A TLC, C53 Swimming Pool California Contractors license School.
We make becoming A C53 Swimming Pool Contractor as easy as 123!
TLC is here to help you pass your California contractors license exam!
ONE – Commit to becoming a C53 Swimming Pool Contractor, prepare at HOME, & on your schedule, Read, Listen, Watch, Learn, & PASS!
Read our best in the industry C53 Swimming Pool exam manual.
Watch & listen as experts review Math & Health & Safety Rules.
Learn the art of dominating a four-question multiple-choice exam.
PASS your C53 Swimming Pool Contractor exam. The best C53 contractors’ exam course available in California at ANY price!
Study Online! Our multimedia Swimming Pool contractor course is your best, most affordable method to pass your CSLB contractor exam!
TWO – Apply to the CSLB. We will help! New online tools will help you correctly fill out your original Swimming Pool contractor exam application. Fill out the form, call us for assistance, and schedule a free line by line review of your application before submission to the CSLB!
With our help, submitting a correctly filled out Swimming Pool Contractor application to the CSLB has never been easier!
THREE – Prepare for and pass your exam. Our students dramatically improve their test scores and pass the C53 Swimming Pool exam.
CALIFORNIA C53 SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR EXAM TRADE COURSE
FOR YOUR ORIGINAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE, YOU MUST ADDITIONALLY ORDER & PASS THE LAW & BUSINESS EXAM:
When purchasing a C53 trade exam course, choose the course format. The 100% Online Trade eManual, Streaming Audio/Video, and Online Practice tests are accessible from any device with internet access.
Choose your course format from either
eCourse – 100% Online! (Trade eManual, not printable. Streaming Audio/Video, & Online Practice Tests) OR
Physical Manual + Online Audio / Video & Online Testing OR
Physical Manual + CD’s DVD’s & Online Testing
C53 SWIMMING POOL EXAM TRADE MANUAL
The C53 Swimming Pool exam manual covers all the material needed to pass the trade section of your California Swimming Pool contractor exam. Topics include disinfection agents, water problems, chemical operational parameters, gunite and shotcrete, basic electrical theory, and surveying. The manual also includes general knowledge, several schematics of pool systems, and summaries of the National Electrical Code. The last section of the manual covers the Health and Safety Orders.
Don’t waste time commuting to a classroom when you can study conveniently in your home or office. Our program is a reliable, affordable way to pass the swimming pool exam.
C53 SWIMMING POOL AUDIO / VIDEO LECTURES
NEW! ONLINE STREAMING OF AUDIO & VIDEO LECTURES. WATCH, LISTEN, & STUDY FROM ANY ONLINE DEVICE OR SMARTPHONE!
Expert instructors with decades of related trade experience cover key C53 Swimming Pool contractor math & safety concepts in greater detail. Our audio and video lectures cover math formulas and Health and Safety Orders.
Audio and video lectures complement the Swimming Pool Manual. Expert instructors with decades of experience covering key math and health & safety concepts that you must know while in the comfort of your home, car, or office.
THE LATEST ONLINEC53SWIMMING POOL PRACTICE QUESTIONS
To target your study, review Swimming Pool contractor test questions with online flashcards. When you already know an answer, mark it as done, and you won’t see it again. Don’t know the answer? Then mark it for further study. In this way, you gain real-time feedback to concentrate on the subjects you need to improve.
SIMULATED ONLINESWIMMING POOL EXAMS
Take a C53 Swimming Pool license test to check your general knowledge. Verify your progress as you master the study material. Our course includes three online practice exams, so you can be confident that you are ready to pass the elevator exam!
ONE YEAR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO ALL ONLINE TEST QUESTIONS & EXAMS
Other schools may offer 90-day access to online tools in the hopes of charging you twice for extended access to study materials. Instead, we provide complete access to all online course materials for an entire year.
IMPORTANT: When applying for your original contractor’s license, YOU MUST ORDER & PASS TWO SEPARATE EXAMS.
The 1st exam is The TRADE EXAM (covering C53 Swimming Pool trade practices).
The 2nd exam is The LAW & BUSINESS EXAM (covering California Contract Law and Business practices).
