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jobs you can do with a reinforcing steel contractor license

What Can I Do With a C-50 Contractor License?

Table of Contents


What Jobs Can You Bid with a C-50 License?

The C-50 license is for individuals or companies that specialize in re-inforced steel construction work.

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

  • Rebar engineering
  • Reinforcing construction services
  • Post-tensioning
  • Concrete tilt up buildings
  • Steel fabrication
  • Low, mid, and high-rise buildings
  • CMU buildings
  • Builders supplies distribution
  • Rebar placers
  • Steel installation
  • Utilizing computerized benders and shearers
  • Holding inventory and specialty products
  • Estimating and detailing
  • Rebar delivery
  • Amp Vaults
  • Solids thickening and processing upgrades
  • Post Tensioned Decks
  • Medical Building and Warehouses
  • Slab on grade
  • Foundations
  • Poured in place walls
  • Cages
  • Manufacturing
  • Sheet metal machining and welding
  • Public and Civil works infrastructure
  • CMCG construction
  • Retaining walls, sound walls, and approach slabs
  • Junction structures
  • Value engineering

Steel Contractors and the CSLB

The C-50 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-50 License

Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.

The most common pairings for the C-50 license are typically


jobs you can do with a C-50 contractor license in California

C-50 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 construction 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 California C-50 license exam.

You may be presented with questions related to residential remodeling which could be unfamiliar.

Take the time to review every possible question and concept.

Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:

Planning and Estimating (35%)

  • Plans and specifications
  • Types and grades of reinforcing steel
  • Determining quantities of materials

Estimating costs Fabrication (10%)

  • Preparation
  • Fabrication

Layout and Placement of Reinforcing Steel (25%)

  • Placing marks
  • Setting templates
  • Setting bar supports
  • Placing and tying reinforcing steel

Post-Tensioned Cables and Specialty Projects (8%)

  • Layout and placement of cables
  • Stressing cables
  • Placing reinforcing steel in special locations

Safety (22%)

  • Personnel safety
  • Equipment and job site safety


What's the C-50 license exam process like?

The exam will be:

  • 115 Questions Law & Business
  • 115 Questions Reinforcing Steel
  • Multiple Choice
  • Closed Book
  • 3 Hours to Complete each section
  • Taken via Computer at a CSLB Testing Facility
  • Exam Centers in: Berkeley, Fresno, Norwalk, Oxnard, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Jose

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 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-50 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, you will want to check out this free blueprint reading guide.


CSLB law & business exam

Our complete course gives you everything you need to pass the C-50 California reinforcing contractor license exam.

In addition to getting brushed up on the construction trade, those looking to get the C-50 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!