Starting out
How to get a contractor's license in California
Show the CSLB at least four years of experience in the classification you're applying for, pass two exams (law and business, and your trade), and pay the $450 application fee and the initial license fee ($200 for a sole owner, $350 otherwise).
Experience
The CSLB says you need "at least four (4) years of experience, in the class you are applying for". It counts work as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor or owner-builder, and someone with firsthand knowledge of your work has to verify it.
- Up to 1.5 years' credit for an A.A. degree in building or construction management
- Up to 2 years for a four-year degree in a related field
- Up to 3 years for a completed apprenticeship, or certain four-year degrees
The exams
Most applicants take two: Law and Business, and the trade exam for their classification. You can skip them only in a few cases, such as having been the qualifying individual for the same classification within the last five years.
Fees
- Application (exam or waiver, one classification): $450
- Initial license: $200 for a sole owner, $350 for other businesses
Once you're licensed
Your license is public on the CSLB's site, and customers do check it. Put your license number on your website and your Google profile, and start asking every customer for a review.
We'll keep your Google profile working. Reviews answered, a post every week and your details kept accurate, as part of Cakewalk. Free until we send you your first new customer enquiry, then $197.50/mo for 6 months, then $395/mo.
See how it worksQuestions
How many years of experience do I need for a California contractor's license?
Four years in the classification you're applying for, verified by someone who saw your work. Education and apprenticeships can count for up to three of them.
How much is a California contractor's license?
The CSLB's fees are $450 for the application and $200 (sole owner) or $350 (other businesses) for the initial license. Your bond and insurance are extra.
Sources
- California CSLB: experience for the examination: “You must have at least four (4) years of experience, in the class you are applying for, to qualify to take the examination.”
- California CSLB: list of fees: “Original application: $450. Initial license: $200 for a sole owner, $350 otherwise.”
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