Breakdown
Each student enrolled in the Swimming Pool course receives:
Swimming Pool C-53 Manual
Math Review
Covers math and estimating formulas, units of measurement, basic geometry, and the architect’s scale.
General Knowledge
Each manual has a General Knowledge section that covers trade information students must know to pass the state exam.
Health and Safety
Our extensive Health and Safety section familiarizes students with Cal/OSHA and other regulations and practices covered by the state exam.
Review Questions
Lists the most difficult questions, indexed to the relevant section of the manual.
Audio/Video Lectures:
Audio CD’s and video DVDs summarize key points from each section of the printed manual. Recorded lectures walk students through the plans, questions, and explanations.
Swimming Pool Trade Exam Online Practice Tools
Flashcards: Online flashcard program tracks your history, allowing you to exclude question you have already learned.
Practice Exams: Three exams with approximately 120 questions each, timed, to simulate actual exam conditions. Questions are updated weekly to reflect changing trends in exam focus based on current user feedback.
Assistance Filling out Applications
Call 866-685-8564 for assistance with correctly filling out your contractor exam application or for a full review of your completed application before submission.
Exam Content
The C53 Exam has five major sections:
Section 1. Planning, Estimation, and Material Selection (28% of C53 Exam)
Review plans and specifications
Estimate equipment and material
Section 2. Swimming Pool/Spa Shell Construction (31% of C53 Exam)
Permitting
Rough plumbing and electrical
Site preparation and excavation
Steel placement and bonding
Gunite/shotcrete placement and curing
Section 3. Pool/Spa Systems Installation (10% of Exam)
Plumbing
Electrical
Equipment installation
Solar thermal/photovoltaic
Section 4. Non-Concrete Pools/Spas and Extra Pool/Spa Features (3% of Exam)
Fiberglass, vinyl, and metal
Pool covers
Water features
Pool/spa accessories
Section 5. Pool/Spa Shell Finishing (8% of Exam)
Interior finish and startup
Tile and coping
Decking
Section 6. Commercial Swimming Pools/Spas (3% of Exam)
Title 22 and other code requirements
Disabled access features
Section 7. Pool/Spa Repair, Renovation, Removal, and Maintenance (7% of Exam)
Water loss and discoloration
Structural modifications
Equipment and systems
Section 8. Safety (10% of Exam)
Swimming pool/spa safety
Job site safety
Percentages are approximate
Source Material
C-53 Swimming Pool exam source material:
The CSLB utilizes the following publications for the creation of the Swimming Pool exam. California codebooks can be viewed online: www.bsc.ca.gov
2019 California Building Code. California Code of Regulations, Title 24. International Code Council.
PHONE: (800) 786-4452
INTERNET: www.iccsafe.org
2019 California Electrical Code. California Code of Regulations, Title 24. BNI Publications, Inc.
PHONE: (888) 264-2665
INTERNET: www.bnibooks.com
2019 California Plumbing Code. California Code of Regulations, Title 24. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
PHONE: (909) 472-4100
INTERNET: www.iapmo.org
ANSI/APSP/ICC Books 1 through 16. Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.
PHONE: (703) 838-0083
INTERNET: www.apsp.org
Builders Manual, Third Edition. Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.
PHONE: (703) 838-0083
INTERNET: www.apsp.org
State of California General Industry & Electrical Safety Orders. (Cal/OSHA) and State of California Construction & Electrical Safety Orders. (Cal/OSHA). 2019. California Code of Regulations, Title 8. Mancomm.
PHONE: (877) 626-2666.
INTERNET: www.mancomm.com
Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, and Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics Code. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
PHONE: (909) 472-4100
INTERNET: www.iapmo.org
Publisher information is current as of 8/19
C-53 swimming pool contractor constructs swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs, including the installation of solar heating equipment using those trades or skills necessary for such construction.
Free C53 Practice Quiz
Free C53 Swimming Pool practice exam:
These free C53 practice questions are similar to the ones you will encounter when taking the actual contractors exam.
If you readily answer more than seven questions correctly, you are in pretty good shape.
