When to Hire Help (And When Not To): Save Money by Knowing the Difference
Every contractor applying for their California license faces the same question: "Should I do this myself or hire someone to help?"
The internet is full of conflicting advice. Some say DIY is always cheaper. Others say professional help is essential.
The truth? It depends on your situation. And in this post, we'll help you figure out exactly which category you fall into.
The Real Cost of DIY vs. Hiring Help
Let's start with honesty about what things actually cost:
DIY Licensing Costs
Professional Help Costs (Typical)
The question isn't "Can I afford help?" The question is "Can I afford NOT to have help?"
When DIY Makes Sense
✓ Do It Yourself If...
- Your work history is straightforward and well-documented
- You're good with paperwork and following detailed instructions
- You have 80-120 hours to dedicate to the process
- You're comfortable studying and taking standardized tests
- Your business structure is simple (sole proprietor or simple LLC)
- You have no criminal history or license issues
- You're not in a rush to get licensed
- You enjoy researching and learning processes
⚠ Hire Help If...
- Your work history is complex (multiple employers, gaps, out of state)
- You struggle with paperwork or bureaucracy
- You don't have time to figure this out
- You have test anxiety or haven't taken exams in years
- Your business structure is complex (corporation, multiple RMEs)
- You have any criminal history that needs explaining
- You need your license ASAP for a specific job
- You've already been rejected once
The Hybrid Approach (Best Value for Most People)
Here's what we recommend to most contractors: DIY some parts, hire help for the parts you'll mess up.
Do Yourself:
- Study for and take the exams (with good study materials)
- Gather your work history and employment records
- Shop for bonds and insurance
- Complete simple forms
Hire Help For:
- Application review before submission (one-time fee, huge value)
- Experience documentation verification
- Navigating complex business entity requirements
- Exam prep courses (if you're weak on Law & Business)
Smart Money Move: Pay for an application review even if you do everything else yourself. Spending $200-400 to have someone check your application before submission can save you 3-6 months of delays. Best money you'll spend in the entire process.
Real-World Scenarios: What Should YOU Do?
Scenario 1: The Straightforward Case
Profile: 32-year-old plumber, worked for one company for 8 years, supervisor is still there and reachable, no criminal history, sole proprietor, good at tests.
Why: Nothing complicated here. Buy good study materials, follow the CSLB instructions carefully, and you'll be fine. Maybe pay for one application review ($300) just to be sure.
Scenario 2: The Complex Work History
Profile: 45-year-old electrician, worked for 6 different companies over 15 years, two companies out of business, some self-employment, applying as LLC.
Why: The work history documentation is going to be tricky. Professional help tracking down verifiers and documenting experience properly is worth every penny. But you can study for exams yourself.
Scenario 3: The Time-Crunched Contractor
Profile: 38-year-old general contractor, running a busy business, has a major project lined up that requires a license, needs to be licensed in 90 days.
Why: Time is money. Spending 100+ hours figuring this out yourself when you could be running your business is a bad trade. Hire someone who knows every shortcut and can keep you on a 90-day timeline.
Scenario 4: The Second Attempt
Profile: Any contractor who already applied once and got rejected or delayed for months.
Why: You already spent months and didn't get licensed. Whatever you did wrong the first time, you'll probably repeat it. Get professional help for the resubmission and do it right this time.
Scenario 5: The Criminal History Case
Profile: Contractor with any criminal conviction (even expunged), DUI, or prior license discipline in any state.
Why: Criminal history can complicate or even disqualify your application. You need someone who knows how to present your case, what documentation is required, and how to maximize your chances of approval.
Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?
We offer free 15-minute consultations to help you figure out if you should DIY or if you'd benefit from professional help. No pressure, just honest advice.
Get Free Consultation See Our ServicesRed Flags: When DIY Is Risky
Don't DIY if any of these apply:
- You've never filled out a government application before
- You're confused by the CSLB website or instructions
- You can't locate or contact past employers/supervisors
- Your work experience is difficult to document
- You have ANY criminal convictions or prior license issues
- You're forming a corporation/LLC specifically for the license
- You failed the exam twice already
- English is not your first language and forms are confusing
- You're using a Responsible Managing Employee or Officer
- You have partnership or complex ownership structures
Any of these = hire help. The risk of doing it wrong is too high.
What You're Actually Buying When You Hire Help
Let's be clear about what professional licensing help provides:
1. Time Savings
What takes you 100 hours takes them 10 hours. They've done this hundreds of times.
2. Error Prevention
One mistake in your application = 6-12 week delay. They catch mistakes before submission.
3. Experience Documentation Strategy
They know how to document complex work histories in ways the CSLB accepts.
4. Exam Prep That Works
Study materials focused on what actually appears on the test, not generic textbooks.
5. Timeline Management
They keep you on track and make sure you don't miss critical deadlines.
6. Problem Solving
When something unexpected comes up, they know how to fix it.
7. Peace of Mind
You know it's being done right the first time.
Think of it this way: If hiring help gets you licensed 8 weeks faster, and you can bill $50/hour for that extra time working licensed jobs, you've paid for the service many times over. Plus you avoided the stress.
What Professional Help CAN'T Do
Be realistic about what help can and can't provide:
They CAN'T:
- Take the exam for you
- Fabricate experience you don't have
- Make criminal history disappear
- Speed up the CSLB's processing time
- Guarantee approval if you don't meet requirements
- Do the work if you won't provide necessary information
They CAN:
- Present your experience in the best possible way
- Help you prepare effectively for exams
- Navigate complex situations with the CSLB
- Minimize delays through proper preparation
- Maximize your chances of first-time approval
- Save you dozens of hours of frustration
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Help
If you decide to hire someone, ask these questions:
- How many contractors have you helped get licensed? (Look for 100+ minimum)
- What's your success rate? (Should be 90%+ for qualified applicants)
- What's your average timeline? (Should be under 14 weeks)
- What exactly is included in your service? (Get specifics in writing)
- What do I still need to do myself? (Be clear on responsibilities)
- What if my application gets rejected? (Know their policy on resubmissions)
- Can I see references or reviews? (Look for recent, specific feedback)
- Are you affiliated with the CSLB? (The answer should be NO—nobody is an official CSLB agent)
Red Flags in Licensing Services:
- Guarantees of approval (nobody can guarantee this)
- Claims to have "insider connections" at the CSLB
- Unwilling to provide references
- Pressure to sign up immediately
- Vague about what's included in their service
- Charges huge upfront fees before doing any work
- Promises unrealistic timelines (licensed in 30 days, etc.)
The Bottom Line
DIY works great for: Straightforward cases, organized people, those with time, good test-takers.
Professional help is worth it for: Complex cases, busy contractors, time-sensitive situations, anyone who's already struggled with the process.
The hybrid approach is smartest for: Most people. Do what you're good at, hire help for what you're not.
The worst decision? Trying to DIY when you shouldn't, getting rejected or delayed, then hiring help anyway after wasting months. If you're on the fence, get a consultation. Find out what you're actually dealing with before deciding.
Smart money isn't about spending the least. It's about spending wisely to get licensed efficiently.