Congratulations! You have passed the CSLB Exam and are on your way to starting your career as a licensed contractor.

But what comes next, now that you’ve passed the exam? How can you use your time wisely while you wait for your license?

In this article, we will cover some easy but effective things you can do to keep your career moving forward after passing the California Contractor License Exam.

Get Your License Number

Obtaining your license number is the first and easiest step you can take after passing the California Contractor License Exam. Your license number will be necessary for everything from submitting bids to potential clients to obtaining the required insurance.

You can expect a license, certificate, and pocket license in the mail in about a week after you pass your test. If you need it before then (you will!), you can visit the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website at cslb.ca.gov and enter your exam information. 

Get Your Required Bonds

The CSLB requires you to provide proof of a $25,000 contractor’s bond before you can receive your license. 

A contractor’s bond protects the consumer from any damages in case of incomplete delivery of services. They can cost as low as $100 and you can find them online. Generally speaking, most bonds for contractors will be similar, if not the same, so don’t fret too much about getting the best deal. 

Get Your Required Insurance

Before beginning any contracting work, you must obtain the required insurance to maintain your license. As of 2023, California law requires contractors to have Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Liability Insurance. These types of insurance protect both you and your clients in case of an accident or injury on the job site. To obtain the required insurance, you can contact a licensed insurance broker, and again, don’t fret too much about comparing price. Most prices will be similar across the board for your trade.

It’s important to note that many license classifications can be exempt from the Workers’ Compensation Insurance requirement. To find out more, visit the CSLB section on that: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Forms_And_Applications.aspx#EXEMPTWC

Build Your Business

Starting your own contracting business can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Building your business includes everything from buying pens and notepads to buying ads online or joining your local trade association or even just plain old networking.

Take time to develop a business plan, including goals and objectives, and research the market to understand your competition, so you can be best prepared to beat the market when your license comes in. The important thing is that you’re using every minute of waiting for your license to get yourself in the best position to succeed – whatever form that takes.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is an essential part of maintaining your contractor’s license. The CSLB requires contractors to complete a specific number of continuing education courses every two years to renew their license. These courses help contractors stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, best practices, and legal requirements.

California requires licensed contractors to complete continuing education courses every two years. Continuing education courses can be taken online or in-person and cover a variety of topics related to the construction industry.The best way to stay abreast of any continuing education requirements is to stay in the loop with the CSLB’s newsletters, especially the ones relevant to your trade and classification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, passing the California Contractor License Exam is just the beginning of your career as a licensed contractor. 

As you wait for your license to take effect, it is crucial to spend as much time as possible developing your business and putting yourself in the best possible situation you can to get to work. 

As a contractor in California, you might be wondering whether you need to have insurance. The short answer is yes – you do. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, insurance can help protect you against things that are outside of your control, especially on dangerous job sites.

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires all licensed contractors to carry certain types of insurance coverage. You cannot get your contractor license in California without proof of several types of insurance.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of insurance coverage that contractors in California are required to have, as well as some optional coverages that you may want to consider.

Why Do Contractors Need Insurance?

Before we dive into the types of insurance coverage that contractors need to have in California, let’s talk about why insurance is important for contractors in the first place. The construction industry is inherently risky, with many potential hazards on any given job site. 

Accidents can and do happen, and without proper insurance coverage, contractors could be on the hook for expensive medical bills, property damage, and legal fees.

Insurance provides contractors with protection against these risks. In the event that something goes wrong on a job site, insurance can help cover the costs of damages and legal fees, potentially saving contractors thousands of dollars.

Types of Insurance Coverage Required for Contractors in California

The CSLB requires all licensed contractors in California to carry two types of insurance coverage (and one bond):

1. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance provides coverage for any employee injuries or illnesses that occur on the job. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. 

In California, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees they have. This is to protect both you, your business and any potential workers besides yourself. 

Generally speaking, you must submit proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance to obtain a CSLB contractor license. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. You may be able to get your license without having any Workers’ Comp insurance.

Workers Comp Insurance Exemptions

In some cases, you can be exempt from needing Workers’ Compensation Insurance. You have to apply for exemption, of course, but there are a number of ways you can avoid this requirement.

