You must have a combined total of 4 years full-time journeyman-level experience in the last 10 years.
Requirements to Get a California Contractors License
Before you can apply for California contractors license, you must meet the following experience requirements:
Even though you can apply for a contractors license when you are 18 years old, it is recommended that you be at least 23 years old due to the experience requirement.
CSLB accepts a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
What counts as qualifying experience?
Work at the level of a journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder may qualify.
The work must match the trade (classification) you are applying for.
Journeyman level means experienced worker (not a trainee) and is fully qualified and able to perform a specific trade without supervision.
CSLB accepts verifiable self-employment experience.
Can education replace experience?
CSLB may award education or apprenticeship credit, but education cannot replace all practical experience.
Up to 1½ years
Qualifying A.A. Degree
Up to 2 years
Selected Four-Year Degrees or Coursework
Up to 3 years
Approved Apprenticeship or Directly Related Degree
Have questions? Speak with a live agent at 1-800-425-7570.
California Contractors License Exams
Required to Pass
Law & Business Exam
Contracts, finances, safety, labor, and licensing law.
Required for all classifications.Trade Exam
Matched to your license classification.
Not required for C-61 Limited Specialty classifications.About the Tests
Exam Questions
Law & Business
115
Trade
100–120
Computer-based, multiple choice.
Closed-Book
No textbooks, notes, or reference materials during testing.
Testing Time
3.5 hours for each exam.
Passing Scores
Vary by Exam: ≈ 60%–70%
Passing requirements are set by CSLB.Instant Results
Receive a printed pass or fail report before leaving the testing center.
Schedule with PSI
After CSLB accepts your application and refers you for testing, you would schedule your exam(s) with a PSI testing center. Appointments are available throughout California typically Monday–Saturday, except for major holidays.
Your Exam Window
You have 18 months from application acceptance to pass your required exams. If you don’t pass, you can continue to retake the exam, waiting at least 21 calendar days between attempts, within your 18-month eligibility period.
Visit CSLB Exam InformationHave questions about the exams? Speak with a live agent. Call Have questions? Speak with a live agent at 1-800-425-7570.
California Contractors License Fees
Here is the list of typical fees that you will incur when applying for your initial contractors license.
Before the Exam
Application Fee
Paid to CSLB when you submit your application.
Law & Business Exam
Paid directly to PSI for each attempt.
Trade Exam
Paid directly to PSI for each attempt.
Live Scan (Fingerprinting)
Per person required to fingerprint. Provider fees vary.
After the Exam
After passing, before your license is issued.
Initial License Fee
Pay one fee to CSLB, based on your business entity.
Contractor License Bond
Premium estimate for a $25,000 bond.
Read the Blog: California Contractor License Cost Breakdown
Questions about the License Fees? Call us at Have questions? Speak with a live agent at 1-800-425-7570.
Bond estimate: The ≈ $139/year contractor bond premium is the estimate shown on our current fees page. It does not apply to C-39 Roofing or C-53 Swimming Pool bonds. Actual premiums depend on underwriting. Bond amounts are coverage amounts, not the price you pay.
Exam fees: Estimates assume one Law & Business exam and one Trade exam. For C-61 Limited Specialty, subtract $51.43 because no Trade exam is required. Retakes are $51.43 per exam.
LLC Employee/Worker Bond: After the exams, LLCs must provide an additional $100,000 bond before an active license is issued. This is the coverage amount, not the premium you pay. A quote is required.
General Liability Insurance (LLCs): LLCs must carry at least $1 million in coverage before an active license is issued. The required limit depends on personnel of record. A quote is required.
Workers’ Compensation: Premiums vary based on your employees, qualifier, and classification. An exemption may be available, but some classifications require coverage even without employees.
Other costs that may apply: A separate $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual may be required, depending on your qualifier. Its premium is additional. These estimates exclude business formation, entity taxes, course tuition, additional classifications, and optional services. Live Scan costs are per person; multiple personnel may need fingerprinting.
