->  TR> How long does it take to get a contracters license? Three to six
weeks?
-> 
-> 
-> In GA. to get a GCL for residential and light commercial, there are
several
-> things that have to happen. You have to have a personal net worth of
150K, a
-> line of credit of 150K, have prepaid Workman's comp on yourself, then
there are
-> the references from two "established contractors", one or more bank
references
-> and one architect. Then you get to spend about 1500 bucks for test fees
-> application fees, and other "fees". Then there is the test.
When I took
mine in
-> the 80's it was 2, 4hour sessions. It might be a bit shorter now.
-> 
->  TR> One of my nephews got his contracters license recently, and it took
him
->  TR> less than six months. He now does demolition, complete home
remodeling,
-> roofing,
->  TR> flooring (tile, ceramic, etc), counters and  tubs.
-> 
-> 
->  JM>> Nothing requires the owner to be licensed.
-> 
-> 
->  JM>> At least in the States I am personally familiar with.
-> 
-> 
->  TR> Joe the plumber could probably have his own contracters license in
less
->  TR> than eight to ten weeks. It isn't all that big a deal.
-> 
-> In this age if "Fairness" if you can read a book and
remember the facts,
-> formulas, and theories you can pass the test.  I have been told that GA
did
-> away with any practical application test as part of the process.
-> That means some one could get a plumbers license and never have sweated
a
-> single joint.
-> I believe to get a Master license still requires 8 years  with just a
-> "plumbers" license.
-> 
Interesting stuff. All this 'Joe the Plumber' stuff seems a trifle
effete, a taint of scorn concerning a trade about which I know nothing, but
for which I have a lot of respect. (I was blown away when visiting the
palace in Crete when I learned they had three different water distributions
one for drinking, one for washing, one for effulgent. Pretty neat for
something built more'n 3,400 years ago...) 

I can barely imagine the frustrations and satisfaction there must be for
those in construction. 
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5