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What can you do with a C-61 contractors license under the D-56 classification for trenching in California

What Can You Do WIth a C-61/D-56 license?

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What Can You Do With a C-61/D-56 License?

Individuals or companies that hold the D-56 license generally work exclusively with trenching.

Other services include:

  • Backhoe Services
  • Earthmoving
  • Trenching, Grading, and Erosion repair
  • Excavation
  • Equipment Rental
  • Augering, compacting and breaking
  • Foundation layout

The C-61/D-53 license for Trenching Only is one of 73 contractor license 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:

Commonly referred to as the “trenching license”, this classification falls under the C-61 Contractor license category.

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


Related classifications that pair with the C-61/D-56 license

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

The most common pairings for the D-56 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 the c-61 contractors license under the D-56 classification in California

C-61/D-56 California Contractor License Requirements

To get a C-61/D-56 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 

In addition, you must also pass a California Law & Business Examination

CSLB Law & Business Exam for D-56 Contractors

California contractors looking to get their C-61/D-56 license will be tested on 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

What kind of math skills do I need?

When it comes to the California contractor license test. You will want to make sure that your math skills are up to par. 

It is important to remember that this is a law examination.

Questions will be presented to you as if you are a General Building Contractor with multiple projects running simultaneously.

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 will break down all of the essential knowledge you must know 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!