Archives for August 25, 2024

There are strict operation guidelines and policies for AEC professionals working in the public and private sectors. An example of these are certifications that measure the capabilities of individuals and firms that operate in these sectors.

AEC professionals have a high standard of professionalism to ensure projects they work on go smoothly from start to completion. An AutoCAD certification is one of the standards and certifications AEC professionals can obtain to boost their career prospects. It shows their level of competency in their field of work and expands their job opportunities. 

What is AutoCAD certification?

Getting an AutoCAD certification shows an AEC professional has the right skills and requirements to operate AutoCAD software proficiently. It also shows you understand the digital modeling skills needed to excel in the architectural, engineering and construction industry. 

A valid AutoCAD certification shows existing or prospective employers that you’re skilled in the newest version of the software. Some additional benefits include:

• Visible proof your skills are valid and shows your skill level with AutoCAD.
• Increases your employability value and makes your resume stand out.
• Adds your name and credentials to the prestigious list of Autodesk-certified registered professionals.
• Adds the digital badge and logo to your professional work, which lends credibility to your designs.

AEC professionals that require AutoCAD certification

AutoCAD is one of the most used CAD software in design. Examples of professionals who need to demonstrate their capabilities and optimize their design process in design and digital drafting include:

• Structural Engineers
• Civil Engineers
• Project Managers
• Industrial Engineers
• Architects, Architectural Drafters and Designers 
• Interior Designers 
• Electrical Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers, Drafters, and Designers

How to get AutoCAD certified

The makers of AutoCAD and AutoDesk offer several certification exams for different design programs and skill levels. You’ll need to complete three steps to get AutoCAD certified.

Step 1: The first step is to decide which certification path interests you or would benefit you the most. You may make this decision based on your field of work and experience. Some of the certifications Autodesk offers include: 

• Autocad 
• Autodesk Revit Architecture
• Autodesk Inventor 
• Autocad Civil 3D
• Autodesk 3ds Max 

Step 2: You’ll need to take a course to gain the technical skills required to operate the software as a professional. You’ll also need between 150 to 1200 hours of direct work with AutoCAD. Some programs have specific requirements before exam eligibility. You may find some written material online to learn with and also enroll in classes to develop your skills. However, most of the training required for AutoCAD certifications comes from working directly with the software.

Step 3: Find a certified examination center approved by AutoDesk and AutoCAD, then register to take the exam in person. The length of the exams varies from thirty to fifty questions.

Find your next role with construction staffing solutions

Finding the right job as an Autocad certified AEC professional in the state of California can be overwhelming sometimes. Let our team of specialized recruiters help you land your dream job. Contact us today to benefit from our extensive contacts list and excellent staffing skills.

Engineers in California need a valid general contractor license before they can legally operate in the state. Conducting business without a license can have dire consequences. All engineers are advised to look into and verify the licenses required to work in their field. However, there are certain exceptions where you don’t need a license to operate, these include: 

• If the project’s combined value, including materials and labor, doesn’t cost $500 or more.
• You don’t advertise yourself as a licensed contractor. 
• You’re an employed engineer, paid wages, with no say over the project results.
• You work in sales and installation of finished products.

How to get a general contractor license: Top steps

Identify the license you need

There are three general contractor licenses you can get depending on the type of work you do. Before starting the application process, you’ll need to know which one to apply for. You could either apply for:

• Class A general engineering contractor license. If your work involves contracting business in connection with fixed works that need specialized engineering skills and knowledge. Examples of this are excavating, cement and concrete work, trenching, and other related work. They’re usually for large-scale public projects and can include airports, overpasses, railroads, and power plants. 

• Class B general building contractor license. This license is for contractors whose primary business is in connection with structures using multiple unrelated trades. They’re used by contractors bidding for or working on prime contracts containing two unrelated trades. The structures may be being built, previously constructed, or are to be made for sheltering people, movable property, chattel, and animals. 

• Class C specialty contractor license. This is for contractors in plumbing, electricity, landscaping, masonry, framing and rough carpentry, HVAC subcontractors and other engineers in specialized industries. A Class C license works for projects where you’re performing specific work and two or more unrelated trades aren’t required.

Meet the license requirements

Licensing requirements in California are as follows:

• Be at least eighteen years old at the time of application. 

• Four years of verifiable experience in the class you apply. This experience can be at the journey, contactor, foreman or supervisor level.

• Possess the necessary skills and experience for managing a construction business or have a qualified individual who meets these requirements. The individuals’ experience must be verifiable, and its accuracy should be certified by individuals with knowledge of said experience.

• A $15,000 bond to protect consumers from damages caused by license law violations or defective construction. The bond is also for the benefit of employees who haven’t been paid their wages. Alternatively, a $15,000 cashier’s check is filed with CSLB instead of a contractor’s bond. If using a qualifying individual, a $12,500 bond is filed.

• All contractors in California must have a contractor’s license bond. You can obtain two additional bonds for business entities licensed as LLCs and should file an employee/worker bond.

• Obtain qualifying individual bonds. These are used for cases where the qualifier manages employees or when a manager, managing member or owner has lower than ten percent stock ownership. 

Submit an application

Submit your application after paying a non-refundable $450 application fee. The forms are available here and should be filled out with ink or printed on a computer. Pencil-filled forms are not accepted. You can apply for only one license at a time. After it’s issued, you may apply for any other ones you need. When your application is accepted, the CSLB sends a fingerprinting package for you to fill out and return immediately. After that, an exam notice will arrive in three weeks.

Complete a background check

Submitting your fingerprints is part of the background check. The notification package will contain information on where to go and fingerprinting costs. You’ll also be required to verify your work experience to show experience in running a construction outfit. Verification can be done by a supervisor, employer, foreman or general contractors. 

People with a criminal background may still qualify for and be issued a license by CSLB if they can prove sufficient rehabilitation. Proof of rehabilitation can be written evidence of counseling, completing relevant rehab programs and obtaining gainful employment. 

Sit the California contractor license exam

The contractor license exam comprises two parts. The standard Law and Business exams and a second test on the particular area or trade you’re applying for. The first exams are multiple choice questions covering Business Management and Construction Law. 

You can find study materials on the topics covered here. The study guides for trade exams are also sent with the notice for your exams. The exam will typically cover best practices, codes, and specific knowledge about the construction area.

Get the required bonding and insurance documents

After passing the exams, you’re issued a bond and fee notification at the testing center. The next step is to submit the required documents. These include evidence of your bond, paid licensing fees, and completed asbestos open book examination. Other documents are liability insurance, and workers’ compensation or exemption of workers’ compensation if you don’t have employees. 

Each document must be approved and accepted before your license is issued, whether you pass the exam or not. The center will send your wall certification and pocket card a week after issuing your license.

Having the proper licensing helps your business stand out and shows professionalism. Customers are more likely to work with your company as they know you’re capable, insured, and in keeping with industry laws. Working with an engineering staffing agency can help you determine the right licenses for your field. General contractor licenses in California are valid for two years, and renewing them is easy. Renewals can be done whether your current license is inactive or active.

Find your next general contractor job with Certis Solutions

Certis Solutions provide its clients in the AEC workforce with links to various jobs in the construction industry. Thanks to our extensive database of companies, you’ll have the opportunity to work on highly desirable projects. Contact us today to learn how you can connect to these projects.