- Anyone who is looking to bid on construction projects over $500 needs to have a Contractor License!
- The Governing Agency for Contractors in California is the CSLB
- Contracting without a license in California is punishable by Law
- It takes approximately 90 days to get licensed in California!
- Get the Application here!
Contractor License Requirements
Before you can get a Contractor License in California, you must first be approved by the Contractors State License Board and meet the following requirements:
- 18 Years of Age
- 4 Years Journeyman Level Experience
- Signature from a Qualifying Individual: Licensed Contractor, Fellow Employee, Supervisor, Client , Union Rep etc.
- Pass an Exam: LAW and TRADE for General A, General B, and C- Classifications (D-Classifications LAW ONLY)
- Valid Drivers License (USA Issued)
- Social Security # or ITIN#
- Cannot currently be on Probation or Parole
In California, a Contractor License is required of anyone charging over $500 for services in the following trades:
General Engineering (A)
General Building (B)
C-Classifications
- Insulation and Acoustical (C-2)
- Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting (C-4)
- Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5)
- Cabinet, Millwork, and Finish Carpentry (C-6)
- Low Voltage (C-7)
- Concrete (C-8)
- Drywall (C-9)
- Electrical (C-10)
- Elevator Work (C-11)
- Earthwork and Paving (C-12)
- Fencing (C-13)
- Flooring and Floor Covering (C-15)
- Fire Protection (C-16)
- Glazing (C-17)
- HVAC (C-20)
- Demolition (C-21)
- Asbestos Abatement (C-22)
- Ornamental Metal (C-23)
- Landscaping (C-27)
- Lock and Security Equipment (C-28)
- Masonry (C-29)
- Construction Zone Traffic Control (C-31)
- Parking and highway Improvement (C-32)
- Water Conditioning (C-55)
- Well Drilling (C-57)
- Painting and Decorating (C-33)
- Pipelines (C-34)
- Lathing and Plastering (C-35)
- Plumbing (C-36)
- Refrigeration (C-38)
- Roofing (C-39)
- Sanitation Systems (C-42)
- Sheet Metal (C-43)
- Signs (C-45)
- Solar (C-46)
- Manufactured Housing (C-47)
- Reinforcing Steel (C-50)
- Structural Steel (C-51)
- Swimming Pools (C-53)
- Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54)
- Welding (C-60)
C-61 Limited Specialty (D-Classifications)
- Awnings (D-3)
- Central Vacuum Systems (D-4)
- Concrete Related Services (D-6)
- Drilling, Blasting and Oil Field Work (D-9)
- Elevated Floors (D-10)
- Synthetic Products (D-12)
- Hardware, Locks and Safes (D-16)
- Machinery and Pumps (D-21)
- Metal Products (D-24)
- Doors, Gates and Activating Devices (D-28)
- Paperhanging (D-29)
- Pile Driving and Pressure Foundation (D-30)
- Pole Installation (D-31)
- Prefabricated Equipment Installation (D-34)
- Pool and Spa Maintenance (D-35)
- Sand and Water Blasting (D-38)
- Scaffolding (D-39)
- Service Station Equipment and Maintenance (D-40)
- Weatherization and Energy Conservation (D-65)
- Siding and Decking (D-41)
- Non Electrical Sign Installation (D-42)
- Tree Service (D-49)
- Suspended Ceilings (D-50)
- Window Coverings (D-52)
- Wood Tanks (D-53)
- Trenching (D-56)
- Hydro seed Spraying (D-59)
- Air and Water Balancing (D-62)
- Construction Clean-Up (D-63)
- Non-Specialized (D-64)
Contractor License Costs
- Application Fee
- License Activation Fee (every two years)
- Fingerprinting
- Contractor Bond (What is this?)
- All Contractor License Fees Found Here
Whats on the Exam?
- 115 Questions of LAW
- 115 Questions of TRADE
- Multiple Choice / Taken on a Computer
- 70 % Score Required to Pass
- You are allowed to bring an Interpreter
- $60 Per Re-take
- CSLB Testing Locations all over California: San Diego, San Bernardino, Norwalk, Oxnard, Oakland, Sacramento, San Jose, and Fresno