California licenses plumbing at the contractor level through the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). There is no statewide journeyman plumber license. ExamsLib offers free practice questions and study guides to help you prepare for the C-36 trade exam and the Law and Business exam.
Overview
Exam Overview
The C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification covers the installation and repair of plumbing systems and is issued by the CSLB. Candidates follow standard CSLB rules: 4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years, a $450 application, and two PSI-administered exams (Law and Business plus the C-36 trade exam).
Journeyman or technician credentialing, where it exists in California, is local (city or county) or union and employer based; only the contractor is licensed statewide. Plumbing work falls under the 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), effective January 1, 2026, which is based on the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code.
Scope
License Types
California recognizes the following plumbing credential types:
- C-36 Plumbing Contractor - CSLB specialty classification for installing and repairing plumbing systems statewide.
- Local or union journeyman credentials - Some cities, counties, unions, and employers maintain their own journeyman programs; these are not statewide licenses.
Structure
Exam Format
C-36 candidates take two computer-based multiple-choice exams administered by PSI: the Law and Business exam and the C-36 trade exam. Exams are offered at approximately 20 California test centers plus Wilsonville, Oregon. Check the current PSI candidate information for question counts and time limits.
Score
Passing Score
The passing standard for CSLB exams is set by the board and its testing vendor and varies by exam. Both the Law and Business exam and the C-36 trade exam must be passed. Confirm the current requirement with the CSLB or PSI before your exam date.
Eligibility
Requirements
Typical requirements for the California C-36 plumbing contractor license include:
- 4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years.
- A completed application with the $450 fee submitted to the CSLB.
- Passing the Law and Business exam and the C-36 trade exam through PSI.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Cost
Fees
The CSLB fee structure applies: a $450 nonrefundable application fee and an initial license fee of $200 (sole owner) or $350 (non-sole owner) covering 2 years. Exam fees are paid directly to PSI and vary. Always confirm current fee amounts with the CSLB before submitting payment.
Plan Ahead
Study Plan
A focused 4 to 6 week study plan works well for most candidates:
- Week 1-2: Review the fundamentals of Water Supply Systems and Drainage and Vent Systems.
- Week 3-4: Work through Plumbing Code and California-specific rules, then take a full-length practice test.
- Week 5-6: Review every missed question, drill weak areas, and simulate exam timing.
Practice topics on ExamsLib cover Water Supply Systems, Drainage and Vent Systems, Plumbing Code.
Focus Areas
Study Topics
WS Water Supply Systems
Study water supply systems for your plumbing exam. Covers pipe materials, sizing, backflow prevention, water heaters, and T&P relief valves.
Study this topicDS Drainage and Vent Systems
Study drain, waste, and vent systems for your plumbing exam. Covers traps, pipe slope, venting methods, critical distance, and DWV sizing.
Study this topicPC Plumbing Code
Study plumbing code for your licensing exam. Covers UPC vs IPC, permit and inspection process, fixture requirements, cross-connection control, and ADA rules.
Study this topic
Keep Exploring
Related Pages
Frequently asked questions
Does California have a journeyman plumber license?
No. California has no statewide journeyman plumber license. Where journeyman credentialing exists, it is local (city or county) or run by unions and employers. The statewide credential is the C-36 Plumbing Contractor license issued by the CSLB.
What is the C-36 license in California?
C-36 is the CSLB's Plumbing Contractor classification covering installation and repair of plumbing systems. Qualifying requires 4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years, a $450 application, and passing the Law and Business and C-36 trade exams through PSI.
Which plumbing code does California use?
The 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), effective January 1, 2026. It is based on the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code; the exact edition mapping varies, so confirm details on the California Building Standards Commission site.
Can I transfer a plumbing contractor license from another state to California?
The CSLB has reciprocity agreements that may waive the trade exam for qualifying licensees from Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and Utah, and these may apply to the C-36 classification. Confirm eligibility with the CSLB before applying.
