Freedom Business School Articles

New Contractors License Trade Courses

 Here is a brief explanation on new editions for the three Contractors License Trade courses that was announced recently.

The newly revised Contractors courses are for Welding (C-60), Insulation and Acoustical (C-2) and Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting (C-4) Trades. 

• The new edition of the Welding Trade course includes: A new layout and Updated Graphics.
• The new edition of the Insulation and Acoustical Trade course includes: A new Layout Updated Graphics and  a new Section covering Energy Star Requirements.
• The new edition of the Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam ...Read More

CA Contractors License Exam Prep

Freedom Business School has been helping contractors get licensed since 1991. We are proud to have thousands of satisfied clients running successful Construction businesses. Currently, we offer license courses in the States of CA, AZ and VA.
Our unique approach allows students to experience first-hand instruction - lectures recorded in Video and Audio formats as a part of our Contractors' Exam Preparation courses. This approach provides students with flexibility of studying at home / office at their own pace without missing any of the classroom advantages, and saving BIG Time in the process. 
Our Video and Audio lectures feature licensed contractors, ...Read More

CA Contractors License Online Practice Exams

As a part of our continued effort to keep up with most recent trends in learning, we are pleased to announce the New Online Practice Exams for our California Contractors License courses. These online exams work seamlessly on Mac OSX, Windows, iPad, and Tablets. The new page in the course manuals will go through instructions for Online exam access, that are simpler than Computer Assisted Software and very easy to follow. The online registration process is  also very easy. Students only need an Activation Code. The School Contact information is displayed to students when they login. New feature of our Online Practice exams is Flash ...Read More

Remember Building Permits to Avoid License Penalties

Failure to pull Building Permit for your construction projects can result in disciplinary action by CSLB, including suspension and revocation of your contractors license. Pulling permits is especially important for C-20 HVAC contractors whose work must also meet Home Energy Rating System (HERS) tests and verification requirements to comply with state Building Energy Efficiency standards.  

CSLB has reminded HVAC contractors about permitting requirements through direct mail letters and news article reminders. Yet, CSLB investigators still are finding that many HVAC installations are being performed without permits or the accompanying inspections or testing to ensure that entire heating/cooling system is safe and working ...Read More

CSLB cracks down on Unlicensed Activity during California Blitz Operation

SACRAMENTO - Nearly 80 people face criminal charges after being caught in simultaneous statewide undercover sting operations conducted this week by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Among those arrested during CSLB's spring CA Blitz were a registered sex offender, a suspect with the prior conviction for statutory rape, an individual with active arrest warrant for corporal punishment of a minor child, one on federal probation for bribery, and several caught using contractor license numbers not belonging to them.

Investigators from CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) conducted stings on March 13 and 14, in Orange (Orange County), Lawndale (Los Angeles County), San Bernardino (San Bernardino ...Read More

Home Inspections Boost Homebuyer Confidence

ASHI Survey reveals Home Inspections boost Homebuyer Confidence in 88% of U.S. Adults. Results indicate adults are more likely to purchase a distressed property, including foreclosures and short sales, following a professional home inspection.

• 88% of respondents say home inspections increase their confidence about the conditions of any property.
• More than four in five adults think foreclosures and short sales can be good deals
• 84% of respondents say they would be more likely to purchase a distressed (foreclosed or short sale) property after a home inspection deemed it in good ...Read More

New Exam Requirements for VA Contractors

Effective December 1, many Qualified Individuals must complete written Trade exam.

New Board for Contractors regulations - effective December 1, 2012, amend the eligibility criteria for Qualified Individuals associated with Licensed Contractors.

As always, every licensed contractor must identify a Qualified Individual (QI) for each specialty on its license. Since 1990s, many specialties (such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC) already require a QI to hold an individual tradesman license or other approved certification, or to pass an exam.

Effective December 1, additional requirements for Qualified Individuals - specifically, a board approved written exam will apply to those specialties, not already covered.

The reason ...Read More

Virginia Contractors Exam

To get a Class A or B contractors' license in Virginia the candidate must pass Business and Law Contracting exam.
Exams are administered by PSI Exams for VA Board for Contractors. Following is the info from the PSI Contractors Exam candidate bulletin.
PSI provides examinations through a network of computer and paper-and-pencil examinations centers in Virginia. PSI works closely with the DPOR and its examination review committee to be certain that examinations meet local, national and international requirements in basic principles and examination development standards.
The Board for Contractors requires designated employees of applicants applying for the Building (BLD) Classification on their licenses to ...Read More

Contractors Licensing the Freedom Way

Freedom Business School - FBS has been helping contractors get licensed since 1991. We are proud to have thousands of satisfied clients running successful Construction businesses. Currently, we offer license courses in the States of CA, AZ and VA.
Our unique approach allows students to experience first-hand instruction - lectures recorded in Video and Audio formats as a part of our Contractors' Exam Preparation courses. This approach provides our students with flexibility of studying at home / office at their own pace without missing any of the classroom advantages, and saving BIG Time in the process. 
Our Video and Audio ...Read More

Contractors' Advertising the Legal Way

Advertising is always a great way to catch the attention of new customers - especially during the slow summer season. There are many ways top publicize your business - traditional newspaper advertising, radio or television, business cards, lettering on your truck, directories like the Yellow Pages, and other print and online directories. No matter which advertising method you choose, it's important that you follow California contractor advertising laws.  

• Always Include License Number

Your contractor license number must be on anything concidered to be advertising. Licensed contractors are required to include their CSLB License numbers ...Read More