California Welding License & Exam
Welding is a very specialized trade that requires years of training to perfect. The highly skilled welder will use gas and electrical energy in order attach or join metals permanently. Often found in the construction of bridges, dams, ships, and oil rigs!
A great way for people who want an alternative career would be becoming welders; they have skills which cannot easily be replaced by another profession because it takes so much time learning how first before being able do anything productive at all with their certification
Do welders need a contractor’s license in California?
All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California. The list of classifications and scope of work for each is available on the Board’s website at www.cslb.ca.gov.
Welding Contractor, Class Code C-60.
Tasks of a Welding Contractor
Welding Contractors are an essential part of the construction process, especially for companies that engage in steel fabrication.
Some of their tasks include:
- Brazing, soldering, hard surfacing, air arc cutting, oxy-gas cutting
- Working with Plasma and oxyacetylene
- Reading Blueprints
- Using equipment like plasma cutters, multi process welders, engine drives and torches
- Properly use and maintain safety equipment
- Repairing structures or vessel
- Lay out and placement of cables
- Cost calculating, estimation and bidding
- Maintaining personal and job-site safety
California Welding Contractor License Requirements
Welding contractors in California must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid Driver’s License or USA Issued Identification
- Have a Social Security or ITIN #
- Not Currently be on probation or parole
You must also have:
- 4 Years Journey Level Experience
- A Qualifying Individual to sign off on your experience
- A way to prove your experience if the state asks for documentation
The C-60 Welding License Exam
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions on Contractor LAW
- 115 Questions on Welding
- You will have 3 hours to complete each portion
- The exam is multiple choice and is taken on a computer
- Closed Book
The Welding License (C-60) Examination is divided into five major sections:
- Planning and Estimating (21%)
- Reviewing plans and specifications
- Estimating equipment and materials
- Identifying metals
- Welding Preparation (21%)
- Preparing job sites
- Setting up welding equipment
- Preparing materials
- Welding, Brazing, and Soldering (27%)
- Welding processes
- Welding techniques
- Post-welding procedures
- Brazing and soldering
- Cutting Processes (9%)
- Setting up cutting equipment
- Cutting techniques
- Finishing requirements
- Safety (22%)
- Job site and equipment safety
- Preventing fire hazards
- Employee safety