What is dissociation of a contractor’s license qualifier and how can it affect your license?
A qualifier on a contractor’s license can be removed from a license at any time and for any reason. They may leave to qualify for another license, or they may retire.
Disassociating a qualifier can be a tricky subject, especially when it comes to timing. The smoothest transition from one qualifier to another occurs when an Application to Replace Qualified Individual is submitted to the State Board of Contractors Licensing, and the box indicating that the current qualifier will remain until that application is approved and completed is checked. .
Many times, the qualifier is unlinked. This can put a license on automatic or future suspension depending on whether the RMO dates the disassociation date up to 90 days before submitting the form.
If the qualifier uses today’s date, for example, the license will have 90 days to replace it with another RMO / E. Usually that is enough time for the licensee to apply, have the License Board of the Contractor Status (CSLB) process it, issue a test date if necessary and for the new qualifier to take the CSLB exams, if necessary.
If something comes up during that 90-day period where the applicant feels they will not be able to complete the application process on time, they can request a 90-day extension. Potentially grant the license six months to complete the process before the license is suspended for lack of a qualifier.
The CSLB states: “When an RME or RMO disassociates from a license, the licensee or the RME or RMO must notify the Registrar in writing. The licensee must replace the qualifier within 90 days after the date of disengagement. Failure to replace the qualifier within 90 days results in automatic license suspension or removal of the classification. If a licensee is unable to replace the RME or RMO within the 90-day period , a 90-day extension may be requested. An extension request will only be considered if received within 90 days from the date of the Board’s notice that the license will be suspended or classification removed and if it has been submitted an application to the CSLB to replace the qualified individual. “
If you need to submit a disassociation form, or your rater has submitted the form and you need to replace it, I can help you with all aspects of the process. You can call me or email me for more information.
