Plumbing Contractors that hold the C-36 license can work in a variety of settings. They could be hired by a homeowner to do a simple repair.

They may also be subcontracted by a General Contractor who has placed a bid on a project that includes a full plumbing installation. 

Check out this article for an in-depth look at the General Contractor License.

The State Board:

• Administers Exams
• Processes Applications
• Maintains a database of all active and inactive contractor license numbers 
• Sets up Sting Operations targeting unlicensed contractors

To get a C-36 license in California, you have to meet the following requirements:

You must also have:

• Some Journeyman plumbers have also completed apprenticeship programs. 
• A Journeyman plumber can perform all the duties associated with his or her trade. The state will want to see 4 full-time years experience within the last 10 years. The years do not need to be consecutive, but they do need to be 4 years in total.

The following people may be used as Qualifying Individuals to sign off on your experience when applying for the C-36 plumbing license:

Your Qualifying Individual will also need to provide a brief but detailed description of your knowledge and skillset. The way this description is written will be critical to whether or not your application is accepted. For example:

Writing: “Bob is a great guy, he fixed our toilet” will not be enough.

 The CSLB will want to see something like: "Bob has repaired plumbing problems, installed gas lines, sewer lines, installed bathroom fixtures, water lines, and re-piped buildings"

You must be prepared to submit documentation supporting the experience you claim to have. The Contractors State License Board gives you a few ways that you can prove your experience.

The CSLB  receives thousands of applications per month so there is a good chance they won’t document your experience but if you are one of the applicants that get reviewed you will need to be ready to submit something. 

The CSLB does not accept pictures of projects.

The time it takes to get your application processed and assigned a test date fluctuates throughout the year. Typically you can expect:

• 6-8 Week Application Processing Time
• 3-4 Week wait for an Exam date

I have seen some situations where applicants got their test date sooner and some where they got their test date much later.

The most common reasons your application would get held up are:

1. Time of year (processing time slows down during the holidays) 
2. Criminal History 
3. Proving Experience
4. Mistakes on your application 

Application Costs for the C-36 License

The Current CSLB fees are: 

• State Application Fee - $330 
• License Activation Fee - $200 (after you pass the exam)
• Fingerprinting
• Bond Fee (What is a Construction Bond?)

Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a C-36 License. I have personally helped guys with all types of criminal records obtain multiple licenses. The key is to be honest on the application, even if the felony or misdemeanor happened years ago and even if it was expunged.

The exam will be:

​For more information on what will be on the Contractor LAW exam click here.

The Plumbing License (C-36 ) Examination is divided into five key sections:

1.    Planning and Estimation (21%)

• Plan reading
• Bidding
• Pipe sizing
• Water conservation

2.    Rough-in and Top-out Plumbing Systems (27%)

• Underground installations
• Piping layout
• Piping installation
• Fuel gas piping
• Residential fire sprinklers

3.    Finish Plumbing Installations (14%)

• Plumbing fixtures
• Water heaters
• Shut-off valves
• Specialty installations
• Industrial piping

4.    Service, Repair, and Remodel Plumbing Systems (20%)

• Troubleshooting plumbing
• Isolating leaks and damage
• Repairing plumbing
• Retrofitting plumbing

5.    Safety (18%)

• Job site safety
• Personnel safety
• Public safety

Currently, there are CSLB testing locations in the following cities:

• The CSLB assigns you a testing location based on where you live when you apply for your license. 
• You get 18 months after your application is accepted to pass both examinations.
• You must wait three weeks before retaking the state exam ($60 per retake)

Learn more about Contractor License LAW​

Some things to remember:

• The questions you will see on the exam may use outdated terms
• Processes may be completely different from how things are done on the job site
• You will see questions about things you may have never done before
• Questions will be presented to you as if you are running a large scale construction business with several employees and jobs happening all at once. 
• Know all aspects of your trade

Focus on and study ONLY the information that you need to pass the C-36 License.

For a detailed explanation on this process, check out my article: Apprentice vs Journeyman.

Blueprint Reading Course

• Construction blueprints communicate important information about how a structure must be built as well as what materials are necessary for its construction.

Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for all tradesman but is especially important for those looking to get the C-36 license. See our Free Blueprint Reading Course.

EPA Certification

Understanding how to safely contain lead-based paint when altering structures built before 1978 is required by the Environmental Protection Agency. The most profitable plumbing contractors are ones that position themselves as the experts and are the most knowledgable and helpful to their clients. 

Conclusion

Getting the C-36 License can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own plumbing company or become an RMO! The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end. 

If you have found this article helpful feel free to drop a comment below and be sure to check back for updates!