Hello, all. I’m new to this forum, but am ready to start studying for the CA general building contractors exam and want some advice on materials. I’m not too interested in travelling to a class or in multi-media packages. I’m a more of a book worm. Have noticed the Dewalt line and am thinking about ordering some. For those who have tested recently, how did you do it? Thanks
Brian
Replies
Hi Brian,
Welcome to Breaktime.
Last two guys I know that passed the CA test both took the classes, and passed with flying colors.
Not sure if there are any self-study programs out there, but that would certainly make it more convenient.
I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can better answer your question.
(DH just recently retired his CA GC license of 28 years.)
Good luck.
"Historic preservation is an essential part of a civil society; historic buildings form the core assets of many communities, and their restoration is key to neighborhood revitalization. Preservation is an essential part of any conservation-minded approach to human settlements. Historic buildings serve as anchors in time, preserving cultural richness and providing essential lessons for contemporary work." Kevin Pierce
Forgot to ask, do you have a link to the Dewalt line? Never heard of it.
CA test is different than other states, I believe.
"Historic preservation is an essential part of a civil society; historic buildings form the core assets of many communities, and their restoration is key to neighborhood revitalization. Preservation is an essential part of any conservation-minded approach to human settlements. Historic buildings serve as anchors in time, preserving cultural richness and providing essential lessons for contemporary work." Kevin Pierce
http://www.palpublications.com/It was PAL Publications. Don't know of DeWalt ever owned them are not are just licensed the name.PAL is now owned by Delmar.http://www.delmarlearning.com/browse_quicksearch.aspx?search=dewalt&x=34&y=10http://www.delmarlearning.com/browse_quicksearch.aspx?search=dewalt&x=34&y=10http://www.cengage.com/press/release/20080516.htmlhttp://www.cengage.com/press/release/20080516.html
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I knew you could come through with some good info.
thanks
"Historic preservation is an essential part of a civil society; historic buildings form the core assets of many communities, and their restoration is key to neighborhood revitalization. Preservation is an essential part of any conservation-minded approach to human settlements. Historic buildings serve as anchors in time, preserving cultural richness and providing essential lessons for contemporary work." Kevin Pierce
Brian check out the builders book source in berkeley, they have all the books you will need.
when i was preparing for my california contractors license i wanted to study on my own, i didn't want to attend the school. i got all the material from builders book source.
i have also heard good things about the schools, some people do better in the structured environment, its a matter of personal preference i guess.
if i am not mistaken this is the current incarnation of the book that i thought was the best when i studied for the cali contracors test.
i did not do an extensive search, but i do know that i did not buy the CD-rom version, i just got the printed study guide by quick pass. quick pass was definitely the best/most relevant to the material on the test.
http://www.buildersbooksource.com/cgi-bin/booksite/20408.html
When I took the test in 1982 I took the classes and passed the first time but there were many there who were taking it for the second and third time who finally decided to take the classes. I am sure there might be some but I do not know of anyone who passed who did not take any classes.
i passed it easily first time and did not take any classes, but i probably put as much work into the materials that i reccomended as any in the classes did. i also remember finishing the test in about 1/2 the time alloted.
i also put a lot of work into finding out what was the right thing to study, which i informed OP of.
i only studied for the legal portion of the test, the trade portion i did from memory and having worked in the trades for twenty years at time of test, 2003.
The stupidest thing is that when I took the classes they told us how to answer even told us that the answers did not agree with the current code at the time. When I took the test, the majority of those who failed did not pass the trade section. Apparently the test had not been revised at the same time the codes were revised. Hopefully it is better now.
yeah well in the case where the test is not based on current codes it would behoove you to take the classes with the answers to the questions they are asking in the test.
That is the reason why I took the classes before I took the test in 1982.
it would behoove you to take the classes with the answers to the questions they are asking in the test.
This is a key point about taking prep classes for any type of license. The instructors have seen all the current test questions. Even if there are three or more versions of the test, the questions are basically the same.
Knowing the scope of the questions is a big help because it eliminates about one half to two thirds of what's in the book.
Although the instructors usually disclaim any knowledge about test questions, they make it pretty clear what material is important to know.
This is particularly true of the last few hours of classes, when the instructor is reviewing the course of study. You can bet that anything mentioned in the review will be on the test, so it's wise to pay attention, ask questions and make notes.
Don't let any of the review stuff go by that isn't clear to you. If you're not getting it, others in the class aren't getting it either. That means that the instructor isn't making it clear enough, probably due to familiarity and repetition.
So be brave and put your hand up. At least one other student will thank you after class. And you'll be well prepared for the test.
BTW, some types of license prep classes are done as weekend cram courses, by private companies for fairly high tuition, say $500 for two full day sessios. They usually guarantee that you'll pass.
Often they're able to hire an official to administer the test for the class, right after the second day's session.
Edited 8/12/2008 12:23 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
I didn't have time to take a class. I just ordered a set of books, study guides and some audio tapes. All you need are the study guides initially. Take the practice exams and see which ones you miss. Look through the books til you find and understand the answer. Keep taking the practice tests and finding the answers to the ones you miss til you are getting a perfect score.
The audio tapes never got used, unfortunately they were part of a package deal and I had to order them with the print materials.
When I took the actual exam it seemed all the exam questions were the same as the practice tests in my study guide.
I can't imagine sitting through an all day class.
The exams were surprisingly easy, if you don't have any difficulties with reading comprehension and test reasonably well you shouldn't have any trouble at all.
The licensing board in CA seemed to put a fair amount of effort into verifying your actual years of experience. I was surprised they actually called the past employers I listed and spent some time asking questions.
karl
i agree karl, i didn't take the class either and had no problem, i found the "quick pass" material to be the best.
one thing i have learned over the years studying, if you have books, guides, or study material that has practice or review questionsit is sometimes helpful to read the questions first. (not the answers)
that way, especially if you are naturally curious, you are "reading with purpose", in that you are thinking what could be the answer while you are reading.
i also take lots of notes, the physical act of writing helps commit to memory.
above free advice intended for OP, hope it helps.