What Jobs Can You Do With a C-8 license?
The C-8 license is a California contractor classification for individuals or companies that specialize in concrete construction services.
There are a variety of services that can be offered if you have this license, including:
- Shotcrete
- Setting Screeds
- Walkways, Patios, Steps, Walls, and Columns
- Concrete Installation
- Patio installation
- Structural concrete modification
- Deck or slab fill ins, Roof pads, containment pits, cast in-place walls
- Driveway installation, sidewalks and flatwork repair
- Poured concrete and wall installations
- Sawing, removing, finishing, foundation installation, and foundation repair
- Pavers, Sawing cutting and coring
- Brickwork and Planters
- Retaining walls, and foundations, polishing, stamp concrete
- ADA Ramps
- Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands
Concrete Contractors and the CSLB
The C-8 contractor's license is one of 73 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 “C-8 or concrete license”, this classification falls under the C-Specialty category.
Expanding your concrete business in California
Contractors in California can hold multiple licenses. The most common pairings for the C-8 license are typically:
Requirements for California Concrete Contractors
To get a C-8 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
What concrete concepts do I need to know for the test?
There will be a lot covered on your exam.
Keep in mind you might be tested on areas of the concrete trade that you have no experience in.
It will be important to understand every possible question.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Planning and Estimation (30%)
- Planning concrete projects
- Estimating concrete projects
2. Pre-placement Preparation (28%)
- Demolition, grading, and excavating
- Layout and forming
- Installing drains and moisture barriers
- Installing reinforcement and embedded items
3. Placing and Finishing (19%)
- Placing concrete
- Applying finishes
- Curing and testing
4. Post-placement Tasks (5%)
- Applying stains and sealers
- Stripping forms; repairing, grouting, and caulking concrete
5. Safety (18%)
- Employee safety
- Job site safety
What's the C-8 exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Concrete
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken via Computer at an Exam Facility
- Exam Centers all over the state of California
Math Skills
There will be math on your CSLB law & business and trade exams.
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
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.
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.
Preparing for the CSLB law & business exam
Our complete C-8 concrete contractors license 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, those looking to get the C-8 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!