You MUST have Workers’ Compensation Insurance if you hold any of the following classifications:

• You have employees
• You are a C-8 Concrete contractor
• You are a C-20 Warm-Air HVAC contractor
• You are a C-22 Asbestos contractor
• You are a C-39 Roofing contractor
• You are a C-61/D-49 Tree Service contractor

2. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance provides coverage for property damage or bodily injury that occurs as a result of your work as a contractor. If you accidentally damage a client’s property, for example, liability insurance can help cover the costs of repairs. Basically, liability insurance protects you from being legally and financially responsible for accidents.

Likewise, if someone is injured on a job site, liability insurance can help cover their medical bills and any legal fees associated with the incident. It basically protects you from being on the hook or any work-related medical or legal fees.

In California, all licensed contractors are required to carry liability insurance. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this insurance – if you are performing construction work in California, you must have liability insurance. The minimum amount of coverage required varies depending on your classification, with a minimum of $300,000 required for most classifications.

3. Contractor’s Bond

Although not technically “insurance”, a Contractor’s Bond basically acts as insurance, and is also required by the CSLB in order to receive your contractor license. Unlike Liability and Workers Comp insurance, though, a contractor’s bond protects the consumer.

What is a contractor’s bond? A contractor’s bond is a type of surety bond that is designed to protect clients from financial loss if a contractor fails to complete a project or does not fulfill their contractual obligations. 

In other words, it pays the client in the case that you don’t perform the work you agreed to. While it might sound scary, it’s really a safeguard against unscrupulous contractors who might accept payment before disappearing into the sunset with the client’s money. If you’re an honest contractor, you don’t have anything to worry about.

The bond amount varies depending on the type of contractor’s license and the amount of work the contractor does in a year, but the minimum amount you must post to receive your CSLB license is $25,000. 

Like the other types of insurance, this is only your coverage amount. The amount you have to pay to be covered for $25,000 is much lower – you can expect to pay around $100 or less for your Contractor’s Bond.

Optional Insurance Coverages for Contractors

While workers’ compensation and liability insurance are the only types of insurance that are required for contractors in California, there are other types of insurance that you may want to consider. These include:

1. Commercial Auto Insurance

If you use a vehicle for business purposes, you may want to consider commercial auto insurance. This type of insurance provides coverage for vehicles that are used for business purposes, such as transporting materials or traveling to job sites.

2. Professional Liability Insurance

Also known as errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance provides coverage for mistakes or negligence that occur while providing professional services. If you are a contractor who provides design services, for example, you may want to consider professional liability insurance.

3. Bonding

Bonding provides financial protection in the event that a contractor fails to complete a project or fails to meet the terms of a contract. Bonding is not required for all contractors, but it may be a requirement for certain types of government contracts.

How Much Does Insurance Cost for Contractors in California?

The cost of insurance for contractors in California varies depending on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage, the size of the business, and the location of the business.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average cost of general liability insurance for small businesses in California is $1,284 per year. 

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for California contractors can vary and depends on the size of your operation and the number of employees you have, but generally speaking, Workers’ Compensation Insurance costs $2.15 per $100 of payroll in California. 

The cost of commercial auto insurance can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle, the amount of coverage, and the driving record of the driver, so it’s practically impossible to give an estimate for this insurance. 

Contractor’s bond costs vary depending on the bond amount, but typically range from 0.3% to 3% of the bond amount. For example, a $10,000 contractor’s bond may cost between $30 and $300 per year. With the current bond requirement of $25,000, you can expect to spend between $75 and $750 per year on Contractor’s Bonds.

Do I Need Insurance Before I Can Get My Contractor License?

In short, yes. You need to have proof of insurance before you can even apply for your contractor license.

In order to apply for your CSLB license, you need to show proof of insurance and contractor’s bonds. You will not be able to get your contractor license unless you have the necessary paperwork – so if you’re going to get your contractor license in the near future, make sure you get your proofs of insurance in place ahead of time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all licensed contractors in California are required to carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance, in addition to providing proof of Contractor’s Bonds. All of these types of insurance must be in place before you can apply for your license.

While these are the only types of insurance that are required, contractors may also want to consider optional coverages such as commercial auto insurance, professional liability insurance, and bonding.

Having the right insurance coverage can provide contractors with peace of mind and protection against the many risks associated with the construction industry.

You also absolutely need to be insured to even get your contractor’s license in the first place. So what are you waiting for?

As an electrical contractor, you face unique risks every day when you suit up, drink your coffee and get to wiring. 

