Board directs staff to draft certification allowing B2 remodelers to gain supervised structural experience

The board voted March 19 to direct staff to draft proposed regulations establishing a certification pathway that would allow C-2 residential remodeling license holders to obtain supervised structural framing experience.

Staff presented survey results showing sizable interest among C-2 licensees to pursue a route to add the B general building classification. The proposed certification would require a written CSLB exam focused on structural framing elements, permit-based work on nonhabitable structures (garages, sheds, carports and similar structures), and documented completed permits and inspections. Holders would be required to use the certification for at least two years; combined experience and permitted work would then count toward a future application for a B classification under existing experience requirements.

Licensing staff emphasized that the certification would exclude work intended for human habitation (houses, ADUs, home additions) and that the pathway aims to provide a verifiable, permitted route for candidates lacking conventional framing experience. Several board members requested clarifications as staff drafts the regulation, including that any required specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) associated with permitted structures be performed by appropriately licensed subcontractors—a drafting point staff said they would address.

The motion directing staff to draft the proposed regulations was made, seconded and approved on roll call. Staff will return with draft regulatory text for board review before any final action.