California: how to get licensed

California contractors are licensed by the California State License Board (CSLB). You generally need a CSLB license to bid or perform construction where labor and materials together are $500 or more. Most classifications sit two separate papers at a PSI center: the business exam (every applicant) and a trade exam for that classification. CSLB also requires documented journey-level experience (commonly four years) and a contractor bond. Confirm current numbers on our California hub and on the product sitting facts before you sit.

Choose the classification below. The next page walks the path for that license, then stays on this site: our state hub and the matching prep.

Exam prep hub California hub Business exam

Trade exams (this is the license for the work)

Pick the trade you want to bid. That is the classification on the license.

A — General Engineering B — General Building C-10 — Electrical C-11 — Elevator C-12 — Earthwork & Paving C-13 — Fencing C-15 — Flooring & Floor Covering C-16 — Fire Protection C-17 — Glazing C-2 — Insulation & Acoustical C-20 — HVAC C-21 — Building Moving & Demo C-22 — Asbestos Abatement C-23 — Ornamental Metal C-27 — Landscaping C-28 — Lock & Security C-29 — Masonry C-31 — Traffic Control C-32 — Parking & Highway Improvement C-33 — Painting & Decorating C-34 — Pipeline C-35 — Lathing & Plastering C-36 — Plumbing C-38 — Refrigeration C-39 — Roofing C-4 — Boiler & Steam Fitting C-42 — Sanitation System C-43 — Sheet Metal C-45 — Sign Installation C-46 — Solar C-47 — Manufactured Housing C-5 — Framing & Rough Carpentry C-50 — Reinforcing Steel C-51 — Structural Steel C-53 — Swimming Pool C-54 — Ceramic & Mosaic Tile C-55 — Water Conditioning C-57 — Well Drilling C-6 — Cabinet & Millwork C-60 — Welding C-61 — Limited Specialty C-7 — Low Voltage Systems C-8 — Concrete C-9 — Drywall

Business exam (a second paper, not a trade)

This is not a plumbing, electrical, or building license. Many states make you pass this and a trade exam. Use it if you only need the business paper, or after you pick a trade.

LAW — Law & BusinessSecond paper — not a trade license

Open the California hub