This law is about categorizing types of contracting businesses. It divides them into three main categories: general engineering, which involves large public or private projects like bridges and roads; general building, which involves structures like homes and offices, and includes a special focus on residential remodeling; and specialty contracting, which involves trades like plumbing or electrical work.

A general engineering contractor in California is someone whose main work involves projects like building roads, bridges, dams, and other large structures that need special engineering skills. This also includes work on water systems, recreational areas, industrial plants, and more, all requiring specialized knowledge.

This law defines what a general building contractor does and specifies the kind of work they can legally take on. A general building contractor mainly deals with structures that provide shelter or support and must use at least two different trades in the construction process. However, they can't engage in projects that involve trades outside of framing or carpentry unless those projects require two different trades besides framing and carpentry, or they have the right license for other trades. Additionally, they cannot take on projects involving fire protection systems or well drilling unless they have specific licenses or hire contractors who do.

This law defines a residential remodeling contractor as someone who works mainly on improving existing wood frame homes using at least three different types of building skills for one project. They can work on things like drywall, flooring, and plumbing. However, they can’t take on projects with fewer than three different trades or do major structural work unless they have a special license. They also can't do major electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work unless they subcontract it to someone properly licensed. Essentially, these contractors handle multiple non-structural remodeling tasks, and if altering essential systems, they need special approval or qualified help.

This law explains what a specialty contractor is. These are contractors who have special skills for certain types of construction work. It specifically mentions those who service fire extinguishing systems, install floors like carpets or linoleum, or manage roadway construction zones, including traffic diversions and lane closures.

If a contractor is doing asbestos-related work on a large area, they need a special license or certification. They must have a C-22 Asbestos Abatement classification or pass an asbestos certification exam. Some exceptions apply, like for those working with asbestos cement pipes or certain floor materials. The Contractors State License Board keeps a booklet and test on asbestos handling that new applicants must complete before getting a license. This process helps ensure safe handling and disposal of asbestos.

This law indicates that contractors need to be registered with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to get an asbestos certification, unless they confirm in writing that they don't do asbestos work. Contractors must register within 90 days after passing the certification exam, or they may have to take the exam again and pay additional fees. For license renewal, certified contractors doing asbestos work must show they are currently registered. Contractors without certification can still bid on asbestos jobs if the actual asbestos work is done by certified and registered contractors. The board will keep and update a list of certified contractors engaged in asbestos work.

If you're a contractor dealing with hazardous materials in California, you need to pass a specific certification exam. This includes work like digging into contaminated earth and removing hazardous substances. An advisory committee helps create this exam and includes representatives from workers, contractors, and insurance companies. The Contractors State License Board can update the exam as new safety information comes out. You can't install or remove underground storage tanks without this certification, but you can contract this work out to a certified contractor. Notably, activities like asbestos removal aren't covered by this law.

This section requires the board to provide the public with information on how to hire a contractor for asbestos removal, which includes steps to make the contract, relevant laws, health information from the EPA, and a list of certified contractors.

This law allows the board to set rules for classifying contractors based on their specialty, ensuring they only work in areas where they're qualified. Contractors can apply to be classified in multiple areas if they meet set qualifications. Specialty contractors can take jobs involving multiple trades if those other trades are a minor part of the main job they're licensed to do. In public works contracts, the authority awarding the contract decides the right contractor classification for the job. A specialty contractor can't be the main contractor if their specialty is less than half of the project, and any work outside of their specialty must be done by licensed subcontractors. The law also ensures that authorities don't set their own contractor qualifications and doesn't stop the registrar from investigating complaints or disciplining for violations.

This law states that a business with a contractor's license in California can't use a business name that suggests they are qualified in areas they aren't actually licensed for. They also can't use a business name that doesn't match the type of business they are. Additionally, each license can only have one business name, though they are allowed to change it if needed.