fat and your fatness will make it so that you have to buy at least four to five seats every time you fly in an airplane and then you’ll get your commercial pilot’s license, in a rare twist of events, and slim down and do a great job but ultimately you’ll never be able to grow your business as a contractor.

So do things in the proper order, please.

Thank you.

CORPORATION

Should you incorporate your business?

Yes, you should.

Preferably before you get your license.

Though that’s not required (at least not as of yet).

How do you do that? We can help you. We do it all the time for contractors.

Because it’s our job.

ONCE YOU PASS THE TESTS

You get your license.

IN SUMMARY

Sure, I’m skipping small, inconsequential details because you don’t need to know everything about everything to make a decision. Sometimes you just have to go for things in life. Take a risk. Take the dive (unless we’re talking boxing, then don’t do that). Call the girl. Make the date. Ask for the deal. Go for it, go for it, go for it.

“Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.”

– Ken Poirot