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A C-7 Low Voltage Systems license authorizes installing and servicing systems operating at 91 volts or less — fire alarms, burglar alarms, CCTV, access control, and data/telephone cabling — a voltage threshold that separates C-7 from the C-10 Electrical classification. Read the complete C-7 exam guide for requirements and exam structure.
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Facts on this page are checked against the California CSLB C-7 classification description (CCR Title 16 §832.07).
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-7 Low Voltage Systems exam — frequently asked questions
What does a C-7 Low Voltage Systems contractor license cover?
A C-7 contractor installs, services, and maintains communication and low-voltage systems limited to 91 volts or less, including telephone systems, sound systems, cable television systems, closed-circuit video, satellite dish antennas, instrumentation and temperature controls, and low-voltage landscape lighting. (Source: 16 CCR Section 832.07.)
Does C-7 cover burglar or fire alarm systems?
No — low-voltage fire alarm systems and burglar alarm systems are specifically excluded from C-7. Fire alarm work requires a C-10 Electrical license, and alarm-monitoring/response work requires a separate Alarm Company Operator license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) in addition to a C-7 or C-10 contractor license. (Sources: 16 CCR Section 832.07; BSIS Alarm Company Operator licensing.)
Does C-7 cover structured cabling and data/network wiring?
Yes — low-voltage communication and signal cabling for telephone, sound, and similar systems falls within the C-7 scope. (Source: 16 CCR Section 832.07.)
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.)