Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? You’ve come to the right place.
COMPANY
Who is Construction Entrepreneurs School?
We are a contractors licensing preparation school. We assist unlicensed contractors obtain their contractors licenses as well as help prepare them get their contracting business off the ground and on to the next level.
We also offer training and certification courses for the construction industry.
CAMPUS
Where are you located?
We have satellite schools located in Riverside, Corona, Los Angeles, San Diego and Temecula. Our corporate office is located in Temecula, CA. We are a rapidly growing company, with Construction Contractor incubators set to open all over California in the next twenty four months.
What are your school hours?
We are open:
Monday–Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursdays: In Class Lessons; location varies depended upon students’ needs
Saturday - Sunday: 9am – 3 pm. (usually instructing FREE classes, see website)
Yes, that’s right, we are open on Sundays.
What’s the best way to get in touch with your school?
You can call us anytime at (844) 91SUCCESS or (844) 917-8223, or email us at connect@constructionentrepreneurs.com anytime. You may also call our schools directly during business hours.
What is your school’s approach, or what makes you different?
We are a company on a mission. Our mission is to improve the contractor’s entrepreneur industry as a whole. There are two main fronts:
One is on the materials and services being offered. All traditional contractors licensing schools piece-meal their services, that is, they sell you a limited amount of materials to supposedly save you money, which is really a sales strategy that benefits the schools, not the student. We have a much better, “complete service” approach. Our primary program, the In School Live Program, includes every possible way to learn all the materials to pass your state exams. (The details are included in the Programs questions.) We want to stop this traditional attitude of selling partial study materials to licensing students. Historically, schools “under-material” their students and this results in students not passing their exams, or worse, not continuing their pursuit of obtaining their license, because they are discouraged. Our two main programs, the In-Class Program, and our Fastrac, are complete. So if you do not pass your exam, it’s because you did not focus or study enough, not because you didn’t get enough study materials from us. We also guarantee helping you until you pass the exam, at no extra cost to you.
On the second front, we want all our students and new Construction Entrepreneurs to know what to do after they obtain their license. We can no longer tolerate the fact that some of our graduates used to come back to us with this question: “I just received my license number, what do I do now?” What we’ve done is offer two seminars that no one else offers: Our Free siminars, Rightsideup Strategies, Construction Estimating and our Get access to secrets to start doing public works and commercial projects. All 3 seminars, as well as our upcoming Seminars, will give you direction after you receive your license number, as well as help you understand the contracting business industry better. They all will start your business off on the right track, or take your already existing contracting business to the next level.
Tell me more about the Rightsideup Strategies Siminar?
Glad you asked. It is a half day seminar that includes the most important things about what your license can do for you, such as “stacking” your license and “multiplying” your contracting business. Perhaps the most underrated items in any contracting business. We show you how to put a Strategy Plan together, from beginning to end.
Create a Long-Term Business Vision Statements
(Not a business plan but your company short and long term vision goals)
Up Your Marketing Game to Increase Sales
(focus on current clients, then new)
Capture Your Full Market
(target related areas to make it a one stop shop for your clients)
Keep Tech Up-to-Date
(what are you missing that could save you time, estimating, billing, tracking. We’ll talk about getting you up to date within the different function of your business)
Follow Industry Trends to Direct Your Next Steps
(Knowing how to get onboard with emerging trends early)
Merge or Acquire Other Businesses
(we’ll talk about JV, Various partnership styles)
Wanting to do Public works Projects? You have to check out the 6 hour seminar: Getting access to the secrets to start doing Public Work Projects:
- Finding Public Works contracts (where should you be looking, very important due to constant updates and addendums, RFP)
- Understanding what projects are for you. (Insurance requirements, prequalification’s, price range, bondable about)
- Getting on the Plan Holder List (why is this beneficial, How to find this list)
- Reading the specs (special project insurances, what’s common, What to be concern with)
- Getting access to other documents (city websites, cost, free)
- The engineers estimate (what does this mean nowadays)
- Job Walks (Mandatory and Non-Mandatory)
- RFQ (Questions to ask, How to submit questions, Time frames, what type of questions you can always ask)
- Subcontractor requirements
- LDs (How will they affect you)
- Bid bond (What is a bid bond, Performance Bond, Payment bonds
- Completing your bid (Day of Bid, What info you have rights to)
After this detailed class you and your TEAM will be ready to start bidding with full knowledge of every aspect of Public Work Project Bidding.
