California licenses plumbing at the contractor level. The C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification is issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. There is no statewide journeyman plumber license; where journeyman credentialing exists, it is local or run by unions and employers. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the exam process for the C-36 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 the California C-36 plumbing contractor license typically include:
- 4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years.
- A completed application with the $450 fee submitted to the CSLB.
- Passing scores on the Law and Business exam and the C-36 trade exam, both through PSI.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The path to a California C-36 license generally involves these steps:
- Confirm you meet the 4-year journey-level experience requirement.
- Submit your application and the $450 fee to the CSLB.
- Receive eligibility approval and schedule your exams through PSI.
- Pass the Law and Business exam and the C-36 trade exam.
- File your bond and insurance and pay the initial license fee.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with the CSLB.
- 3
Pass the plumber exam
C-36 candidates take two computer-based multiple-choice exams administered by PSI at approximately 20 California test centers plus Wilsonville, Oregon: the Law and Business exam and the C-36 trade exam. The passing standard is set by the CSLB and its testing vendor.
Plumbing work in California falls under the 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), effective January 1, 2026, which is based on the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code. Always confirm exam requirements with the CSLB or PSI, because formats and reference materials can change.
License Types
C-36 Plumbing Contractor
Install and repair plumbing systems as a licensed contractor statewide.
- Statewide scope
- Can contract directly
Local Journeyman Credential
City, county, union, or employer programs; not a statewide license.
- Local or program-based
- Path to C-36
Details
Experience
The C-36 classification follows standard CSLB rules: the qualifying individual needs 4 years of journey-level experience gained within the 10 years before applying. Documentation standards are set by the CSLB, so review its experience guidance before submitting your application.
Plumbers who are not ready to contract typically build their experience through local, union, or employer-based journeyman programs, since California issues no statewide journeyman plumber license.
Details
Fees
The standard CSLB fee structure applies: a $450 nonrefundable application fee, exam fees paid directly to PSI (amounts vary), and an initial license fee of $200 (sole owner) or $350 (non-sole owner) covering 2 years. Always confirm current fee amounts with the official authority before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
The C-36 license renews every 2 years, and California has no continuing-education requirement for contractor renewal. Keep your bond and insurance current and pay the renewal fee, which varies by entity type and active or inactive status. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with the CSLB before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a journeyman plumber license in California?
No. California has no statewide journeyman plumber license. Journeyman or technician credentialing, where it exists, is local (city or county) or union and employer based. The statewide credential is the C-36 Plumbing Contractor license from the CSLB.
What experience do I need for the California C-36 license?
The qualifying individual needs 4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years, per standard CSLB rules. Acceptable documentation is defined by the CSLB; confirm the current standard before applying.
What exams does the California plumbing contractor license require?
Two computer-based multiple-choice exams through PSI: the Law and Business exam and the C-36 trade exam. The passing standard is set by the CSLB and its vendor; confirm current details in the PSI candidate information.
Is there reciprocity for plumbing licenses in California?
CSLB reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and Utah may apply to the C-36 classification and can waive the trade exam for qualifying licensees. Contact the CSLB to confirm current eligibility for your situation.
