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What can you do with a D-59 hydroseeding contractors license in California

What Can You Do WIth a C-61/D-59 license?

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What Can You Do With a C-61/D-59 License?

Hydro-seeding (hydraulic mulch seeding, hydro-mulching) is a planting process that uses a slurry of seed and mulch. The slurry is transported in a tank, either truck or trailer mounted and then sprayed over prepared ground.

Individuals or companies in this space, typically offer services that may include:

  • Hydro-seeding
  • Hydro-mulching
  • Homesite services
  • Water retention
  • Soil retention
  • Erosion control
  • Golf Course services
  • Consultation on cost effective and efficient way to establishing a lawn
  • May sell seeds and fertilizer
  • Re-vegetate areas
  • Fire code compliance
  • Weed abatement, Brush removal, and mowing

The C-61/D-59 license for Hydroseeding is one of 73 contractor licenses 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 the “hydro-seeding license”, this classification falls under the C-61 Contractor license category.

For licenses under this category, there is no trade examination.


Related license classifications for Hydro Seeding Contractors

Some hydroseed contractors want to expand their services and get additional licensing. 

The most common pairings for the D-59 license would be:

Adding on additional license classifications largely depends on the direction you are trying to go with your business.

In some cases, a client may request that you hold a particular classification to fulfill an insurance requirement prior to beginning a project.


what can you do with a C-61 license under the D-59 hydroseeding contractor classification in California

California Hydro-seeding Contractor Requirements

To get a C-61/D-59 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 

CSLB Law & Business Exam for D-59 Contractors

California contractors looking to get their C-61/D-59 license will be tested in the following areas:

1. Business Organization (10%) 

  • Company organization 
  • Project organization

2. Business Finances (15%) 

  • Cash management 
  • Budget and planning
  • Taxes Financial reporting

3. Employment Requirements (12%) 

  • Employment regulations 
  • Evaluation and record-keeping
  • Payroll

4. Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%) 

  • Bonds 
  • Workers’ compensation insurance 
  • Liens and other remedies
  • Other insurance

5. Contract Requirements and Execution (23%) 

  • Bidding 
  • Cost control
  • Contracts
  • Payments

6. Licensing Requirements (8%) 

  • Business license 
  • Contractor’s license
  • Activity regulation

7. Safety (15%) 

  • Training and reporting requirements 
  • General safety
  • Hazardous/unknown materials

8. Public Works (7%) 

  • Prevailing wage requirements 
  • Bonding requirements
  • Insurance requirements


What’s the exam process like?

The exam will be:

  • 115 Questions
  • Multiple Choice
  • Closed Book
  • 3 Hours to Complete
  • 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 exam.

It is important to remember that 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 
  • Calculating Square Footage
  • Units of Measurement
  • Percentages and Decimals

Preparing for Your CSLB license exam

Our complete course breaks down all of the essential knowledge you need to be successful on your CSLB law & business examination.

In addition to passing your exam, you will also be equipped with valuable knowledge that will give you a crash course in how to run a contracting business effectively and profitably.

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!