How to Become a Licensed Contractor in California
Published on June 25, 2024 by Nate Bortz
In California, a contractor must be licensed to perform any construction project valued at $500 or more in combined labor and materials. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has four different license classifications. This article focuses on the most common B General Building Contractor License and guides you through its requirements. We also answer some frequently asked questions.
License Prerequisites
All businesses or individuals that construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, e
To be eligible for a contractors license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have either a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Have the knowledge, experience*, and skills to manage the daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision, or be represented by someone else with the necessary experience and skills who serves as a qualifying individual
*As an applicant, you need at least four years of experience from the past 10 years as a journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, or contractor. The experience listed on the application must be verifiable. Someone with direct knowledge of the experience, like an employer, fellow employee, other journeyperson, union representative, or building inspector, must be able to certify the accuracy of the information provided to CSLB on the Certification of Work Experience form.
Class B Specifications
CSLB defines a general building contractor as a person whose employer:
- Works on any existing structure
- Works on a structure under construction or planned to be built to support, shelter, and enclose persons, animals, possessions, or movable property
- Works on or supervises work on structures requiring at least two unrelated building trades or crafts
Completing the Application
You may apply for only one license classification at a time. Start the process by visiting the Application for Original Contractor License page. Use the Easy-Fill form system to complete the online application and print it out.
If you’re applying as a sole owner, include a money order or check for the non-refundable $450 application fee and the $200 initial license fee ($650 total). Your application must also include the Certification of Work Experience form. Finally, submit the application and fees to:
Contractors State License Board
P.O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826
Additional Licensing Requirements
Unfortunately, submitting the application isn’t the end of our licensing journey. There are other mandatory steps to complete before CSLB will provide a license.
Complete a Licensing Exam
Once you submit your application, you must pass a law and business exam and a specific trade exam unless you qualify for an exam waiver. CSLB provides an exam date after your application is reviewed and considered acceptable. Once you have your date, register for the exam online or by calling 877-392-6422.
Don’t let anything on the exam catch you off guard! Let us guide you through everything you need to know with our exam prep courses. The course content is based on the CLSB’s Examination Study Guide, which thoroughly analyzes every exam topic. We include links to relevant material and hundreds of practice questions to help you test your knowledge.
You must also complete the asbestos open book exam and submit the results to CLSB.
View our exam prep courses here.
Undergo a Background Check
All license applicants must be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. After accepting your application, CSLB will send you a Request for Live Scan Service form with instructions.
Complete the third section (applicant information) and take three copies of the completed BCII 8016 form to a Live Scan station near you to have your fingerprints processed and submitted to the DOJ and FBI.
Financial Requirements
Before you can receive your license, you must file a $25,000 contractor license surety bond or cashier’s check with CSLB. Get your bond from one of the surety companies listed on this page.
If you’ll have no employees as a contractor, you can waive your worker’s compensation insurance requirement by filling out the Exemption from Workers’ Compensation form.
FAQs
Who Must Be Licensed as a Contractor in California?
All businesses or individuals that construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation, or other structure in California must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board if the combined labor and material costs for one or more contracts on the project is $500 or more. Contractors must be licensed before submitting bids.
Is School Necessary?
No. There are no educational requirements to qualify for a California contractor’s license. You may receive credit for technical training, apprenticeship training, military training, or education instead of a portion of the required four years of practical experience. At least one year must be practical experience.
While education is not necessary, an exam preparation program designed around the topics covered on the exam can help you gain confidence in passing it on the first try.
Does a Criminal Conviction Prevent Someone from Obtaining a Contractor License?
Not necessarily. CSLB may deny a license if the criminal conviction is significantly related to a contractor’s duties and qualifications. However, CSLB may issue a license if the applicant has demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation.
What Happens If CSLB Rejects My Application?
CSLB will return the application if it deems it insufficient or incomplete. You must provide any missing information, make any necessary corrections, and return the application to CSLB within 90 days from the date it was returned.
If you do not return the corrected application to CSLB within 90 days, it becomes void. A voided application cannot be reinstated; you must submit a new application and the appropriate processing fee to get a license.
What Should I Bring to My Examination?
Exams are taken at PSI test centers. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time. To enter the test center, you need to bring government-issued photo identification, such as a valid driver’s license, a U.S. passport, military identification card, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Resident Alien Card, or U.S.-issued Employment Authorization Card.
Can I Retake One or Both Exams If I Fail?
Yes. If you fail the law and business and/or trade exams, you must pay a non-refundable $100 charge for each rescheduling. You have 18 months after CSLB accepts your application to complete the tests. After 18 months, the application becomes void, and you must submit an additional application and repay the fees.
Exam results are valid for five years. If you pass one exam but fail the other, you can retake and pass the failed exam within five years.
Will CSLB Send Me a Certificate to Show That I’m Licensed?
Yes. CSLB will send a wall certificate and plastic pocket card that shows your name, license number, classification, date of issue, and expiration date.
State law requires that you display the wall certificate in your main office or chief place of business and provide proof that you have a contractor license when asked. CSLB recommends carrying your pocket license card, especially when soliciting business or talking to potential customers.
It takes approximately 5-10 business days from when CSLB issues the license to receive your wall certificate and pocket license card.
How Long Is My License Valid?
Contractor licenses are initially issued for a two-year period. They expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued.
Where do I get an application or find answers to further questions?
California Contractors State License Board
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
1 (800) 321-2752