Requirements & steps

What are the requirements to getting a license?

Master  Requirements(C) Specialty Contractor Pre-Qualifications

  • Pass the written Law and Business Examination and a specific specialty trade exam
  • Have, within the last 10 years, at least four (4) years of experience in your trade
    • The experience must be at no less than a journeyman level, or as a foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder.
  • Meet specified bond, insurance, and other requirements for licensure with CSLB.
Master  RequirementsBond and Insurance Requirements

Contractor's Bond

  • All contractors must have a $15,000 contractor's bond on file with CSLB.
  • An additional $12,500 qualifying individual's bond must be filed for all contractors that are qualified by an RME
  • All LLC licenses are required to have an additional $100,000 employee/worker bond of file with CSLB for the benefit of workers employed by or contracted to work for an LLC.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

  • Workers' compensation is required when a contractor has employees. The Certificate of Insurance must be issued in the business name shown on the application.

LLC Liability Insurance

  • All LLC licenses are required to have liability insurance between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, determined by the number of personnel of record on the license. For five (5) or fewer personnel, the amount is not less than $1 million. For each additional member of the personnel, the amount increases $100,000, up to a maximum of $5 million.

How do I Become a Contractor in California?

To apply for your license, contact the California Contractors State License Board at 800-321-2752 or visit Board Website.

No continuing education is required for each renewal. Also, CA Contractors have reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Louisiana, and Nevada.

With RocketCert, our education is written by a combination of professional educators and industry professionals. Our exam prep is guaranteed to help you pass the exam on your first attempt. We pride ourselves on providing industry leading customer service.


RocketCert customer studying to pass their State exam through the RocketCert website or on the mobile app.
PURCHASE EXAM PREP & STUDY!

Preparing to pass the State exam is a critical part of the licensing process. Failing the exam can result in substantial delays before you are able to work under your license. We offer industry leading exam prep at an unbeatable price, so you can pass on your first attempt.

PASS THE STATE EXAM

After studying with RocketCert, you will be on your way to passing the required State exam(s) (see below). Submit a completed application packet to the California State Division to obtain pre-approval for the exam.

APPLY FOR YOUR LICENSE

After completing all the steps above, it will be time to apply through CSLB to obtain your California Contractor License.