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A California C-16 Fire Protection contractor license lets you lay out, fabricate, and install fire-protection systems for hire. It requires passing CSLB’s C-16 trade exam and the Law & Business exam, plus at least four years of qualifying fire-protection experience.
What does a C-16 license cover?
A fire protection contractor lays out, fabricates, and installs all types of fire protection systems, including the associated equipment — excluding electrical alarm systems. (Source: California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 832.16.) Fire sprinkler and suppression system installation falls under this classification; electrical fire alarm systems do not.
How do I get a C-16 license?
You’ll need at least four years of qualifying fire-protection experience within the last 10 years, a completed CSLB application, and passing scores on both the C-16 trade exam and the Law & Business exam. See our step-by-step application guide and current fee and bond breakdown.
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Facts on this page are checked against the California CSLB C-16 classification description (CCR Title 16 §832.16).
Last updated: July 16, 2026. Accuracy method: every code citation and answer is verified against current code editions and licensing-board requirements, and corrected as codes change. Refund policy.
C-16 Fire Protection exam — frequently asked questions
What does a C-16 Fire Protection contractor license cover?
A C-16 contractor lays out, fabricates, and installs all types of fire protection systems, including the associated equipment, excluding electrical alarm systems. (Source: 16 CCR Section 832.16.)
Does C-16 cover fire alarm systems?
No — electrical fire alarm systems are excluded from the C-16 scope. (Source: 16 CCR Section 832.16.)
Who installs commercial fire sprinkler systems in California?
Fire sprinkler and other fire-suppression system fabrication and installation fall under the C-16 Fire Protection classification. (Source: 16 CCR Section 832.16.)
What score do I need to pass?
The C-16 trade exam is 115 questions in 3.5 hours, closed-book, at a PSI test center, with a 73% passing score. (Source: CSLB Examination FAQ.)