Who Can Certify Your Contractor Experience?
Who CSLB accepts as a certifier on the Certification of Work Experience form, and what they must know about your work.
Quick answer
Any qualified and responsible person who personally observed your work can certify it, such as an employer, contractor, foreman or supervisor, fellow employee, another journeyman, union representative, building inspector, architect, engineer or homeowner. What matters most is firsthand knowledge of the work you did.
People CSLB Accepts
- Employer or contractor you worked for
- Foreman or supervisor
- Fellow employee or another journeyman
- Union representative
- Building inspector
- Architect or engineer
- Homeowner (for work done on their property)
What Firsthand Knowledge Means
The certifier must have seen the work you did during the period they are certifying. A friend or relative who never saw you work, or someone who only heard about it, is not a valid certifier.
Completing the Certification
- The certifier completes the certification section of the Certification of Work Experience form 13A-11.
- Their description and dates should match yours.
- Use more than one certifier if your experience came from different employers or periods.
CSLB May Contact Your Certifier
CSLB can verify certifications and ask for documents that back up your experience. Inaccurate certifications can lead to a denied license. See how to verify your experience.
Content reviewed against CSLB sources: November 2026
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Who Can Certify Your Contractor Experience?: FAQs
Can a family member certify my experience?
A relative can certify only if they personally observed your work and are a qualified, responsible person, for example a relative who employed or supervised you. They must have firsthand knowledge.
What if my old employer is out of business?
Another person who saw your work, such as a former foreman or coworker, can certify it. Keep records such as pay stubs or W-2s to support the claim.
Does the certifier need a contractor license?
No. Certifiers such as coworkers, inspectors or homeowners do not need a license, but they must have firsthand knowledge of your work.