Whether it’s the dangers of working with electricity or the simple possibility of your apprentice forgetting to lock the van filled with $50,000 in equipment. The bottom line is this: if you’re an electrician, it’s crucial to have the right insurance coverage to protect your worksite, your employees, your property, your clients and ultimately, your business. 

Here is everything you need to know about electrical contractors insurance for contractors working in California.

Who Needs Electrical Contractors Insurance in California?

Any business that provides electrical contracting services in California needs to have insurance coverage. T

his includes electricians, electrical contractors, and businesses that install, repair, or maintain electrical systems. California law requires electrical contractors to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and other types of insurance coverage may be required by clients or contracts.

What Insurance Do I Need To Do Electrician Work?

General Liability Insurance: Protection for Third-Party Claims

General liability insurance is necessary in order to get your CSLB contractor license. It covers third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage – so even if it wasn’t required, it’s something you’d definitely want to have!

General liability covers, well, all liabilities that may occur on your job site. For example, if a client slips and falls on your job site or a customer’s property is damaged during a project, general liability insurance will cover the costs associated with these types of claims.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Protection for Injured Employees

Workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states, including California, in order to do any construction work. Workers’ Comp, as you probably know it, provides coverage for employees who are injured on the job.

As an electrical contractor, your employees face significant risks every day, and workers’ compensation insurance is essential to protect both your business and your employees. This coverage includes medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.

Additional Insurance You Might Want As A Contractor

Professional Liability Insurance: Coverage for Claims Related to Your Services

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, provides coverage for claims related to your professional services. 

As an electrical contractor, this could include claims related to faulty wiring or improperly installed electrical systems. Professional liability insurance will cover the cost of legal fees, damages, and settlements associated with these types of claims.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Protection for Vehicles Used for Work

If your business uses vehicles for work-related tasks – which is almost a certainty as an electrician – you’ll need commercial auto insurance. 

This coverage provides protection for your vehicles in the event of an accident or theft. It also covers liability claims if one of your employees is involved in an accident while driving a company vehicle. This coverage is particularly important for electrical contractors who transport equipment to job sites.

Property Insurance: Coverage for Physical Assets

Property insurance provides coverage for your business’s physical assets, including your office, equipment, and inventory. As an electrical contractor, your equipment is a critical component of your business, and you need to protect it from theft, fire, and other disasters. 

This coverage will also protect your business if your equipment is damaged or stolen while in transit, or if your pliers are dropped down an elevator shaft by your apprentice, disappearing forever. The worst!

Umbrella Insurance: Additional Liability Coverage

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your other insurance policies. This type of insurance is essential for electrical contractors who face a higher risk of liability claims. Umbrella insurance can provide additional coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and other claims that exceed the limits of your other insurance policies.

H1: How Much Coverage Do I Need?

To operate legally as an electrical contractor in California, you need to meet the minimum coverage requirements for both your General Liability and Workers’ Comp Insurance

CSLB General Liability Coverage Insurance Minimum Requirements

According to the CSLB’s insurance requirements, All electrical contractors in California must carry general liability insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

CSLB Workers’ Compensation Insurance Minimum Requirements

If you have employees, California law requires you to carry workers’ compensation insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $1 million per occurrence.

It is possible to get an exemption from holding Workers’ Comp insurance. To learn more, go to the CSLB’s Forms and Applications page: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Forms_And_Applications.aspx

How Much Does Insurance Cost For Electrical Contractors? 

The costs of insurance coverage for electrical contractors in California can vary widely based on a variety of factors, including the size of your business, the types of projects you work on, and the level of coverage you need. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs associated with each policy:

General Liability Insurance

The cost of general liability insurance for electrical contractors in California typically ranges from $400 to $1,500 per year, depending on your business’s size and risk level. In general, the smaller your jobs are, the less your general liability insurance will cost.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The cost of workers’ compensation insurance for electrical contractors in California can vary widely based on factors such as your payroll, industry classification, and claims history. 

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance in California is approximately $2 per $100 of payroll.

Commercial Auto Insurance

The cost of commercial auto insurance for electrical contractors in California depends on factors such as the number of vehicles you own, the types of vehicles, and the level of coverage you need. On average, commercial auto insurance in California costs around $1,200 per year per vehicle.

Conclusion

As an electrical contractor in California, it’s essential to understand the state’s insurance requirements and the potential costs associated with each policy. Not only are you required to have certain insurance to even get a CSLB contractor license and do work as an electrician in California, you can protect your business and your livelihood by indemnifying your property and jobsite.

