CSLB Law & Business ExamBusiness Organization and LicensingMedium

An RME is found to own only 5% of the shares of the corporation she qualifies. Because her ownership is less than 10%, what additional bond must the corporation obtain covering her role as qualifier?

  1. AA $100,000 LLC bond
  2. BA $12,500 Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI)
  3. CNo additional bond is required
  4. DAn additional $25,000 contractor's bond
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. A $12,500 Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI)

When a qualifying individual (RME or RMO) owns less than 10% of the licensed entity, the CSLB requires an additional Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI) in the amount of $12,500 to protect against harm caused by that individual's actions.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. The LLC bond applies to LLC entities generally, not to low-ownership qualifiers specifically.
  • C. A bond is required precisely because ownership is below the 10% threshold.
  • D. A second standard bond is not the mechanism used; the BQI is a distinct, smaller bond.

Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI)

A $12,500 bond required when an RME/RMO owns less than 10% of the licensed business, to protect against the qualifier's misconduct.

  • Triggered by ownership under 10%
  • Amount is $12,500
  • Separate from the standard $25,000 license bond

Memory trick: 'Under ten, bond again.'

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