California contractor license classes
The Contractors State License Board issues 48 license classes and certifications. Find yours below. (source: CSLB class description: A General Engineering Contractor (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB class description: B General Building Contractor (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB class description: B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the CSLB website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search by license number (digits only), business name or person name. For "John Smith Construction" type "Smith John Con". (source: CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Contractors State License Board sources. See sources.
All license types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| A | General Engineering Contractor | A general engineering contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, including the following divisions or subjects: irrigation, drainage, water power, water supply, flood control, inland waterways, harbors,… (source: CSLB class description: A General Engineering Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| B | General Building Contractor | Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its… (source: CSLB class description: B General Building Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| B-2 | Residential Remodeling Contractor | A residential remodeling contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any project to make improvements to, on, or in an existing residential wood frame structure, and the project requires the use of at least three unrelated building trades or crafts for a single contract. (source: CSLB class description: B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-2 | Insulation and Acoustical Contractor | An insulation and acoustical contractor installs any insulating media and preformed architectural acoustical materials for the purpose of temperature and/or sound control. (source: CSLB class description: C-2 Insulation and Acoustical Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-4 | Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor | A boiler, hot-water heating and steam fitting contractor installs, services and repairs power boiler installations, hot-water heating systems and steam fitting, including fire-tube and water-tube steel power boilers and hot-water heating low pressure boilers,steam fitting and piping, fittings, valves, gauges,… (source: CSLB class description: C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-5 | Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor | A framing and rough carpentry contractor performs any form work, framing or rough carpentry necessary to construct framed structures; installs or repairs individual components of framing systems and performs any rough carpentry or associated work, including but not limited to the construction or installation of:… (source: CSLB class description: C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-6 | Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor | A cabinet, millwork and finish carpentry contractor makes cabinets, cases, sashes, doors, trims, nonbearing partitions and other items of "finish carpentry" by cutting, surfacing, joining, gluing and fabricating wood or other products to provide a functional surface. (source: CSLB class description: C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-7 | Low Voltage Systems Contractor | A communication and low voltage contractor installs, services and maintains all types of communication and low voltage systems which are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts. (source: CSLB class description: C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-8 | Concrete Contractor | A concrete contractor forms, pours, places, finishes and installs specified mass, pavement, flat and other concrete work; and places and sets screeds for pavements or flatwork. (source: CSLB class description: C-8 Concrete Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-9 | Drywall Contractor | (source: CSLB class description: C-9 Drywall Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-10 | Electrical Contractor | An electrical contractor places, installs, erects or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform or utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose. (source: CSLB class description: C-10 Electrical Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-11 | Elevator Contractor | An elevator contractor fabricates, erects, installs and repairs elevators, including sheave beams, motors, sheaves, cable and wire rope, guides, cab, counterweights, doors (including sidewalk elevator doors), automatic and manual controls, signal systems, and all other devices and equipment associated with the safe… (source: CSLB class description: C-11 Elevator Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-12 | Earthwork and Paving Contractor | An earthwork and paving contractor digs, moves, and places material forming the surface of the earth, other than water, in such a manner that a cut, fill, excavation, grade, trench, backfill, or tunnel (if incidental thereto) can be executed, including the use of explosives for these purposes. (source: CSLB class description: C-12 Earthwork and Paving Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-13 | Fencing Contractor | A fencing contractor constructs, erects, alters, or repairs all types of fences, corrals, runs, railings, cribs, game court enclosures, guard rails and barriers, playground game equipment, backstops, posts, flagpoles, and gates, excluding masonry walls. (source: CSLB class description: C-13 Fencing Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-15 | Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor | A flooring and floor covering contractor prepares any surface for the installation of flooring and floor coverings, and installs carpet, resilient sheet goods, resilient tile, wood floors and flooring (including the finishing and repairing thereof), and any other materials established as flooring and floor covering… (source: CSLB class description: C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-16 | Fire Protection Contractor | A Fire protection contractor lays out, fabricates and installs all types of fire protection systems; including all the equipment associated with these systems, excluding electrical alarm systems. (source: CSLB class description: C-16 Fire Protection Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-17 | Glazing Contractor | A glazing contractor selects, cuts, assembles and/or installs all makes and kinds of glass, glass work, mirrored glass, and glass substitute materials for glazing; executes the fabrication and glazing of frames, panels, sashes and doors; and/or installs these items in any structure. (source: CSLB class description: C-17 Glazing Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-20 | Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor | A warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning contractor fabricates, installs, maintains, services and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with… (source: CSLB class description: C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-21 | Building Moving/Demolition Contractor | A building moving/demolition contractor raises, lowers, cribs, underpins, demolishes and moves or removes structures, including their foundations. (source: CSLB class description: C-21 Building Moving/Demolition Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-22 | Asbestos Abatement Contractor | Click here for the full text of the regulations that relate to the C-22 classification. (source: CSLB class description: C-22 Asbestos Abatement Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-23 | Ornamental Metal Contractor | An ornamental metals contractor assembles, casts, cuts, shapes, stamps, forges, welds, fabricates and installs, sheet, rolled and cast, brass, bronze, copper, cast iron, wrought iron, monel metal, stainless steel, steel, and/or any other metal for the architectural treatment and ornamental decoration of structures. (source: CSLB class description: C-23 Ornamental Metal Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-27 | Landscaping Contractor | A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a… (source: CSLB class description: C-27 Landscaping Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-28 | Lock and Security Equipment Contractor | A lock and security equipment contractor evaluates, sets-up, installs, maintains and repairs all doors and door assemblies, gates, locks and locking devices, panic and fire rated exit devices, manual and automatic operated gate and door closures and releases, jail and prison locking devices and permanently… (source: CSLB class description: C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-29 | Masonry Contractor | A masonry contractor installs concrete units and baked clay products; concrete, glass and clay block; natural and manufactured stone; terra cotta; and fire brick or other material for refractory work. (source: CSLB class description: C-29 Masonry Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-31 | Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor | A construction zone traffic control contractor prepares or removes lane closures, flagging, or traffic diversions, utilizing portable devices, such as cones, delineators, barricades, sign stands, flashing beacons, flashing arrow trailers, and changeable message signs, on roadways, including, but not limited to,… (source: CSLB class description: C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-32 | Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor | A parking and highway improvement contractor applies and installs protective coatings, vehicle stops, guard rails and mechanical devices, directional lines, buttons, markers, signs and arrows on the horizontal surface of any game court, parking facility, airport, highway or roadway constructed of concrete, asphalt… (source: CSLB class description: C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-33 | Painting and Decorating Contractor | A painting and decorating contractor prepares by scraping, sandblasting or other means and applies any of the following: paints, papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, turpentines, japans, driers, thinners, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives, water and any other vehicles, mediums and… (source: CSLB class description: C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-34 | Pipeline Contractor | (source: CSLB class description: C-34 Pipeline Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-35 | Lathing and Plastering Contractor | A lathing and plastering contractor coats surfaces with a mixture of sand, gypsum plaster, quick-lime or hydrated lime and water, or sand and cement and water, or a combination of such other materials that create a permanent surface coating, including coatings for the purpose of soundproofing and fireproofing. (source: CSLB class description: C-35 Lathing and Plastering Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-36 | Plumbing Contractor | A plumbing contractor provides a means for a supply of safe water, ample in volume and of suitable temperature for the purpose intended and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in all structures and fixed works. (source: CSLB class description: C-36 Plumbing Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-38 | Refrigeration Contractor | A refrigeration contractor constructs, fabricates, erects, installs, maintains, services and repairs refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, and insulated refrigerated spaces, temperature insulation, air-conditioning units, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity and thermostatic controls for the control of air, liquid,… (source: CSLB class description: C-38 Refrigeration Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-39 | Roofing Contractor | A roofing contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures. (source: CSLB class description: C-39 Roofing Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-42 | Sanitation System Contractor | A sanitation system contractor fabricates and installs cesspools, septic tanks, storm drains, and other sewage disposal and drain structures. (source: CSLB class description: C-42 Sanitation System Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-43 | Sheet Metal Contractor | A sheet metal contractor selects, cuts, shapes, fabricates and installs sheet metal such as cornices, flashings, gutters, leaders, pans, kitchen equipment, duct work (including insulation, patented chimneys, metal flues, metal roofing systems and any other installations requiring sheet metal). (source: CSLB class description: C-43 Sheet Metal Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-45 | Sign Contractor | A sign contractor fabricates, installs, and erects electrical signs, including the wiring of such electrical signs, and non-electrical signs, including but not limited to: post or pole supported signs, signs attached to structures, painted wall signs, and modifications to existing signs. (source: CSLB class description: C-45 Sign Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-46 | Solar Contractor | A solar contractor installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. (source: CSLB class description: C-46 Solar Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-47 | General Manufactured Housing Contractor | A general manufactured housing contractor installs, alters, repairs, or prepares for moving any type of manufactured home as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code, any type of mobilehome as defined in Section 18008 of the Health and Safety Code, and any type of multifamily manufactured home as… (source: CSLB class description: C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-49 | Tree and Palm Contractor | A Tree and Palm contractor plants, maintains, and removes trees and palms. (source: CSLB class description: C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-50 | Reinforcing Steel Contractor | A reinforcing steel contractor fabricates, places and ties steel mesh or steel reinforcing bars (rods), of any profile, perimeter, or cross-section, that are or may be used to reinforce concrete structures. (source: CSLB class description: C-50 Reinforcing Steel Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-51 | Structural Steel Contractor | A structural steel contractor fabricates and erects structural