How much does it cost? That’s a great question. Perhaps one of the greatest questions of all time, other than of course: Does God exist? And/or what does God want from me? Those are probably the most important questions. Maybe we’ll answer those some other time.

In the meantime, let’s start with the first question.

How much does it cost to get your contractors license in California state in the year 2024? Well, prices have just recently gone up.

To get your contractors license you must APPLY to take two tests with the state — through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Now, both tests are administered at the same time. One test covers the trade you are choosing to get licensed in. The other test covers construction law.

There is a fee to apply to take these tests. The fee is $450.

When you pass the tests, you must pay an additional $200 to CSLB to activate your Contractors License.

Also, after you pass the tests, there are two things you must do:

Get a Livescan: these usually run around $70-$100.

Get a Surety Bond in the amount of $30,000: this will usually cost you around $175 a year. You should get quotes from several insurance companies.

Okay. We’re halfway home. What next? So far the fees are $650 to CSLB plus $275.

Before you even apply to get your license, you’re going to have to make a decision as to whether or not you’re going to want to incorporate your business or act as a sole proprietor. In other words, are you going to form a corporation or are you going to go it alone?

Right now you’re either pumped (excited) by this article or your shoulders are drooping and you’re thinking: this is way too much. How am I going to be able to handle all of this or be able to pay for it?

If you’re ready and rearing to go, continue reading.

If you need inspiration or motivation because you’re feeling down, watch this video:

Cool video, right? Let’s proceed.

How are you supposed to choose between a corporation or a sole prop? Typically you need a lot of information and time and discussion and all of that. Well, first I should say that you’re not locked into whatever you choose.

Example: you can get licensed as a sole prop right now and transition it into a corporation later. Only problem with that is that it does cost additional money to do that transition (and time). It is better and more cost effective to start your corporation first.

We recommend going to the corporation route. It’s simpler because you never have to transition your business later. Also, if you start an S CORP you get a few cool things:

• Your personal assets are protected by the corporate veil.
• The tax rate is lower.
• Get get an ‘INC’ at the end of your business name.
• You can apply for corporate credit.
• You’re less likely to get audited by the IRS.

So those are some good reasons.

We’ll help you file your corporation with the Secretary of State — as part of our services — and we charge around $1,200 for this.

With that number in mind, let’s proceed.

You will probably want some kind of schooling, yes? Technically, you don’t need any. You can simply apply to take your tests and then get your test date and take the tests. But it is hard to pass the tests without any type of study.

Which is where we come in as a CONTRACTOR LICENSE SCHOOL.

We offer prep courses and have several options you can choose from. We have a few schools based in Southern Cal and we charge $1,499 for our complete course.

However, if you don’t live in SoCal or if you just want to study from home (and save some money), you’ll want to see our Home Study Packages. For a lot less money, you can simply order the relevant books and practice tests (and class videos, pre-recorded) and study from home. The price of this is $699.

All right, so we’ve almost figured out the cost requirements of getting your license.

• Course – $700 – $1499
• Incorporation – $1200
• CSLB (STATE FEES) – $650
• Livescan and Insurance – $275

So we’re looking at a total price, start to finish, of around $3,000.

Phew. Big number, right?

Well, yes, almost as much as you spent on that flatscreen television and sound system, am I right?

Humans are funny. We’ll spend loads of money on pleasure, but when it comes to investing in ourselves, to increase our skills and level up in life, we become stingy.

We’ll blow money on lottery tickets, the casino, fast food, entertainment without even barely giving a second thought. But when it comes to bettering ourselves, we’ll become hesitant.

And now, as a skilled writer, I will payoff the question I asked in the opening of this article: what does God want from you? Well, I don’t know about you (and it’s okay if we disagree), but I believe in the God of the Bible. And I believe that He loves you and wants the best for you.

Sorry (not sorry) to get all theological, but I believe that God wants you to pursue meaningful and higher things more than and above lesser things.

Lottery tickets are you betting on luck and on things outside yourself and your control.

But God has already created you in His image and has given you everything you need — a brain, willpower, resolve, motivation — to chase after life. To bet on yourself, because He made you. To take matters into your own hands.

Truth is, it’s always better to bet on yourself than on things outside your control.

It’s always better to invest in yourself than to invest in things that will provide instant gratification.

Why?

Because you’re stuck with yourself forever.

So you might as well learn and grow, yes?

We think so.

Hopefully that was motivating, whether you believe in God or not.

It’s time to learn and grow. It’s time to get smarter and stronger.

Yes? Yes.