A
General Engineering Contractor
Heavy civil works: infrastructure, utilities, roads, dams, and similar engineering projects.
Getting your California license starts here...
In California, any construction project valued at $500 or more (including labor and materials) requires a state-issued contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Licenses are issued across three main categories — General Engineering, General Building, and Specialty contracting — with dozens of classifications available for trades such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing. To qualify, applicants must document their experience, pass required exams, and secure a contractor’s bond before receiving approval.
Contractor Licensing Inc. makes the California licensing process straightforward. With more than 18 years of experience, our family-run team helps contractors prepare for CSLB exams, satisfy bond and insurance requirements, and complete application filings accurately — so you can secure your California license efficiently and with confidence.
California Construction License Categories:
California Contractor License Classifications
Browse the CSLB license categories. Click a pill to jump to a section.
General Classifications
B
General Building Contractor
Structures requiring two or more unrelated trades (e.g., residential/commercial build-outs).
B-2
Residential Remodeling Contractor
Remodel/repair of existing homes (no structural framing or load-bearing work).
Specialty Classifications (C)
C-2
Insulation & Acoustical
Thermal/sound insulation and acoustical systems.
C-4
Boiler, Hot Water Heating & Steam Fitting
Boilers, steam fitting, hot-water heating systems.
C-5
Framing & Rough Carpentry
Structural framing and rough carpentry work.
C-6
Cabinet, Millwork & Finish Carpentry
Custom cabinets, finish trim, millwork.
C-7
Low Voltage Systems
Data/comm, alarm, audio-video, and low-voltage networks.
C-8
Concrete
Foundations, slabs, flatwork, and concrete structures.
C-9
Drywall
Gypsum board systems, taping/finishing.
C-10
Electrical
Electrical systems, wiring, panels, and equipment.
C-11
Elevator
Elevator installation, repair, and servicing.
C-12
Earthwork & Paving
Grading, excavating, trenching, and paving.
C-13
Fencing
Fencing systems and related gates/barriers.
C-15
Flooring & Floor Covering
Carpet, tile, wood, and resilient floors.
C-16
Fire Protection
Fire sprinkler and fixed fire suppression systems.
C-17
Glazing
Glass, storefronts, windows, and skylights.
C-20
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating & A/C
HVAC systems and related ductwork.
C-21
Building Moving/Demolition
Structure relocation and demolition work.
C-22
Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos removal/encapsulation per regulation.
C-23
Ornamental Metal
Decorative/architectural metalwork, railings, gates.
C-27
Landscaping
Landscape construction, planting, irrigation.
C-28
Lock & Security Equipment
Locks, access control, physical security hardware.
C-29
Masonry
Brick, block, stone, and veneer systems.
C-31
Construction Zone Traffic Control
Temporary traffic control setups and devices.
C-32
Parking & Highway Improvement
Striping, signage, guardrails, markers.
C-33
Painting & Decorating
Coatings, finishes, wall coverings.
C-34
Pipeline
Water, gas, sewer, and related pipeline work.
C-35
Lathing & Plastering
Exterior/interior lath and plaster systems.
C-36
Plumbing
Water, waste, vent, gas piping, and fixtures.
C-38
Refrigeration
Commercial/industrial refrigeration systems.
C-39
Roofing
Roof systems, waterproofing, and related work.
C-42
Sanitation System
Sewer, septic, and sanitation projects.
C-43
Sheet Metal
Fabrication/installation of sheet-metal systems.
C-45
Sign
Sign structures, installation, and lighting.
C-46
Solar
Solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.
C-47
General Manufactured Housing
Manufactured/mobile home installation.
C-50
Reinforcing Steel
Placing/tying reinforcing steel for concrete.
C-51
Structural Steel
Fabrication/erection of structural steel.
C-53
Swimming Pool
Construction of pools, spas, and related systems.
C-54
Ceramic & Mosaic Tile
Tile setting and related waterproofing.
C-55
Water Conditioning
Water softening and conditioning equipment.
C-57
Well Drilling
Water well drilling and pump installation.
C-60
Welding
Field welding on structural and mechanical work.
Limited Specialty
C-61
Limited Specialty
Miscellaneous specialties not covered elsewhere. CSLB defines specific C-61 subcategories (often labeled with “D-” codes; e.g., awnings, metal decking, etc.).
Note: For official definitions, application requirements, and updates, see the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
RECIPROCAL STATES
California Contractor License Reciprocity
CSLB offers reciprocity with select states for certain license classifications. Reciprocity can waive the trade exam only; applicants must still pass California’s Law & Business exam and meet all other requirements.
- License must be in good standing for the previous 5 years in a reciprocal state.
- Classification must appear on the Reciprocal Classifications List.
- Submit CSLB’s Request for Verification of License form and complete fingerprint/background, bond, and application steps.
- Trade exam may be waived; CA Law & Business exam is still required.
Arizona
- Eligible classifications listed on CSLB’s reciprocal chart.
- Trade exam waiver possible when all CSLB reciprocity conditions are met.
Louisiana
- Specified classifications recognized for reciprocity with CA.
- CA Law & Business exam still required.
Nevada
- Multiple NV classifications align with CA equivalents per CSLB chart.
- Trade test may be waived; CA Law & Business exam required.
North Carolina
- CSLB lists NC among reciprocal states for specific classes.
- Trade test waiver subject to CSLB rules; CA Law & Business still required.
For the full program details (requirements, forms, and exam policy), see CSLB’s
Reciprocity hub.
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