Which statement about subcontractor licensing is correct?

• A. The subcontractor must hold a BSIS license to legally perform for the public
• B. The subcontractor may operate without license if employed by a licensed company
• C. A license is only required for monitoring services
• D. A license is required only for residential projects

Answer: (A)

Any person who installs, services, maintains, or monitors alarm systems and offers those services to the public in California must hold a BSIS license. Subcontractors performing this regulated work are engaging in activities that require licensure, so they must have their own license to operate legally. Being employed by a licensed company does not exempt them from this requirement—the license is tied to the individual’s ability to perform the regulated work. Licenses are not limited to monitoring or to residential projects; they apply to the full range of alarm activities regardless of project type. So the subcontractor must hold a BSIS license to legally perform for the public.