steel shapes and plates, of any profile, perimeter or cross-section, that are or may be used as structural members for buildings and structures, including the riveting, welding, rigging and metal roofing systems necessary to perform this work. (source: CSLB class description: C-51 Structural Steel Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-53 | Swimming Pool Contractor | A swimming pool contractor constructs swimming pools, spas or hot tubs, including installation of solar heating equipment using those trades or skills necessary for such construction. (source: CSLB class description: C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-54 | Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor | A ceramic and mosaic tile contractor prepares surfaces as necessary and installs glazed wall, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, paver, faience, glass mosaic and stone tiles; thin tile that resembles full brick, natural or simulated stone slabs for bathtubs, showers and horizontal surfaces inside of buildings, or any tile… (source: CSLB class description: C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-55 | Water Conditioning Contractor | A water conditioning contractor installs water conditioning equipment with the use of only such pipe and fittings as are necessary to connect the water conditioning equipment to the water supply system and to by-pass all those parts of the water supply system within the premises from which conditioned water is to… (source: CSLB class description: C-55 Water Conditioning Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-57 | Well Drilling Contractor | A well drilling contractor installs and repairs water wells and pumps by boring, drilling, excavating, casing, cementing and cleaning to provide a supply of uncontaminated water. (source: CSLB class description: C-57 Well Drilling Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-60 | Welding Contractor | A welding contractor causes metals to become permanently attached, joined and fabricated by the use of gases and electrical energy, which creates temperatures of sufficient heat to perform this work. (source: CSLB class description: C-60 Welding Contractor (opens in a new tab)) |
| C-61 | Limited Specialty | Limited Specialty. (source: CSLB Licensing Classifications (opens in a new tab), source: CSLB: Applicants (opens in a new tab)) |
| ASB | Asbestos Certification (add-on) | Contractors with an asbestos certification can only do abatement work within the license classes they already hold. (source: CSLB Licensing Classifications (opens in a new tab)) |
| HAZ | Hazardous Substance Removal Certification (add-on) | Hazardous substance removal certifications are only issued to contractors who hold an A, B, C-12, C-21, C-36, C-57 or C-61/D-40 license. (source: CSLB Licensing Classifications (opens in a new tab)) |
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- CSLB Check a License (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB industry bulletin: AB 2622 implementation (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- AB 2622 (Business and Professions Code 7048) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB "What You Should Know" pamphlet (older, says $500) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB Licensing Classifications (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Before applying for a license (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Experience for the exam (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Applicants (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB Fees (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Qualifying for waivers (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Business and Professions Code 7065.1 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: General renewal information (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Bond requirements (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Bond basics (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Finding the right contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Workers' compensation (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: LLC information (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Before applying for HIS registration (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Business and Professions Code 7152 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Reciprocity (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Application for original license (waiver) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Business and Professions Code 7028 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: After you file your complaint (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB: Filing a complaint (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DIR Electrician Certification FAQ (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- DIR electrician certification categories (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- California Labor Code 108.2 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- EPA Section 608 technician certification (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: A General Engineering Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: B General Building Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-2 Insulation and Acoustical Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-8 Concrete Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-9 Drywall Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-10 Electrical Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-11 Elevator Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-12 Earthwork and Paving Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-13 Fencing Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-16 Fire Protection Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-17 Glazing Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-21 Building Moving/Demolition Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-22 Asbestos Abatement Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-23 Ornamental Metal Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-27 Landscaping Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-29 Masonry Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-34 Pipeline Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-35 Lathing and Plastering Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-36 Plumbing Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-38 Refrigeration Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-39 Roofing Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-42 Sanitation System Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-43 Sheet Metal Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-45 Sign Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-46 Solar Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-50 Reinforcing Steel Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-51 Structural Steel Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-55 Water Conditioning Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-57 Well Drilling Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CSLB class description: C-60 Welding Contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].