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a deep dive look at the jobs you can do with a C-42 license in the state of California

Jobs You Can Do With a C-42 License!

Table of Contents


What Jobs Can You Bid with a C-42 License?

The C-42 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in sanitation systems.

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

  • Sanitation System Installation
  • Drilling services
  • Septic Systems
  • Rooter services
  • Grading & Backfill
  • Securing county health department permits
  • Onsight inspections
  • Above Ground Tanks
  • Aerobic Systems and Cesspools
  • UV Disinfection and System Controls
  • Drip Irrigation
  • Drilling Seepage Pits
  • Leach Fields
  • Camera Locating
  • Mound Systems
  • Advanced Treatment Unit Septic Systems
  • Concrete septic system services
  • Sanitation systems design
  • Excavations and Plumbing
  • Drainage Systems
  • Residential Septic Tank cleaning
  • Environmentally responsible disposal

Sanitation Contractors and the CSLB

The C-42 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-42 License

Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.

The most common pairings for the C-42 license are:


jobs you can do with a C-42 license in California

C-42 sanitation 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 sanitation systems 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-42 license exam.

You may be presented with questions related to septic systems and seepage pits 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 (27%)

  • Planning sanitation systems
  • Estimating sanitation systems

2. New Septic System Installation (26%)

  • Installing septic tanks
  • Installing leach lines and seepage pits
  • Testing and grading over septic systems
  • Installing alternative treatment systems
  • Specialty sanitation systems

3. Sewer Lateral Installation and Repair (10%)

  • Installing sewer laterals
  • Maintaining and repairing existing sewer systems 

4. Septic System Maintenance and Repair(10%)

  • Troubleshooting existing septic systems
  • Removing or repairing existing septic systems
  • Maintaining existing septic systems

5. Safety (27%)

  • Employee training and safety
  • Job site safety


What's the C-42 license exam process like?

The exam will be:

  • 115 Questions Law & Business
  • 115 Questions Sanitation Systems
  • Multiple Choice
  • Closed Book
  • 3 Hours to Complete each section
  • Taken via Computer at a proctored exam center
  • 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-42 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 sanitation 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-42 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!