How to get a contractor license in California

Step by step

Experience: 4 years. The qualifier needs 4 years of journey-level experience (or as a foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder) in the class, within the last 10 years. (source: CSLB: Before applying for a license (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB: Experience for the exam (opens in a new tab))

• Someone with first-hand knowledge of your work must verify the experience. (source: CSLB: Experience for the exam (opens in a new tab))
• You must be 18 or older. (source: CSLB: Before applying for a license (opens in a new tab))
• There is no financial-worth requirement. (source: CSLB: Before applying for a license (opens in a new tab))

1. Check your experience You need 4 years of journey-level experience in the class within the last 10 years. (source: CSLB: Experience for the exam (opens in a new tab))
2. Pick your class Choose the CSLB class that matches your work, such as C-20 for HVAC or C-10 for electrical. (source: CSLB Licensing Classifications (opens in a new tab))
3. Apply and pay Send the application with the $450 fee. (source: CSLB Fees (opens in a new tab))
4. Get fingerprinted Do a Live Scan fingerprint and background check. (source: CSLB Fees (opens in a new tab))
5. Pass the exams Pass the Law and Business exam and the trade exam, plus the open-book asbestos exam. (source: CSLB: Applicants (opens in a new tab))
6. File your bond and pay the license fee File a $25,000 contractor bond, show workers' comp or an exemption, then pay the initial license fee. (source: CSLB: Bond requirements (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB: Workers' compensation (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB Fees (opens in a new tab))

The exam

An exam is required. (source: CSLB: Applicants (opens in a new tab))

• Law and Business exam
• Trade exam: Not needed for C-61 Limited Specialty
• Asbestos open-book exam: Plus a signed verification form after you pass

• An exam waiver is possible at the registrar's discretion, for example if you are (or were in the last 5 years) a qualifier in the same class, or passed both exams in the last 5 years. (source: CSLB: Qualifying for waivers (opens in a new tab), source: Business and Professions Code 7065.1 (opens in a new tab))

Costs and fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Bonds and insurance

Bond: $25,000 bond required. A $25,000 contractor bond (or a $25,000 cashier's check) is needed before you get an active license. This amount applies since 1 January 2023. (source: CSLB: Bond requirements (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB: Before applying for a license (opens in a new tab))

• A Responsible Managing Officer or Employee may also need a separate $25,000 bond of qualifying individual. (source: CSLB: Bond requirements (opens in a new tab))
• LLCs also need a $100,000 employee/worker bond. (source: CSLB: LLC information (opens in a new tab))
• A bond is often not enough to cover a big job or many claims. (source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor (opens in a new tab))

• Workers' comp: Required if you have any employees. Otherwise file an exemption.
• General liability: Not generally required, but it must be disclosed in the contract.

(source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB: Workers' compensation (opens in a new tab))

• C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49 tree service must carry workers' comp even with no employees. (source: CSLB: Workers' compensation (opens in a new tab))
• LLCs need liability insurance of at least $1 million for up to 5 licensed personnel, plus $100,000 for each extra person, up to $5 million. (source: CSLB: LLC information (opens in a new tab))

Common questions