C'mon, Joe, you're making it sound like the CA contractor's test is given by Siskel & Ebert. There are prerequisites that must be met before even applying for the test. I think the "video" license schools are available in most of the states, they're not a CA only phenomenom. For the requirements in any of the 50 states, try
www.contractors-license.org There's been a law passed here (due to come into effect 2002)that will require
anyone working in the electrical trades to be tested and certified. Even folks holding a C-10 will be required to pass the test or they won't even be legal to replace a light switch. CA also has a "business and law" section on the contractor's test; what other states have that?
When one meets all the qualifications, they then can go into business in the most highly regulated (try our Title 24 energy regs!), red tape laden, code inconsistent state in the Union. You can have 180° interpretations/codes just by crossing the street.
In comparison, try Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kansas, or Missouri. You can write "Elektricul Contrakter" on the side of their car with a Crayola and you is one. Wipe off the Crayon and write "Plumr" the next day.
CA plumbers are still a C-36.
You know everybody must be licensed here.