However, if you miss three or more questions, you are in danger of failing the TRADE portion of the Contractor Exam.
When establishing the elevation of a swimming pool bond beam on a residential pool, which of the following must be considered?
Correct!Wrong!
What soil is ideal for a pool site?
Correct!Wrong!
Which of the following types of pipe is approved for underground gas lines?
Correct!Wrong!
What is the thickness of a fiberglass pool shell?
Correct!Wrong!
Why are gates around a pool area required to open outward?
Correct!Wrong!
When should you replaster an existing pool?
Correct!Wrong!
At what angle should you install a solar collector?
Correct!Wrong!
What is the minimum distance between a commercial pool and spa?
Correct!Wrong!
Free C-53 Practice Quiz: Take our 2019 exam, see where you stand!
FAIL - You did not pass the trade portion of the C-53 Swimming Pool practice exam.
You need our help! Call us from 8am-10pm, Mon-Sat, for a free consultation. We promise you will be very glad you did!
You must pass both the C-53 Swimming Pool exam and the Law & Business exam covering California contracting law if this is your first contractor’s license.
Contractor Law and Business Exam Prep
PASS THE LAW & BUSINESS EXAM. IT’S EASY AS ONE-TWO-THREE!
Commit to passing your Contractor Law & Business exam. Prepare to pass the exam while at HOME, on your schedule; “Read, Listen, Watch, Learn, & PASS!“
Order Our Course and Apply to the CSLB. We help you correctly fill out your Contractor License Application at no additional cost. Call us for assistance. “Spend Less and Pass your Test.”
Study. Our clients pass the law exam on their 1st attempt!
Qualifying individuals “Exception (D) License” must pass their trade exam.(sold separately)
Chapter 5: Business Management: Principles of management, business entities, and accounting for contractors.
Chapter 6: Operations Management: Job Site Supervision, Project Management, Estimating & Bidding Bonds, and Job Costing.
Law & Business Review Questions: similar to practice exams but cover “Must Know” information.
Audio/Video Lectures:
Streaming online Audio and Video files or CDs & DVDs summarize key points from each section of the printed manual. Recorded lectures walk students through the plans, questions, and explanations.
Chapter 1: Contractors’ License Law Audio/Video
Chapter 2: Contracts Audio/Video
Chapter 3: Mechanics’ Lien Law Audio/Video
Chapter 4: Employment Law Audio/Video
Chapter 5: Business Management Audio/Video
Chapter 6: Operations Management Audio/Video
Law & Business Review Questions Audio/Video
Law & Business Online Practice Tools
FLASHCARDS: Online flashcard program tracks your history, allowing you to exclude questions you have already learned.
PRACTICE EXAMS: Timed, to simulate actual exam conditions. Questions are updated weekly to reflect changing trends in exam focus based on current user feedback.
Pass the Law and Business Exam – Best course available at any price. 100% Pass Rate!$199
Exam Content
THE LAW AND BUSINESS EXAM HAS EIGHT MAJOR SECTIONS:
Section 1. Business Organization (10% of Exam)
Company organization
Project organization
Section 2. Business Finances (15% of Exam)
Cash management
Budget and planning
Taxes
Financial reporting
Section 3. Employment Requirements (12% of Exam)
Employment regulations
Evaluation and record-keeping
Payroll
Section 4. Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10% of Exam)
Bonds
Workers’ compensation insurance
Liens and other remedies
Other insurance
Section 5. Contract Requirements and Execution (23% of Exam)
Bidding
Cost control
Contracts
Payments
Section 6. Licensing Requirements (8% of Exam)
Business license
Contractor’s license
Activity regulation
Section 7. Licensing Requirements (15% of Exam)
Training and reporting requirements
General safety
Hazardous/unknown materials
Section 8. Safety (7% of Exam)
Prevailing wage requirements
Bonding requirements
Insurance requirements
Percentages are approximate
Source Material
LAW & BUSINESS EXAM SOURCE MATERIAL:
The CSLB utilizes the following publications for the creation of the General Engineering exam. California codebooks can be viewed online: www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc
California Contractors License Law and Reference Book. Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.
PHONE: (800) 223-1940
INTERNET: www.lexisnexis.com
Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management. National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA).
