Qualification needed to be a general contractor?

Question

What does it take to get a general contractor's license in the state of CA? I understand that several years of hands on experience is required. I don't have any official hands on experience in construction but I do have an MBA degree, so can that replace the hands-on?

Answer 1

I agree with the answerer above, it really does take hands on experience even though in the state of CA passing the test is the least of your worries.  I've interviewed people who were painter's for years who took the test and passed so they had a license to be a general.  Would I hire them for a major remodel?  NO, there are just too many facets from electrical, to plumbing, to drywalling, to roofing, to framing, to problems in each area that take experience to resolve.  That being said, it doesn't mean that with your MBA you wouldn't be a wonderful owner of a contracting firm where you would have general contractors you work with to get the experience you need or even work for a major remodeling or construction company to gain experience.

Answer 2

No, while every state's requirements are different, you must work as an intern in every phase of construction for XX # of hours / xx# of dollars (project dollars) - to just obtain your residential license, then you would need to oversee projects.  You can't read to learn to drive, you have to actually get out there and practice.