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what jobs can you bid with a C-21 demolition contractors license in California?

Jobs You Can Bid With a C-21 Contractors License!

Table of Contents


What Jobs Can You Do With a C-21 Contractors license?

The C-21 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in demolition services. 

There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:

  • Structural demolition
  • Selective demolition
  • Operating Caissons
  • Pool demolition
  • Ensuring safety protocols
  • Roof tear offs
  • Operating roll off trucks
  • Crushing & screening
  • Trenching
  • Pool backfills
  • Enclosure for dust containment
  • Lead removal
  • Site preparation services
  • Decommissioning and Asset Recovery
  • Soil remediation
  • Disposal of soil, rubble, wreckage and trash
  • Environmental and Hazardous abatement
  • Core drilling
  • Concrete cutting
  • Land clearing services
  • Grading & Excavation


Demolition Contractors and the CSLB

The C-21 demolition license is one of 74 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 simply the “C-21 or demolition license”.


Expanding your Demolition business in California

Contractors in California can hold multiple licenses.

The most common pairings for the C-21 license are:


what jobs can you bid with a C-21 demolition contractor license in California

Requirements for California C-21 Contractors

To get a demolition contractor 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 demolition concepts do I need to know for the exam?

You will definitely want to be prepared for any curveballs that could come up on the C-21 demolition contractors license exam.

You may be presented with questions related to planning and estimation, fabrication, and safety procedures that you may or may not be familiar with.

It will be important to review everything you can.

Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:

1. Planning and Estimating (24%)

  • Evaluating plans and specifications
  • Evaluating hazardous materials surveys
  • Determining job methods and equipment needed
  • Performing job-related calculations
  • Evaluating job site readiness

2. Project Preparation (20%)

  • Permitting and notification
  • Mobilizing labor, equipment, and materials
  • Developing recycling plans
  • Removing hazardous materials

3. Building Moving (5%)

  • Moving preparation
  • Determining weight and structural integrity
  • Building raising and lowering
  • Building support and transportation

4. Structure Demolition (34%)

  • Pre-demolition site preparation
  • Demolition of single- and multi-story structures
  • Separating demolished materials
  • Transporting materials and debris
  • Cleaning and backfilling job sites
  • Obtaining final inspections

5. Safety (17%)

  • Job site safety
  • Personnel safety


What's the C-21 demolition exam process like?

The exam will be:

  • 115 Questions Law & Business
  • 115 Questions Building Moving/Demolition
  • Multiple Choice
  • Closed Book
  • 3 Hours to Complete each section
  • Taken via Computer at a proctored exam facility
  • Exam centers located all over the state of California

Math Skills 

There will be math on your CSLB law & business and trade exam.

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-21 license exam will be a little bit more complex. Be prepared for questions that may include:

  • Geometry 
  • Units of measurement

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, check out this free blueprint reading guide.


CSLB law & business exam

Our complete course is a guide for aspiring California demolition contractors.

A step by step break 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-21 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!