PHONE: (623) 587-9354
INTERNET: www.nascla.org
Greenbook: Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction. BNI Building News.
PHONE: (888) 264-2665
INTERNET: www.bnibooks.com
State of California General Industry & Electrical Safety Orders (Cal/OSHA) and State of California Construction & Electrical Safety Orders (Cal/OSHA). 2019. California Code of Regulations, Title 8. Mancomm.
PHONE: (877) 626-2666
INTERNET: www.mancomm.com
Publisher information is current as of 11/19
Free Practice Quiz - LAW
LAW AND BUSINESS EXAM (PT-2 THE LAW):
These 10 sample test questions are similar to the ones you will encounter while taking your California
Law & Business Exam. If you easily answer more than 7 questions correctly you are in pretty good shape.
However, if you get 3 or more practice questions wrong you are in danger of failing the LAW portion of your California Contractors Exam.
Of the following, which is a correct statement regarding a schedule of payments in an original bid?
Correct!Wrong!
How often must contractors’ supervisors conduct “tool box” or “tailgate” safety meetings?
Correct!Wrong!
What is the relationship between a prime contractor and a subcontractor?
Correct!Wrong!
How long must an employer keep records of FUTA and other federal payroll taxes?
Correct!Wrong!
Who is responsible for selecting materials when refilling a first-aid kit for a jobsite?
Correct!Wrong!
A subcontractor signs an unconditional waiver and release. This means that the____________________:
Correct!Wrong!
Within how many days must an “agreement to arbitrate” be returned by the participants after being mailed by the Registrar?
Correct!Wrong!
According to contract law, when can subcontractors and material suppliers serve a preliminary notice?
Correct!Wrong!
A stop notice on a public works project is used to:
Correct!Wrong!
Which of the following bonds guarantees both job completion and payment of subcontractors and suppliers?
Correct!Wrong!
Free Law & Business quiz: Take our 2019 exam, see where you stand!
FAIL - You did not pass the Law & Business practice exam.
You need our help! Call us from 8am-10pm, Mon-Sat, for a free consultation. We promise you will be very glad you did!
PASS- have passed the Law & Business practice exam.
You did pretty good! Call us from 8am-10pm, Mon-Sat, for a free consultation. We promise you will be very glad you did!
CSLB lists the C-61 classifications in “D” subcategories for administrative tracking. Definitions for the “D” subcategories were developed by staff and approved by the Board as policy. D3 Awnings: An awning contractor installs, modifies or repairs aluminum, metal, vinyl or canvas awnings and patio covers. These installations can be either freestanding or attached to a structure. Patio enclosures or carports are not included in this classification. D4 Central Vacuum Systems: A central vacuum systems contractor installs, modifies, maintains or repairs central vacuum systems, pneumatic tube dispatching systems or any other type of pipeline which operates systems of reduced pressure for any purpose. D6 Concrete-Related Services: A concrete-related services contractor installs reusable steel concrete form sections or interlocking precast pavers; performs post-tensioning work, concrete sawing, breaking, curing, floor hardening treatment, coloring concrete, concrete restoration, coring work or operates a concrete pumping service; and also includes the application of gunite, but does not include the installation of reinforcing steel. D9 Drilling, Blasting and Oil Field Work: A drilling, blasting and oil field work contractor does core and post hole drilling, horizontal drilling (no piping) and drilling for placement of charges and performing blasting work; performs drilling for site dewatering, oil well drilling, and other oilfield-related specialty work. (DOES NOT INCLUDE WATER WELL DRILLING) D10 Elevated Floors: An elevated floors contractor installs wood or metal framed elevated computer flooring systems. This work does not include the construction of mezzanines. D12 Synthetic Products: A synthetic products contractor installs:
(a) Synthetic counter tops and wall coverings; fiberglass, plastic, vinyl and epoxy products; plastic tile board and decorative artwork; and synthetic turf;
(b) Bathtub and enamel refinishing, resin and epoxy application, and synthetic caulking and sealants;
(c) Reservoir liners, vinyl swimming pool relining, pier piling wrap, and rodent guards; and
(d) PVC piping systems for irrigation and drainage; and subsurface irrigation drip systems. D16 Hardware, Locks, and Safes: A hardware, locks and safes contractor installs, modifies or repairs power and/or manually activated door and window locks with related hardware, built-in safes, and vaults. D21 Machinery and Pumps: A machinery and pumps contractor installs, removes, modifies or repairs:
(a) Pumps; conveyors; cranes; dock levelers; various hoisting and material handling equipment; and meters;
(b) Dumbwaiters; handicap lifting and assistance equipment; automated speed-rail trolley systems for garment hanging; and
(c) Automatic car washing racks and auto body paint finishing booth equipment.
