This article will provide you with every single detail you need to know about C-45 license requirements, the C-45 license exam, study guides, and even how to fill out the California State License application.

"A sign contractor fabricates, installs, and erects electrical signs, including the wiring of such electrical signs, and non-electrical signs, including but not limited to: post or pole supported signs, signs attached to structures, painted wall signs, and modifications to existing signs"- CSLB.GOV

The C-45 license is the classification required in the state of California for all persons looking to bid on sign fabrication and installation projects where the cost of labor and materials exceeds $500.

The C-45 license can cover a wide range of areas production or repair of signage. Sign contractors often have an acute artistic perspective when creating signs but also the ability to effectively communicate with business owners to bring their visions to life. The duties of sign contractors typically include:

Sign Contractors that hold the C-45 license may also use a variety of technology and equipment including 

To obtain the C-45 license, you will be tested on all aspects of fabrication, installation, and repair of electrical and non-electrical signage. It will be essential to your success to become familiar with all the areas of expertise that fall under this highly specialized trade

Sign contractors are generally contracted by small businesses or corporations to create signage. However,  in some cases they may work as a sub to a General Contractor that is completing a full construction or remodel project that calls for the services of a sign contractor.

General Contractors oversee that the subcontractor has executed their duties in adherence to code and to the specific requests of a client. For a more in-depth look at the General Contractor license check out these articles.

Sign contractors looking to build a profitable business must position themselves as experts and the authority within their industry. Contractors must be a source of information for their clients and community if they want referrals and repeat business. Learn more about the EPA Certification here.

Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for all tradesman but is especially important for those looking to get the C-45 license. Learn more about How To Read Blueprints. 

To get a sign contractor license in California, you must prove a minimum of 4 years journeyman level experience and pass a two part state exam with the Contractor State License Board. To qualify for an exam date you must meet the the following requirements:

You must also have:

The following people may be used as Qualifying Individuals to sign off on your experience when applying for the C-45 license:

Your Qualifying Individual will also need to provide a brief but detailed description of your knowledge and skillset. The way this description is written will be critical to whether or not your application is accepted. For example:

“Steve is a great guy, he made our banner” is not quite descriptive enough.

The CSLB will want to see something more like: "Steve has installed grounding, lettering, low voltage wiring, and frames. He has operated laser engravers and done sandblasting" etc.

You must be prepared to submit documentation supporting the experience you claim to have. The Contractors State License Board gives you a few ways that you can prove your experience.

The CSLB  receives thousands of applications per month so there is a good chance they won’t document your experience but if you are one of the applicants that get reviewed you will need to be ready to submit something. 

The CSLB does not accept pictures of projects.

The time it takes to get your application processed and assigned a test date fluctuates throughout the year. Typically you can expect:

• 6-8 Week Application Processing Time
• 3-4 Week wait for an Exam date

I have seen some situations where applicants got their test date sooner and some where they got their test date much later.

The most common reasons your application would get held up are:

1. Time of year (processing time slows down during the holidays) 
2. Criminal History 
3. Proving Experience
4. Mistakes on your application 

The Current CSLB fees are: 

• State Application Fee - $330 
• License Activation Fee - $200 (after you pass the exam)
• Fingerprinting
• Bond Fee (What is a Construction Bond?)

Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a C-45 License. I have personally helped individuals with all types of criminal records obtain multiple licenses. The key is to be honest on the application, even if the felony or misdemeanor happened years ago and even if it was expunged.

BE 100% HONEST ON THE APPLICATION, because they will see everything anyway when you do fingerprinting. The CSLB handles criminal records on a case by case basis. Remember, their responsibility is to protect the public.

In my experience, they primarily concerned with criminal charges associated with: Fraud, Embezzlement, and Forgery

The CSLB handles criminal records on a case by case basis. Remember, the state boards responsibility is to protect the public.  

If your conviction does not fall under some type of Fraud, most likely, you will have no issues when applying for a C-45 license, but you will need to be prepared to submit any court documents or prove rehabilitation at the state’s request. 

In California, you are required to divulge any criminal charges when applying for a state license even if they have been expunged.

The exam will be:

For more information on what will be on the Contractor LAW exam click here.

Content of the Examination

The Sign (C-45 license) Examination is divided into five major sections:

1. Planning and Estimation (29%)

• Sign criteria and codes
• Plans and specifications
• Sign engineering and design
• Sign component selection
• Electrical requirements
• Material and equipment estimation

2.    Sign Design and Fabrication (21%)

• Sign patterns
• Sign face fabrication
• Channel and reverse channel letters
• Sign cabinet fabrication
• Sign assembly
• Fluorescent, LED, and HID fabrication
• Neon design and fabrication

3.    Sign Installation (22%)

• Prewiring of sign electrical components
• Excavation and concrete
• Pole and monument sign installation
• Building sign installation
• Electrical connections

4.    Testing, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair and Replacement of Signs and Sign Components (13%)

• Sign testing and troubleshooting
• Sign maintenance

5. Safety (15%)

• Electrical hazards
• Personal protective equipment • Cal/OSHA safety requirements
• Hazardous materials
•  Working with cranes and ladders

Currently, there are CSLB testing locations in the following cities:

The CSLB will grant you 18 months after your application is accepted to pass both examinations. You must wait three weeks before retaking the state exam ( $60 per retake ) A 70% score will be required to pass. Learn more about the Contractor LAW exam.

Being prepared is the most important thing you can do in ensuring your success on the contractor license exam. Studying C-45 license practice tests a long with explanations and diagrams for as little as 10 minutes a day is a small investment to make, but will increase your likelihood of success

If you don’t have the 4 years required journeyman level experience to obtain a C-45 license, not to worry. Your journey begins here. The sign industry offers an unlimited income opportunity.

Whether you are brand new or may have worked for a sign production company in the past, there are books, certification classes, and courses are available in most cities and online to get you up to speed. 

Usually someone looking to get into the trade would find an apprenticeship or graphic design program. Getting hired by a sign company would be your next step. 

After gaining the necessary 4 years journeyman level experience, you would then be able to apply for the C-45 license. For information on courses in your area or books to get you on the right path click here.