California General Contractor License: How to Get Certified

Do I need a contractor license in California?

Yes, you need a license to work as a general contractor in California. The only exception is if you work on a project with a value of less than $500, including material and labor, which doesn’t give you much opportunity to make a living. 

In California, general contractor licensing is overseen by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a division under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Here’s how the role of a general contractor is defined in California’s Business & Professions Code:

A contractor whose main business is the supervision of residential and commercial building projects that require at least two unrelated skilled trades. 

Types of contractor licenses in California

A general contractor license is just one of the many types of contractor licenses that you can get from the CSLB. Here are some of the other licenses offered in the state:

You can find a full description of each contractor type in the CSLB’s Description of Contractor Classifications guide.

California general contractor license requirements

All contracting licenses overseen by the CSLB have similar work experience requirements. You need to have at least four years of experience working in the class you are applying for, and the experience needs to have been in one of the following categories: 

• Journey-level: You are a fully qualified, experienced worker who can perform tasks without supervision, or you’ve completed an apprenticeship program
• Foreman/Supervisor: You have journey-level knowledge and experience and have also supervised construction projects
• Owner-builder: You have built up the knowledge and skills of a journeyman by working on your own property. You’ll need to submit a Construction Project Experience form for each project.

While there are no education requirements to get a general contractor license, the CSLB lets you count up to three years of schooling, technical training, or apprenticeship toward your license. Include transcripts of your experience with your application, and the CSLB will evaluate it to determine whether it counts toward the four-year minimum. 

How do I get a general contractor license in California?

Follow the steps laid out on the state licensing page for each of the general contractor license types and categories: 

1. Ensure that you have the necessary qualifying experience (see above) and supporting experience documentation
2. Submit the Application for Original Contractor’s License
3. Complete the fingerprint/ live scan process required by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and disclose any convictions
4. Pass both the Law and Business and trade certification exams
5. Secure a $25,000 bond or file a $25,000 cashier’s check with the CSLB

Applications, forms, and payment can be submitted to the CSLB online portal or by physically mailing them to the following address:

CSLB Headquarters
P.O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826-0026

You can find all the application forms you will need on the CSLB forms and applications page.

California general contractor exam

You need to pass both the Trade Certification and Law and Business exams to get your general or residential remodeling contractor license in California.

Each exam is three and a half hours long, and you will find out if you have passed right after the exam.

Here’s an overview of each exam: 

You can find information about the trade certification exams for general engineering and specialty contractors on the CSLB site.

Does California reciprocate general contractor licenses?

Reciprocal licenses allow general contractors from out of state to apply directly for a license in California. 

The CSLB currently has a reciprocity agreement with Arizona, Louisiana, and Nevada for general contractors who have held an active license for at least five years before applying.

You can find out more about California’s reciprocity requirements on the CSLB website.

How much does a California general contractor license cost?

The cost of getting your California general contractor license varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual (sole owner) or part of a business (non-sole owner). You can expect to pay between $750 and $900 for the initial license.

Here’s a list of all the CSLB’s fees:

Renewing your California contractor license

You need to renew active general contractor licenses every two years in California, while inactive licenses need to be renewed every four years. 

The CSLB typically sends the renewal application out two months before it expires, giving you lots of time to renew. If you haven’t received the application 45 days before expiration, you can order the renewal form online. 

You can then mail your renewal form to the CSLB office or submit it online, along with the corresponding fee for the type of renewal. 

How to start a contracting business in California

Once you’ve secured your California general contractor license and built up experience in the industry, you’re ready to take the next step: starting your own general contractor business.

The Secretary of State (SOS) has a dedicated web page and checklist explaining everything you need to know about starting a business in the Golden State. Here are the main steps they outline on the New Business Checklist: 

1. Develop a business plan
2. Secure any necessary financing
3. Decide on a type of legal entity and business name
4. Register your business with the SOS
5. Register a fictitious business name (if applicable)
6. Choose your business location and identify zoning regulations
7. Secure any necessary licenses and permits
8. Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN), workers’ compensation insurance, and other employer responsibilities completed
9. Meet all your tax obligations
10. Stay aware of ongoing SOS filing requirements

On top of these legal, financial, and tax requirements, there are some practical areas that you’ll also want to address, like getting all the necessary equipment, hiring the right people, and marketing your business, and getting contracting business software. Check out Jobber’s Resources for Contractors page to learn about the ins and outs of running a general contracting business.