NOTE: Construction of buildings and/or roof structures for this equipment is not included. D-24 Metal Products: A metal products contractor installs, modifies or repairs the following:
(a) Metal cabinets, lockers, modular storage structures, mail chutes, cable racks; and aluminum or vinyl storm doors and windows;
(b) Metal wall tiles; aluminum fascia covers; and metal gutters; and
(c) Aluminum studs and trusses; metal railings and turnstiles; metal prison cell accessories such as welded-to-structure cell furniture; grills; and cabinets. D28 Doors, Gates, and Activating Devices: A doors, gates and activating devices contractor installs, modifies or repairs all types of residential, commercial or industrial doors including overhead or sliding door assemblies. This includes but is not limited to: wood and screen doors, metal-clad doors, glass sliding/ stationary doors and frames, automatic revolving doors, hospital cubical doors and related installations; power-activated doors, gates, movable sun shades/shutters; card-activated equipment and other access control device; and any low-voltage electronic or manually operated door hardware/device. D29 Paperhanging: A paperhanging contractor applies all types and varieties of decorative wall coverings, except painting or paneling, including paper and vinyl goods, cork, burlap and carpet-type wall coverings. D30 Pile Driving/Pressure Foundation Jacking: A pile driving/pressure foundation jacking contractor provides a pile driving and/or caisson drilling or auger service. This work also includes but is not limited to the injection of concrete or mortar into foundations for stabilization purposes. D31 Pole Installation and Maintenance: A pole installation and maintenance contractor installs wood or precast poles to support the wiring or cable that is installed by others or installs and maintains flagpoles. D34 Prefabricated Equipment: A prefabricated equipment contractor performs the installation of prefabricated products/equipment, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Theater stage equipment, school classroom equipment, playground equipment, bleacher bench/seat component parts (no installation or renovation of any supporting or structural member); store fixtures, and display cases (either prefabricated or modular form); all forms and types of toilet/shower room partitions/accessories; and prefabricated closet systems.
(b) Laboratory and medical equipment, and dust-collecting systems; factory-built fireplaces and accessories (no masonry facing); major appliance installations and ventilating hoods in connection with existing fuel and energy lines which are installed by others.
(c) Bus stop shelters, prefabricated phone booths; prefabricated soundproof environmental clean rooms; panelized refrigerated walk-in boxes (not to include the work of refrigeration contractor); all types of modular office, institutional or home improvement systems including, but not limited to, all types of pre-finished and/or UL listed pre-wired wall panels. D35 Pool and Spa Maintenance: A pool and spa maintenance contractor installs, replaces or repairs pool motors, pumps,
filters, gas heaters and any above-ground piping in connection with pools; includes electrical switches, breakers, pool lights, diving boards, existing solar systems that heat pools, pool and spa acid baths, and applies vinyl liners to existing surfaces. D38 Sand and Water Blasting: A sand and water blasting contractor uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials or water to clean or prepare surfaces for any protective, decorative and/or functional treatment. D39 Scaffolding: A scaffolding contractor erects metal or wood scaffolding including temporary sidewalk sheltered construction work barricades. D40 Service Station Equipment and Maintenance: A service station maintenance contractor installs and/or removes underground fuel storage tanks up to 20,000 gallons which have been or are to be used for dispensing gasoline, diesel fuel, waste oil or kerosene (no chemicals). This work involves the installation and/or removal of all incidental tank-related piping, electrical work, including the installation of vapor probes in backfill areas of the tanks and any associated calibration work including, but not limited to, the testing and adjustment of leak detection and vapor recovery equipment, such as automatic tank gauges, leak line detectors, vapor recovery lines, and in-station diagnostics. This contractor also performs the installation of auto hoisting equipment, grease racks, compressors, air hoses, and other service station equipment.
