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Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in construction or property improvement or one in a particular field, like plumbing, electrical, or roofing, you’re going to need a license to operate legally within the state of California. 

Acquiring a contractor’s license starts with developing a deep understanding and meeting the requirements of the Contractors State License Board, the organization responsible for issuing professional licenses. Below, you’ll find the licensing requirements needed to become a contractor, as well as the specific license types that are available.

Licensing Requirements

Depending on the type of contractor license you plan to obtain, its requirements could include both educational and physical experience. In any case, once you have completed those requirements, you’ll take two exams to obtain your license: a trade exam and the Law and Business Exam.

Trade exams cover topics relevant to the license you want to obtain. For example, a General Building Contractor exam will include questions on planning and estimating, framing and structural components, core trades, finish trades, and safety.

The Business Law Exam, which is required in addition to trade-specific license and certification exams, covers topics that are pertinent to any business owner in a contractor trade, such as:

• Safety
• Licensing Requirements
• Business Organization
• Business Finances
• Contract Requirements 
• ContractExecution
• Employment Requirements
• Bonds
• Liens
• Insurance
• Public Works

It’s important that you fully understand the requirements needed to obtain a license and thoroughly prepare for both exams to ensure you pass the first time and are able to move forward with your career.

License Types

California offers a range of licenses for contractors engaged in both general and specific activities. Some of the licenses available are as follows:

• (A) - General Engineering Contractor
• (B) General Building Contractor
• (B-2) Residential Remodeling Contractor
• (ASB) Asbestos Certification
• (HAZ) Hazardous Substance Removal Certification
• C-2 - Insulation and Acoustical Contractor
• C-4 - Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor
• C-5 - Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor
• C-6 - Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor
• C-7 - Low Voltage Systems Contractor
• C-8 - Concrete Contractor
• C-9 - Drywall Contractor
• C-10 - Electrical Contractor
• C-11 - Elevator Contractor
• C-12 - Earthwork and Paving Contractors
• C-13 - Fencing Contractor
• C-15 - Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors
• C-16 - Fire Protection Contractor
• C-17 - Glazing Contractor
• C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
• C-21 - Building Moving/Demolition Contractor
• C-22 - Asbestos Abatement Contractor
• C-23 - Ornamental Metal Contractor
• C-27 - Landscaping Contractor
• C-28 - Lock and Security Equipment Contractor
• C-29 - Masonry Contractor
• C-31 - Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor
• C-32 - Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor
• C-33 - Painting and Decorating Contractor
• C-34 - Pipeline Contractor
• C-35 - Lathing and Plastering Contractor
• C-36 - Plumbing Contractor
• C-38 - Refrigeration Contractor
• C-39 - Roofing Contractor
• C-42 - Sanitation System Contractor
• C-43 - Sheet Metal Contractor
• C-45 - Sign Contractor
• C-46 - Solar Contractor
• C-47 - General Manufactured Housing Contractor
• C-50 - Reinforcing Steel Contractor
• C-51 - Structural Steel Contractor
• C-53 - Swimming Pool Contractor
• C-54 - Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor
• C-55 - Water Conditioning Contractor
• C-57 - Well Drilling Contractor
• C-60 - Welding Contractor

As a General Building Contractor, you are qualified to deal with structures that are already built, currently being built, or planned to be built. These could include dwellings and other structures designed for people or animals, as well as any moveable properties. In other words, “General Building Contractor” is a sort of catch-all for construction activities.

Residential Remodeling and Home Improvement Contractors, on the other hand, are limited to working with existing residential structures. Contractors with specialized licenses for electrical, engineering, HVAC, plumbing, and so on are limited to projects that deal with the systems, equipment, and materials particular to their trade.

There are also several certifications pertaining to specializations like asbestos, hazardous substance removal, and others, as well as ongoing education and renewal requirements for different fields.

Prepare to Obtain Your License

Preparation is the key to success when it comes to obtaining or renewing your contractor license, and when it comes to exam prep, you’ll want to look for a state-approved program designed to help you pass on your first try.

Online programs that offer convenient, 24/7 remote access to course materials are ideal for working adults, and courses designed by industry experts and educators ensure that you have the targeted information you need to succeed.

If you are preparing to apply for a contractor license in the state of California, look no further than RocketCert, the ultimate resource for professional licensing exam prep. Contact us today to learn more about our program.