It's not enough that you have the skills to make an ordinary garden into a heavenly paradise. You must prove that skill with a landscape contractor license.

Why should you get a landscape contractor license when business is already good?

Even though you may have patrons to spread your building reputation, having a landscape contractor license will bring in more business. Not only will the Contractors State License Board endorse your business, you can use their accreditation to boost your reputation with good ratings posted on their office or website.

Is it easy to get a landscape contractor license?

The basic requirements for a landscape contractor license application are:

* At least four years of experience in your chosen trade.
* Verification of your experience with supporting documents such as certificates.
* Pay the fee for the landscape contractor license.
* Take the exam.

There are different classifications of contractor licenses available. They are classified as Class A for General Engineering Contractor, Class B for General Building Contractor and Class C for Specialty Contractor.

A landscape contractor license falls under the Class C classification so you must indicate that in your application. Other states may have additional requirements to get a landscape contractor license. Check for updates on the Contractors State License Board for more accurate information.

How does the landscape contractor license exam proceed?

Once you've paid the fee for your landscape contractor license, the next step is to take the exam. Now you should not be afraid about the procedure because there are study guides available to landscape contractor license applicants.

Studying is the key to getting your landscape contractor license. Plus your previous experience with landscaping can be an advantage to you when landscape contractor license test date arrives.

The exam covers a range of topics, from business practices, questions on landscaping to handling legalities of the trade. There are multiple choice questions and essays. All of this is part of the landscape contractor license test.

Is it really necessary to get a landscape contractor license?

The answer is yes. The penalties for operating an illegal landscaping contractual business can be huge compared to just getting your landscape contractor license. You can also face jail time.

Owning a landscape contractor license can attract more clients because they put their trust in your work. The landscape contractor license represents your compliance with the government, your honest intentions, and your concern for the client.

I now have my landscape contractor license. What's next?

Congratulations! Your business is now one of the many recognized by the Contractors State License Board with a landscape contractor license. As a newest addition to landscape contractor license holders, you now have certain responsibilities to fulfill.

1. Get a liability insurance. It should cover workers' compensation, any property damage, and personal liability in case of possible accidents.

2. Licensed contractors are not required to have general liability insurance. But they must include in the contract a form about liability insurance and its coverage.

And after you've accomplished these, your business is entered in the database of the board and future clients can check your work status. In it, clients can view your status page, which has the following information:

* contractor's business address

* description of the kind of work that the contractor can perform,

* if any legal action has been taken against the landscape contractor license, and

* if the contractor is properly bonded and insured.

Easy, quick and reliable. Don't wait to be sanctioned for operating as an unlicensed contractor. Get your landscape contractor license today!