What Jobs Can You Do With a C-10 Contractors license?
The C-10 license is a California contractor classification for individuals or companies that specialize in residential or commercial electrical services.
There are a variety of services that can be offered if you have this license, including:
- Ground up electrical installations
- Electrical service upgrades
- Designing custom control panels
- Installation of electrical and power equipment
- Automation and programming
- Onsite trouble shooting
- Replacement services
- Performance and Reliability testing
- Office, warehouse, lighting (Service and Repair work)
- Fiber Optics, CCTV/Security, Data Cabling
- Access Controls
- Installation of ceiling fans and lights and sockets
- Repairing breaker switches and outdoor outlets
- Long term and short-term maintenance programs
- Title 24 calculations
- Utilities Coordination
- Permit Processing
Electrical Contractors and the CSLB
The C-10 contractor's license is one of 73 classifications available in California. Contractors in the state of California are governed by the CSLB(Contractors State License Board)
There are 4 major classification categories:
Commonly referred to as the “C-10 or electrical license”, this classification falls under the C-Specialty category.
Expanding your electrician business in California
Contractors in California can hold multiple licenses. The most common pairings for the C-10 license:

Requirements for California Electrical Contractors
To get a C-10 license you must meet the following basic requirements:
- 18 Years of Age
- 4 Years of Journeyman Level Experience
- Social Security or ITIN #
- Not Currently on Probation or Parole
- Signature from a licensed contractor, fellow employee, supervisor, or business associate
What electrical concepts do I need to know for the test?
There will be a lot of information covered on your C-10 test.
Keep in mind you might have to answer questions about the electrical trade that you have no experience in.
It will be important to understand every possible question.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Planning and Estimating (24%)
- Existing system evaluation
- Plan and specification interpretation
- Electrical calculations
- Code requirements
- Material selection
- Energy production and storage project planning (photovoltaic, wind, generators, batteries, capacitors)
2. Rough Wiring (26%)
- System layout
- Clearance and accessibility requirements
- Raceway and panel installation
- Wire and equipment installation
- Grounding and bonding
- Energy production and storage rough wiring (photovoltaic, wind, generators, batteries, capacitors)
3. Finish Wiring and Trim (9%)
- Finish device placement and installation
- Motor and equipment installation
- Wire and equipment labeling
- Trims and sealants
- Energy production and storage finish wiring (photovoltaic, wind, generators, batteries, capacitors)
4. Startup, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance (21%)
- System energizing and testing
- Common electrical problems
- Location, repair, and replacement of inoperable electrical wires/components
- Selection and use of electrical testing equipment
- Energy production and storage system performance (photovoltaic, wind, generators, batteries, capacitors)
5. Safety (20%)
- Lockout/tagout procedures
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Tools/equipment
- Hazardous materials and job site environments
What's the C-10 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Electrical
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken via Computer at a CSLB Testing Facility
- Exam Centers located all over the state of California
Electrical Math Skills
There will be math on your CSLB law & business and electrical exams.
On the law side, questions will be presented to you as if you are a General Building Contractor with multiple projects running simultaneously with several employees.
You can expect math questions related to:
- Arithmetic
- Cost Estimation
- Percentages and Decimals
The math you can expect on the C-10 test will be a little bit more complex.
- Basic Algebra
- Ohm's Law
- Watt's Law
- Circuit Symbols
- Electrical Theory and Calculations
Blueprint Reading Skills
Blueprint reading is a fundamental skill for all contractors. Knowing how to interpret plans and is a key part of the job if you are working within a construction crew.
Some aspects of plan reading may also be your examination.
For a deeper look at blueprint reading concepts, you will want to check out this free blueprint reading guide.
Preparing for the CSLB law & business exam
Our complete C-10 contractor's license course breaks down all of the essential knowledge you need to be successful on your CSLB law & business examination.
In addition to passing your exam, those looking to get the C-10 license will be equipped with a crash course on how to run a profitable business.
You will learn:
- Company organization
- How to bid effectively
- Understanding cost control
- Various contract types
- Cash management
- Estimation fundamentals
- CAL/OSHA
- Business Structures
- Worker’s Compensation and Taxes
- Insurance Types in Construction
- Labor Laws and Employee Rights
- Hiring and Firing Practices
- Contractor Bonds
- Mechanics Liens
- State Laws and Statutes
- Project Management 101
- Prevailing Wages and Public Works
- And Much More!