CSLB proposes survey of B‑2 remodelers and a new limited certification to create a pathway to B licensure
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Summary
Staff proposed a short survey of roughly 1,300 B‑2 licensees to determine whether they intend B‑2 as a pathway to a full B (general building) license; if results show a need, staff sketched a new B‑3 certification (limited structural work on garages, sheds, pergolas) as a possible pathway, with results due for board discussion March 2026.
The Contractors State License Board’s Licensing Committee on Nov. 18 opened a fact‑finding process to determine whether the B‑2 residential remodeling classification should serve as a pathway to the B (general building) license.
Committee members heard staff explain the issue: the B‑2 classification—created in August 2021 to allow contractors to perform three or more unrelated, non‑structural trades—specifically excludes structural or framing work. That exclusion means B‑2 holders cannot gain the behind‑the‑wall experience required to qualify for a B general building license, creating a gap for licensees who want to progress.
"Since August 2021, over 1,300 people have been qualified for the B‑2 classification," Chair Henry Black III said; staff noted only 74 of those also hold a B classification. To understand licensee intent, staff proposed a short, three‑question survey (estimated six weeks from creation to results) that would ask whether B‑2 holders chose the classification because they preferred that scope of work or because they wanted a pathway to B licensure.
If the survey indicates B‑2 was chosen primarily as a pathway to B, staff sketched regulatory options including a restricted license (B‑7) or a new B‑3 certification that would allow certified holders to perform limited structural projects—garages, sheds, pergolas and similar work—but not houses or full home additions. Staff said certification would require a B‑3 exam including law and business, fingerprinting, existing contractor bond requirements, and other licensing prerequisites.
Committee members asked about current exam requirements (staff: B‑2 licensees take a specific B‑2 trade exam and the law exam) and about expected survey response rates; staff said their average survey response is about 10% but hoped the short format would yield a higher rate. Staff expects survey results to be ready for the March 2026 board meeting, at which time the full Board will consider options.
Next steps: staff will finalize the short survey, open it for responses and report results to the Board in March 2026. No formal policy change was adopted at this committee meeting.