C-45 — Sign Installation

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A C-45 Sign license authorizes fabricating, installing, and erecting both electrical signs — including their own wiring — and non-electrical signs, from pole-supported signs to wall-mounted and painted signage, under 16 CCR §832.45. It’s one of the few CSLB classes that bundles its own electrical scope into the definition, so a C-45 contractor doesn’t need a separate C-10 to wire the sign itself.

The C-45 trade exam is closed-book, multiple-choice, and administered by PSI, separate from the required Law and Business exam. CSLB’s own study guide weights the content as Sign Installation 26% (the largest section, including excavation and concrete footings for pole and monument signs), Planning and Estimating 22%, Sign Design and Fabrication 20% (including neon and LED/HID fabrication), Testing/Maintenance/Troubleshooting 16%, and Safety 16%.

Licensing requires four years of journeyman-level, foreman, or contractor experience in sign work within the last ten years, up to three of which can come from apprenticeship or trade school with at least one year hands-on. Every active license needs a $25,000 contractor’s bond (a separate $25,000 BQI bond for RMO arrangements or qualifiers under 10% ownership). The application fee is $450, plus $200–$350 for the initial license once you pass.

C-45 is easy to confuse with two neighbors: C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control covers portable, temporary changeable-message signs, while C-45’s signs are permanent fixed infrastructure; and C-8 Concrete generally isn’t needed for small sign footings, since CSLB’s own study guide lists footing work under C-45’s own Sign Installation content area. Read the complete C-45 exam guide for the full requirements, exam breakdown, and FAQ.