What Jobs Can You Bid with a C-39 License?
The C-39 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in residential and commercial roofing.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Shingles
- Flat roofing
- Roof replacement
- Inspections
- Gutter Systems and Downspouts
- Dry-rot/Termite Damage Repair
- Roofing installations
- Tear-off Roofing
- Chimney Caps
- Infrared Leak Detection
- Identifying Tax Incentives for Customers
- Roof Deck Paver Systems
- Stone Coated Steel Systems
- Simulated Slate
- Copper Systems
- Roofing repairs and restorations
- Inspections and consulting
- HOA Maintenance
- Wood replacement
- Spanish Tile and Cur Outs
- Fascia and soffit installations
- Siding repairs
- Siding installation
- Skylights
- Built-up roof membranes
- Single ply membranes including TPO and PVC
- Composition shingles
- Shakes and Slates
- Concrete Tiles
- Clay Tiles
- Standing seam metal
- Above deck rigid roof insulation
- Contemporary flat roofs
Roofing Contractors and the CSLB
The C-39 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:
Common Pairings for the C-39 Roofing License
Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairings for the C-39 license are:

C-39 roofing contractor requirements
To become licensed with the CSLB 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 roofing 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-39 license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to job site preparation and various roofing systems which could be unfamiliar.
Take the time to review every possible question and concept.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Planning and Estimating (21%)
- Planning roof projects
- Estimating roof projects
2. Job Site Preparation for Roof Projects (10%)
- Protecting surroundings
- Correcting problems
- Tearing off existing roofing
3. Low-Slope Roof Projects (20%)
- Installing flashings, ventilation, and underlayment
- Installing various low-slope roof systems
- Repairing low-slope roof systems
4. Steep-Slope Roof Projects (28%)
- Installing flashings, ventilation, and underlayment
- Installing various steep-slope roof systems
- Repairing steep-slope roof systems
5. Safety (21%)
- Personnel safety
- Job site safety
- Fall protection
What's the C-39 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Roofing
- 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-39 license exam may vary. Be prepared for questions that may include:
- Basic 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. Interpreting building plans is critical.
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 roofing 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-39 contractor 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!