Since you are in California you won't have an AHJ to deal with for the license when the time comes. If/when Ca gets their state license program up and running for real you will have to take a state exam. For the experience, pick up your classified ads and look for contractors hiring helpers. With the IBEW apprenticeship being unavailable to you now this is the fastest way to get the experience. You will start out with a lot of grunt work, toting conduit, cutting and threading etc. but any good journeyman will be happy to help you learn conduit bending and other areas of the work if you show an eagerness to learn. Class at your local CC to go along with it in electrical theory, AC and DC circuits will help you with the book end. Good luck and welcome to the trade. I know it's been good to me. Above all, work safely.