NOTE: Licensees holding this classification prior to January 18, 2001, may perform all the work as described above. Licenses issued after this date may perform the “calibration” work only. D41 Siding and Decking: A siding and decking contractor applies or installs all types of exterior siding including wood, wood products, vinyl, aluminum and metal siding to new or existing buildings. This contractor also constructs wooden decks and related handrails. This work shall not include the construction or installation of covers or enclosures of any kind. D42 Non Electrical Sign Installation: A non-electrical sign installation contractor fabricates and installs all types of nonelectrical signs including, but not limited to: post or pole-supported signs, signs attached to structures, painted wall signs, and modifications to existing signs. D49 Tree Service: A tree service contractor prunes trees, removes trees, limbs or stumps (including grinding) and engages in tree or limb guying. D50 Suspended Ceilings: A suspended ceilings contractor installs, modifies or repairs all types of suspended ceilings including, but not limited to: lay-in-grid and other types of systems involving solid, perforated or translucent ceiling panels (no electrical work). D52 Window Coverings: A window coverings contractor installs or applies decorative, architectural/functional window/glass treatment or covering products including, but not limited to: all types of materials and fabrics that make up louvers, shutters, Venetian, and mini-blinds; residential or commercial draperies and screens; expanded metal window and door guards; plastic film window treatment and/or any other window treatment applied for temperature control or as a screening device. D53 Wood Tanks: A wood tanks contractor erects or repairs elevated wooden storage tanks and related cooling towers. (Hot tubs are not included.) D56 Trenching: A trenching contractor is limited to trenching only for foundations, pipelines, conduit and related trenching work. D59 Hydroseed Spraying: A hydroseed spraying contractor applies seeds through any liquid media to any type of surface that has been prepared or contoured by others. D62 Air and Water Balancing: An air and water balancing contractor installs any device and performs any work related to providing a specified flow of air in all types of existing heating and cooling systems and/or related to providing a specified flow of water in water piping systems. D63 Construction Cleanup: A construction cleanup contractor cleans up and/or removes from building grounds or structures any debris resultant from any construction project including, but not limited to: concrete, dirt, scrap lumber, plaster, drywall, any paint or adhesive products from windows, floors, ceramic tile and bathroom fixtures. D64 Non-specialized: A non-specialized contractor installs, modifies, maintains and repairs new products and/or new installations which are not defined in any section herein or defined in any license classification authorized by the Board under Chapter 9, Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code (Contractors License Law).
D65 Weatherization and Energy Conservation: A weatherization and energy conservation contractor installs, removes, modifies or repairs or provides maintenance services for energy conservation products limited to the following: door and window weather stripping, caulking, water heater pipe wrap, water heater blankets, insulating gaskets for electrical outlet covers, shade screens, shutters, storm windows, tinted window film, residential water flow-restricting devices installed onto existing fixtures. (DOES NOT INCLUDE INSULATION, GLAZING OR HEATING VENTILATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING WORK)
THE CSLB HAS LISTED THE C61 CLASSIFICATIONS INTO D SUBCATEGORIES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE TRACKING:
(a) Limited specialty is a specialty contractor classification limited to a field and scope of operations of specialty contracting for which an applicant is qualified other than any of the specialty contractor classifications listed and defined in this article.
(b) An applicant classified and licensed in the classification Limited Specialty shall confine activities as a contractor to that field or fields and scope of operations set forth in the application and accepted by the Registrar or to that permitted by Section 831.
(c) Upon issuance of a C61 license, the Registrar shall endorse upon the face of the original license certificate the field and scope of operations in which the licensee has demonstrated qualifications.
(d) A specialty contractor, other than a C61 contractor, may perform work within the field and scope of the operations of Classification C61, provided the work is consistent with established usage and procedure in the construction industry and is related to the specialty contractor’s classification.