What Jobs Can You Do With a C-9 license?
The C-9 license is a California contractor classification for individuals or companies that specialize in drywall services.
There are a variety of services that can be offered if you have this license, including:
- Residential/Commercial Drywall Solutions
- Hanging and Taping
- Non-Structural Metal Framing
- Wall finishing and Texturing
- Sprayed and Hand Textured Walls
- Sheet Rock Repairs and Restoration
- Drywall Repairs and Ceiling Construction
- Gypsum Wallboard assembly
- Fire Rated Gypsum Board
- Dens Glass, and Soundboard
- Cement Board and Impact Resistance
- Partition Walls and Sure Board
- Acoustic tile ceilings and removal
- Skip towel textures
- Interior framing
- Custom textures
- Drywall water damage and patchwork
- False ceiling
- Drywall finish with Venetian plaster
- Drywall sanding
Drywall Contractors and the CSLB
The C-9 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-9 or drywall license”, this classification falls under the C-Specialty category.
Expanding your drywall business in California
Contractors in California can hold multiple licenses.
The most common pairings for the C-9 license are:
- B-General Building
- C-33 Painting and Decorating
- C-35 Lathing and Plastering
- C-2 Insulation & Acoustical
Requirements for California Drywall Contractors
To get a C-9 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 Drywall 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 drywall 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:
- Planning and Estimating (20%)
- Evaluate plans and specifications
- Estimate and perform mathematical calculations
- Evaluate material specifications
2. Preparing for Installation (14%)
- Evaluate job site readiness
- Manage materials on the job site
- Lay out various assembly types
- Install metal framing systems
- Install backing
3. Install Drywall, Ceilings, and related materials (28%)
- Demolition, grading, and excavating
- Layout and forming
- Installing drains and moisture barriers
- Installing reinforcement and embedded items
4. Placing and Finishing (19%)
- Install various ceiling assemblies
- Install standard wallboard assemblies
- Install fire-rated wallboard assemblies
- Install specialty wallboard assemblies
- Install trims
- Repair damaged drywall systems
- Follow EPA and CALGreen requirements for waste disposal/recycling
5. Finishing (22%)
- Select and mix various compounds
- Prepare and tape surfaces
- Finish and coat surfaces
- Sand and/or sponge wallboard
- Select level of finish
- Texture surfaces
6. Safety (16%)
- Apply personal safety procedures
- Apply job site safety procedures
- Operate tools and equipment safely
- Handle and dispose of products safely
- Work safely at elevated heights
What's the C-9 exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Drywall
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken via Computer at an Exam proctoring 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, you will need to know… check out this free blueprint reading guide.
Preparing for the CSLB law & business exam
Our complete C-9 drywall 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-9 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!