And the Construction Estimating Basics Seminar?
There are two main reasons why contractors, generally speaking, get a negative reputation. One is because some ruin it for the rest by being procrastinators. The other is because you underestimate. Whenever you underestimate, you are most likely to get short in funds, and at the end of the day, when you ask for more money, it makes you look greedy. The best bidders, estimators, and construction planners make the most successful contractors. This is why we recommend all our students to go through our 4 hour Construction Estimating Basics Seminar.
Get a jump start on understanding the basics of construction estimating. This workshop exposes participants to the necessary basic components of construction estimating through the use of dynamic, fast-paced instruction and hands-on segments designed to illustrate the entire estimating and bidding process. This course is great for first time Estimators, Estimating Assistants, and anyone responsible for pricing and negotiating change orders. Upon completion participants will:
- be familiar with various methods of pricing work
- be able to identify the basic components of every effective estimating system
- know what to look for in spreadsheets and other tools of the trade
- be able to develop Work Breakdown Structures
- know how to "Feed" bid items
- have less risk of making ‘Rookie’ mistakes
- understand and be able to calculate overhead and profit
- recognize challenges of bidding in the public sector
- know the importance of building and using reliable cost data
- have explored strategies for gaining and maintaining a competitive edge
PROGRAMS:
What programs do you offer?
We offer a variety of programs, but our most popular is our In School Live Program. It includes everything you need to pass the exam. It includes:
1) Law and Business Study Materials and Binder (Available in Spanish)
2) Trade Study Materials and Binder with DVD (Depending on Trade)
3) Comprehensive Up-To-Date Law and Trade Practice Exams
4) Unlimited Live Law and Business Classes (Taught by our own School Director)
5) One Day Live Law and Business Crash Course (Available in Spanish)
6) One Hour Contractors License and Industry Orientation
7) Expert Application Process
8) Unlimited School Use for Law Chapters, Studying, and Computer Tests
9) Weekly Personal Reminders from School Director (A Little Extra Push!)
10) All Free Seminars (Each are 4-Hour Seminar)
11) Health & Safety Booklet with DVD Lecture
12) Math Review Booklet with DVD Lecture
What about if I’m very smart and independent, and can do it all myself?
Yes, we do have a program for you and that’s exactly what we call it. Our Fastrac program is quite complete, includes all these items below, all for a very low price, and delivery is included!
1) Law and Business Study Materials and Binder
2) Trade Study Materials and Binder with DVD (Depending on Trade)
3) Comprehensive Up-To-Date Law and Trade Practice Exams
4) Contractors License and Industry Orientation Booklet
5) Expert Application Process (By phone)
6) Unlimited School Use for Law Chapters, Studying, and Computer Tests (Just in case.)
7) Health & Safety Booklet with DVD
8) Math Review Booklet with DVD
9) All Free Seminars (Each are 4-Hour Seminar)
Just curious, what can this license really do for me?
Great question. Here’s a link to the Top producing revenue Construction companies in the US:
https://www.statista.com/topics/974/construction/
In case you’re wondering the that’s $71.9 Billion from 2007 - 2015. And the companies on this list need and operate with the same license that you will have. And we guarantee you; they all started right where you are. Growth, vision, and a I WILL NEVER QUIT attitude is the key to getting on this list.
QUALIFICATIONS:
So why do I need a contractor’s license anyway?
Because it’s the law. The CSLB states that “any construction project priced at $500- or more in labor and materials must be done by a contractor licensed in the trade or occupation of the work.” And yes, even if the customer pays for the materials.
How do I qualify for the license?
You need to have at least four years of full-time experience, or equivalent, in the last ten years. Credit is given as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner builder.
How about my college degree? Will it count?
There are currently no educational requirements to qualify for a contractor’s license. Call us and we can discuss your education and qualification status.
Are there any other requirements besides the experience and the exam?
Yes. All applicants must be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check before a license is issued at an additional cost to the applicant.
I’ve had a couple of convictions; will the CSLB still let me obtain a license?
Each situation is different and you can either call us or the CSLB to discuss your personal situation. In most cases, as long as you do not have pending cases, or your cases are dismissed, then you shouldn’t have any problems qualifying.
I’m 23 years old, I’ve worked with my father since I was 16, and will I qualify for a license?
