California requires contractors to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, before contracting jobs of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials. Licensure requires documented experience, two PSI-administered exams, a contractor bond, and insurance. This guide walks through the main steps, typical requirements, and the exam process for the California contractor license.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Experience4 Years
- Application Fee$450
- Renewal2 Years
- CE NeededNone
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for a California contractor license typically include:
- A qualifying individual with at least 4 years of journey-level (or higher) experience within the 10 years immediately before application.
- Being at least 18 years old.
- A completed application with the $450 nonrefundable processing fee.
- Passing scores on both the Law and Business exam and the trade exam for your classification.
- A $25,000 contractor bond before license issuance.
- Workers' compensation insurance: per SB 216, as of January 1, 2026 all CSLB licensees must carry it regardless of whether they have employees.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the CSLB before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
Steps to apply for a California contractor license:
- Confirm the qualifying individual meets the 4-year journey-level experience requirement.
- Submit the application with the $450 nonrefundable processing fee to the CSLB.
- Wait for CSLB review; the board may request more documentation.
- Schedule and pass both exams (Law and Business plus your trade exam) through PSI.
- File your $25,000 contractor bond and proof of workers' compensation insurance.
- Pay the initial license fee: $200 for a sole owner or $350 for a non-sole owner, covering 2 years.
- 3
Pass the general contractor exam
The California contractor exam consists of two computer-based multiple-choice tests administered by PSI:
- Law and Business - Licensing law, contracts, business management, and related topics; also available in Spanish.
- Trade exam - Specific to your classification (B, C-10, C-36, and so on).
Exams run at approximately 20 California test centers plus Wilsonville, Oregon. Exam fees are paid directly to PSI and vary; the passing standard is set by the board and its vendor. Candidates licensed in Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, or Utah may qualify for a trade-exam waiver under CSLB reciprocity agreements. Always confirm current exam requirements with the CSLB or PSI before your exam date.
License Types
B General Building Contractor
Build structures requiring two or more unrelated trades, statewide.
- State-wide jurisdiction
- Broad building scope
C Specialty Contractor
Contract a single trade such as C-10 electrical or C-36 plumbing.
- Single-trade scope
- 40+ classifications
Details
Experience
The qualifying individual on the license needs at least 4 years of journey-level or higher experience gained within the 10 years immediately before the application. Experience is documented through the CSLB's application process, and the board can ask for additional verification. Check the CSLB's guidance on acceptable experience before you apply so your documentation is ready.
Details
Fees
CSLB fees include the $450 nonrefundable application processing fee and the initial license fee of $200 (sole owner) or $350 (non-sole owner), which covers 2 years. Exam fees are paid directly to PSI and vary; confirm the amount with CSLB or PSI. Renewal fees vary by entity type and active or inactive status; see the CSLB fee schedule. Always confirm current fee amounts with the CSLB before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
California contractor licenses renew every 2 years. California has no continuing-education requirement for contractor license renewal; you maintain your bond and insurance and pay the renewal fee, which varies by entity type and active or inactive status.
Renewal rules and fees can change. Confirm current requirements with the CSLB before your renewal deadline to avoid a lapse.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a California contractor license?
Timelines depend on CSLB application volume, how complete your submission is, and exam scheduling through PSI. After passing both exams you still need to file your bond, show insurance, and pay the initial license fee. Confirm current processing times with the CSLB.
What bond and insurance does a California contractor need?
A $25,000 contractor bond is required, and an RME or RMO with under 10 percent ownership may need a separate $25,000 bond of qualifying individual. Per SB 216, as of January 1, 2026 all CSLB licensees must carry workers' compensation insurance even with no employees. Confirm current rules on the CSLB insurance pages.
When is a contractor license required in California?
Generally for any job of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials. The handyman exemption threshold was raised from $500 effective 2025. Confirm the current threshold with the CSLB before working unlicensed.
Does California have contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, with limits. The CSLB has reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and Utah that may waive the trade exam for qualifying licensees. The Law and Business exam still applies. Confirm eligibility with the CSLB.
Does California require continuing education for contractors?
No. California contractor licenses renew every 2 years with no continuing-education requirement. You still need to keep your bond and workers' compensation insurance current and pay the renewal fee, which varies by entity type and status.
