In this article, we are going to take a look at what you can do with the C-61/D-3 Awnings Contractor license.
The C-61/D-3 for Awnings 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:
- A-General Engineering
- B-General Building
- C-Specialty
- C-61 Limited Specialty
Commonly referred to as simply the “Awnings License“, this classification falls under the C-61 Limited Specialty category.
These are basically licenses that are more obscure in nature. So there is no trade examination.
What can I do with a C-61/D-3 License?
Most contractors that hold this license are offering awnings/patio covering installation-related services.
This may include:
- Cover systems installation
- Carports
- Canvas awnings
- Patio designs
- Craft covers
- Retractable awnings
- Seashell awnings
- Aluminum awnings
- Aquamatic cover systems
- Automatic pool covers
- Free standing patios
Related Licenses for California Awnings Contractors
The most common classifications that contractors hold in addition to the C-61/D-3 license are:
Many people start out with one or more of these classifications and gradually add on others as time goes on.
In some cases, a client may request that you hold a particular classification per some kind of insurance requirement.

California Contractor License Requirements for Awnings and Patio Installers
To get a C-61/D-3 License for Awnings and Patio Covers 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
California Contractors License Test
California awnings contractors looking to get their C-61/D-3 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
What kind of math skills do I need?
When it comes to the California contractor license test. You will want to make sure that you have strong math skills.
This is a law examination and questions will be presented as if you are a General Building Contractor with multiple employees and 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!