Board directs staff to draft B2 certification regulations to create pathway to general building license

The Contractors State License Board voted to direct staff to draft proposed regulations establishing a limited certification pathway that would allow holders of the B2 (residential remodeling) license to obtain supervised structural framing experience and later apply for a B general building classification.

Board members and staff said the proposed certification would require candidates to pass a CSLB-written certification exam focused on structural framing elements and would permit certified B2 holders to build nonhabitable structures such as garages, sheds, carports and greenhouses under permitted, inspected work. Staff emphasized the certification would explicitly exclude houses, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and home additions from the allowed scope.

Staff presented survey results showing 63% of surveyed B2 licensees said they were satisfied with the current B2 scope but 79% indicated they planned to pursue a B license. The staff recommendation would allow B2 licensees to gain verifiable, permitted structural experience or show journey-level experience before applying for a B classification. Staff also proposed a two-year minimum period of using the certification before B eligibility would be allowed.

During board discussion, one member asked that any future regulation clarify the requirement that specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) within a permitted project be performed by appropriately licensed subcontractors; staff said the motion was to authorize drafting the regulation and that a proposed rule package would be returned for board review in June where such details could be specified.

A board member moved to direct staff to draft the proposed regulations; another board member seconded. The board confirmed the motion and the motion passed. The transcript records the motion and the chair’s confirmation that the motion passed; no numerical vote tally was included in the public record.

Next steps: staff will draft regulatory language and return a proposed rule package to the board for consideration at a future meeting, with specific regulatory language and subcontractor requirements to be considered then.