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A C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry license (16 CCR §832.05) covers the structural wood-and-metal-framing work that becomes a building’s skeleton — wall and roof framing, trusses, sheathing, sub-flooring, roof decking, and exterior stairs and railings — before drywall, cabinets, or trim go in. It’s one of California’s highest-volume specialty classifications. This course covers the CSLB-outline C-5 trade exam plus Law & Business: a full study guide, 4 practice exams, and an explanation for every answer. Read the full C-5 License Guide for licensing requirements and the exam content breakdown.
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Facts on this page are checked against the California CSLB C-5 classification description (CCR Title 16 §832.05).
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-5 Framing & Rough Carpentry exam — frequently asked questions
What does a C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry contractor license cover?
A C-5 contractor performs form work, framing, and rough carpentry to construct framed structures, and installs or repairs individual framing components, including subflooring, siding, exterior staircases and railings, overhead doors, roof decking, truss members, and sheathing. (Source: 16 CCR Section 832.05.)
Is C-5 the same as the old C-5 cabinet/millwork classification?
No — the former cabinet/millwork C-5 was renumbered to C-6 effective January 1, 2003. C-5 now designates Framing and Rough Carpentry specifically; C-6 covers finish carpentry, cabinets, and millwork. (Source: CSLB Licensing Classifications.)
Do I need a B license instead of C-5?
Only if the job also needs a second unrelated trade — a Class B General Building contractor may take framing-only work as its one specific carve-out exception, but if framing/rough carpentry is genuinely the only trade on the job, C-5 alone is sufficient. (Source: California Business and Professions Code Section 7057; CSLB Licensing Classifications.)
How many hours do I get for the trade exam, and what score do I need?
CSLB allows 3.5 hours per closed-book, PSI-administered exam. CSLB does not publish an exact passing percentage — it sets a criteria-referenced passing standard per exam form and reports pass/fail only, not a numeric score. (Source: CSLB Examination FAQ.)