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…

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!