Find Answers to Your Questions

Q: My apprentice just completed the program. Do they remain on the roster?
A: Yes. Once an apprentice completes the program, they are considered a pending or certified journeyman. They remain on the roster with continued access to WBFAA online CEH courses and approval for manufacturer or in-house training. They also count toward the 1-to-1 journeyman-to-apprentice ratio required by WBFAA standards.

Q: My apprentice completed the program but is not yet state certified. How should they be paid on a prevailing wage job?
A: They must be paid as a journeyman, since they are no longer a registered apprentice.

Q: When is an apprentice considered registered with DAS/DOL?
A: The registration date is the indenture date listed on the DAS-1 form, signed by both the apprentice and employer, and received by WBFAA within 30 days.

Q: When can an apprentice start submitting On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours?
A: Apprentices can begin submitting OJT hours starting from their indenture date.

Q: How do I determine the apprentice to journeyman ratio?
A: WBFAA requires a 1-to-1 ratio. Each apprentice must be supervised by a journeyman. On prevailing wage jobs, the DIR requires at least one hour of apprentice work for every five hours of journeyman work.

Q: What if our company cannot maintain a 1-to-1 ratio?
A: If your company is too small to maintain a constant 1-to-1 ratio, journeymen must directly supervise apprentices for the specific work they perform and ensure it is completed safely and within scope.

Q: Does WBFAA offer an accelerated program to meet AB 3018 compliance?
A: Yes. WBFAA offers an accelerated six-month program for certified Fire/Life Safety technicians to meet AB 3018 requirements.

Q: What is required to renew my California state certification?
A: Technicians must complete 32 hours of continuing education every three years from a state-approved provider.

Q: How does WBFAA support CEH renewal?
A: WBFAA offers state-approved online CEH courses and accepts qualified third-party or manufacturer training.

Q: How do I submit renewal documents to the Electrician Certification Unit?
A: You can submit online through this state portal or mail your application to:
State of California, DIR-Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
Attn: Electrician Certification Unit
P.O. Box 511286, Los Angeles, CA 90051-7841

Q: What study materials are used for the Fire/Life Safety Exam?
A: The state testing center provides:

• NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition)
• NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
• NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
• CAL/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry

Q: How do I view an apprentice’s coursework or OJT progress?
A: Log into the Technician Tracking System. Select the apprentice on your dashboard and click the blue person icon to view course progress and OJT submissions.

Q: When are apprentice upgrades processed?
A: Upgrades are reviewed on the 11th of each month. Apprentices and supervisors are notified by email when an upgrade is approved.

Q: How do I remove an apprentice or journeyman who is no longer employed?
A: Contact WBFAA at (800) 809-0280 or email info@wbfaa.net.

Q: How do I find the prevailing wage for apprentices or journeymen?
A:

• Apprentice wage rates: DIR Apprentice Wage Search
• Journeyman wage rates: DIR Journeyman Wage Search

Q: What is the procedure for submitting DAS 140 and DAS 142 forms?
A: WBFAA member companies may submit DAS 140/142 forms by email, fax, mail, or online through WBFAA Public Works.

Q: Where do I send DAS 140s and 142s?
A:

• Email: info@wbfaa.net
• Fax: (800) 809-0281
• Mail: WBFAA UATC, 21700 Oxnard Street, Suite 950, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Q: How does WBFAA respond to DAS form submissions?
A: WBFAA responds by letter or email for member submissions and maintains a record of all received DAS 140 and 142 forms.

Q: How do I submit Training Trust Fund contributions?
A: Contributions are due by the 15th of each month for the previous month. Email completed reports to info@wbfaa.net. WBFAA will create an invoice that can be paid online through Bill & Pay by ACH or credit card.

Q: How do I obtain proof of Training Trust Fund payments?
A: WBFAA provides a paid invoice or a verification letter upon request. Email info@wbfaa.net to request documentation.

Q: Can I pay WBFAA invoices online?
A: Yes. Request Bill & Pay access by emailing info@wbfaa.net and copying admin@wbfaa.net.

Q: Does WBFAA maintain a list of technicians seeking employment?
A: Yes. WBFAA maintains a limited list of registered apprentices and certified technicians seeking work. Member companies may send job postings to info@wbfaa.net.

Q: What is the process for DAS 140 and 142 compliance?
A:

• DAS 140: Must be submitted within 10 days of signing a contract or before work begins. It notifies committees of the project award.
• DAS 142: Must be submitted when a contractor does not employ enough apprentices to meet ratio requirements. Requests can be made by mail, fax, or email.

Q: What is the WBFAA policy for DAS submissions?
A: WBFAA encourages all member companies to submit timely and accurate DAS 140/142 forms to remain in compliance with DAS and DIR standards.

Q: What is AB 3018 and how does it affect contractors?
A: AB 3018 requires certain public works projects to employ a percentage of “skilled and trained” workers, which includes graduates of approved apprenticeship programs. View AB 3018 here.

Q: How do I handle “Other” payments on prevailing wage projects?
A: The “Other” payment can be paid directly to the employee on prevailing wage projects.

Q: How do I determine overtime pay on prevailing wage jobs?
A: Overtime is calculated based on the basic hourly wage only, not on total hourly compensation with benefits.

Q: What defines shift work under prevailing wage rules?
A: Refer to the DIR/DAS Shift Work Definition Guide for current state definitions.

Q: How are apprentices paid on Davis-Bacon (DOL) projects?
A: Apprentices are paid at the same percentage rate they receive on other jobs, following the WBFAA Appendix A wage schedule.

Q: How do I become a WBFAA member?
A: WBFAA membership is available to companies that are members of either CAA or CAFAA. Learn more about membership here.

Q: What services do WBFAA members receive?
A: Membership provides access to the apprenticeship program, CaleFORMS compliance software, the Technician Tracking System, continuing education resources, and legislative updates.

Q: How do I contact WBFAA for assistance?
A:
Phone: (800) 809-0280
Email: info@wbfaa.net
Office: 21700 Oxnard Street, Suite 950, Woodland Hills, CA 91367