Licensing information checked against the linked CSLB sources on . This is general guidance, not a decision on your eligibility or legal advice. CSLB is the licensing authority; License Contractor School is an independent exam-prep provider.
First: does your work require a license?
Do not rely on the old $500 rule. Effective January 1, 2025, the minor-work exemption generally applies only when the total project cost is below $1,000, no permit is required and no workers are employed. Labor, materials and other project costs count toward that total. You cannot divide a larger project into smaller contracts to use the exemption.
Other restrictions, including advertising rules, apply. Read CSLB's AB 2622 guidance before relying on an exemption.
1. Choose the classification that fits the work
- A, General Engineering: engineering construction such as highways, bridges and utilities.
- B, General Building: building work involving multiple unrelated trades, with specific rules for framing, carpentry and specialty work.
- B-2, Residential Remodeling: a separate classification with its own limitations; it is not interchangeable with B.
- C, Specialty: trade-specific classifications, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing.
Check CSLB's classification descriptions against the work you intend to perform. Not every classification has a course here; our course directory lists published offerings.
2. Check the qualifying individual's experience
CSLB generally requires four full years of experience within the preceding ten years at journey level, or as a foreman, supervisor or contractor, in the classification sought. The qualifying individual must be at least 18 and the experience must be verifiable.
Read CSLB's before-applying requirements. Ask CSLB about education credit, waivers or exceptions rather than assuming your work history qualifies.
3. Submit the application and follow CSLB's instructions
Use the current application and experience-certification instructions from CSLB. The original application fee for one classification is $450. Missing information can delay review; use CSLB's current processing information rather than a promised turnaround.
4. Prepare for the exams you are required to take
The usual exam route includes California Law & Business and a classification-specific trade exam. Exceptions and waivers depend on the application. PSI administers the exams and collects separate exam fees. CSLB's examination FAQ explains scheduling and the 18-month eligibility period.
Start with the official study guide for your classification. For General Building, try our free introductory sample and view the General B course. The shared free sample is not a complete General B trade simulation or a pass prediction.
Specialty applicants can compare the published C-10 electrical, C-20 HVAC, C-36 plumbing and C-39 roofing courses. Each combines shared Law & Business with its own trade content.
5. Complete the requirements for issuance
Follow CSLB's fingerprinting instructions, arrange required bonds and insurance, and pay the initial license fee: $200 for a sole owner or $350 for a non-sole owner. The contractor bond amount is $25,000; the surety's premium is a separate cost. Active LLCs have additional requirements.
Use CSLB's license-issuance instructions for your application. Confirm workers' compensation obligations for your classification and staffing; no employees does not automatically mean an exemption.
Keep licensing fees separate from study costs
Application plus initial license fees total $650 for a sole owner or $800 for a non-sole owner. These exclude exams, fingerprinting, bond premiums and insurance. Read the full cost breakdown and official fee schedule before budgeting.
Choose a course only after checking the fit
Compare available courses for current published topics and content counts, then use pricing to review the purchase and payment terms. Studying with us does not replace a CSLB application, satisfy the work-experience requirement or guarantee licensing.