As long as you can document that you “have at least four years of journey-level experience in the last ten years”, you will qualify for a contractor’s license. Call us if you are between ages of 18 and 25 so we can advise you on the proper way to move forward.
ABOUT THE CONTRACTOR STATE EXAM:
How about the state exam?
Yes, the “qualifying individual” for a contractor’s license is required to pass a written law and trade exam. There are currently 120 multiple choice questions for each exam. You need 66% to pass the Law exam and 70% to pass the Trade Exam.
Can I apply for more than one trade at a time?
No you can’t. You can only apply for one trade at a time. But immediately after you obtain your license number, you can apply for a second trade, or classification. It’s a good idea to “stack” your license. For more info on stacking, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
It’s been ages since I read a book, let alone take a test. Just how hard is the exam?
The state exam can be very difficult if you do not prepare yourself for it. Some of the questions can be very tricky, but if you study hard and follow our instructions, you will not have any problems passing it the first time. Our main goal is to “over-prepare” you for both exams, and we will support and encourage you every step of the way. You can say that we will “hold your hand” in the entire process, from the first day you enroll until the day you pass the exam, as we help you complete your passing letters.
I’ve had experiences in just about everything, from carpentry to painting to plumbing, even some electrical work, and I haven’t quite decided on which trade to apply for first. How do I determine that?
We will help you! Contact us and we will discuss your personal and professional experiences and give you as much direction as possible.
Everyone tells me I should corporate when I get licensed. I’m a one-man construction crew. Is that really necessary?
Of course it is. The main purpose of incorporating is to separate your personal assets and liabilities from your business assets and liabilities. Being a licensed contractor means you are in a professional business. If you are going to start your contracting business, you should do it right from the very beginning. Just because you’ve never been sued won’t mean you won’t get sued tomorrow. Records show that one out of every two contractor gets sued at least once in their career. Please contact us about that “extra application and licensing fee if you initially apply as a sole owner.” We can save you $480 in state fees from the very beginning.
Not only will I need study materials and practice tests for the law and trade tests, I’ll also need help filling out the application to the board. Can you help with that?
Of course we can. That is our bread and butter. Getting proper assistance with your state application is vital to the process. We have the expertise and experience to present you in the best light. We not only review your application, we also fill it out professionally and mail it out for you.
What if I prefer learning while I am driving, or at home before I sleep or as soon as I wake up, do you have CDs to play in my car or DVDs to watch at home?
Of course we do. You can order individual CD’s, DVD’s, books, practice exams, and other specific materials. Just call us and we will help you.
YOUR CONTRACTING BUSINESS
Lately work has been slow. Do you have ways to help me market my contracting business?
Yes we do. Our incredibly affordable Business Marketing Package includes a website, business cards, and even a logo for your business! And don’t forget to take our Free Seminars!
Most other schools only offer the exam preparation program. Do you have any programs that’ll help my construction business grow?
Absolutely! Our business seminars are absolutely unmatched. Ask us about our Rightsideup Strategies, Getting access to secrets to start doing public works projects, and our Construction Estimating Basics Seminars. We also offer The Lead Safety RRP-EPA, Mold Abatement, and Blue Print Reading Seminars. Please call us for details on all our seminars. More will be listed soon so make sure your sign up.
How do I contact The Contractors State License Board (CSLB)?
Here is their phone number and website link:
(800)321-2752 (Dial 2,1,1,3 to speak to a live person)
Website: www.cslb.ca.gov
VALUE PROPOSITION:
Do you have a value proposition?
Yes we do. And here it is:
We are the best contractors license school in California. Why? It’s because we sincerely care about each and every one of our students. Not only will we help you pass your state exam, we will also help you take your contracting business off the ground and on to the next level. We offer free licensing orientations for everyone to take the guess work out of the licensing process. Taught by our highly qualified School Director, that hold several licenses (A, B & C8). Our Live Law Classes are unparalleled, and unlimited. We require all our students to attend our Free essential Rightsideup Strategies, Contractor Estimating Basics & Get access to secrets to start doing Public Works Projects Classes, which no other school offers(Please schedule after you pass your exam). All the seminars are important and will not only assist you in avoiding pitfalls, they will both literally open your eyes to the lucrative possibilities of the contracting industry. We have the best and most complete program in the industry.”
You can call us anytime at (844) 91SUCCESS or (844) 917-8223, or email us at connect@constructionentrepreneurs.com anytime