Remember to factor in the potential costs of insurance coverage when budgeting for your business and utilize available resources to find the best coverage at a price that works for you. 

Running a business is stressful enough without worrying about unexpected events that can lead to financial loss. Having the right insurance coverage provides peace of mind knowing that your business is protected from unforeseen events.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a career in construction, you should know that there is a lot of potential in the industry. But if you’re planning to stay in for the next 30 years or more, you’re going to need to make some good decisions from the beginning. Here are a few choices that can help set you up for a better experience.

Look for Gaps in Your Experience/History
When you’re first starting out, you may have the most flexibility in determining your future course. It’s a good idea to look at what you already have and determine how much you need to start building a career in construction. For example, most construction professionals need to have a high school diploma or GED. You may not need to have a significant amount of other experience or training, but it helps. Start researching what you’ll need in order to pursue the kinds of careers that you’re thinking about for the future. It’s better to have a plan in mind before you get too invested in the process.

Research Courses
One of the things that people love about construction is that there are so many things that you can learn, and so many different ways to do it. For example, if you’re looking to join a particular field and you know exactly which one is going to be right for you, you may be able to take educational courses or apply for apprenticeships that will give you extensive knowledge and experience by the end. But you can also take courses one at a time to learn a little bit more about the field and the job, so that you can determine whether or not it will be right for you. Don’t hesitate to get more information about fields that you find exciting or particularly interesting.

Consider Certifications
Although construction as an industry doesn’t always require a lot of training for entry-level jobs, you can still add to your résumé before you get started. Certifications may not take as long as licenses or degrees, and they may help you move toward a particular career. For example, OSHA offers a variety of certifications that can make you a more attractive candidate for certain construction jobs, even if they’re not the only things you need to have in order to get them.

Evaluate Possible Career Paths
When you start thinking about possible career paths, it’s important to choose options that will work for you years down the road. The last thing that you want is to discover that your chosen field is becoming obsolete, and you don’t know how to grow with it. Instead, look for fields with a lot of room for growth within the next 30 years, as well as demand for qualified professionals. You’ll have a better chance of finding a reliable career, as well as plenty of work to keep you busy at a good rate of pay.

Improve Other Skills
Like other industries, construction requires people to build a variety of skills that they can use throughout the workday. If your dream is to open your own contracting business, you’ll need multiple skills, such as:

• Math and basic finance
• Business communication
• Basic use of technology

This is also a good time to evaluate what you need to be able to perform tasks within your chosen field every day. You might need to build your physical strength or stamina so that you can complete projects on time without burning yourself out.

Building a reliable career in construction starts with these goals. When you’re ready, you can count on us to help you prepare for the contractor licensing exam. To get started, visit CSLS today!

For your contracting business, productivity is the way that you keep the money rolling in. The trouble is that knowing the best way to be productive isn’t always obvious. If you’re new to running a business, you might not know the most efficient routes to increase productivity without running yourself into the ground. Here are five things that you can try.

Set Deadlines
Within each project, there are lots of tasks that you need to do. Every task has individual parts that you have to complete. Depending on how long each part takes, you may need to set deadlines to ensure that you complete them on time. When a project is weeks or months long, it’s easy to assume that you will be able to follow a checklist in a linear fashion and arrive on time. Unfortunately, failure to plan accounts for a lot of late project deliveries. Set deadlines for your work, but make sure that they’re realistic. You might have to do some research before knowing how much time you need.

Keep Track of Your Time
It’s easy to lose yourself in a task, but keeping track of your time helps you know where it goes. Set defined hours for each responsibility you have throughout the day, and don’t forget time for breaks and lunch. Don’t feel pressured to book out every 15 minutes. If you’re not sure how long a task should take, take simple notes throughout the day that show when you transitioned from one step to another. After a few days, you should have a sense for the average amount of time needed. That way, when you set a schedule, you’ll be more likely to get it right.

Stop Trying to Multitask
Experts say that no one really knows how to multitask. Some people are better at shifting quickly from one task to another and back again, but that is still not the same as multitasking. Computers have the ability to devote processing power to multiple jobs at once, but humans aren’t computers. When you’re trying to do too many jobs at the same time, you run the risk of doing all of them slowly and badly. If you need to spend some time monitoring others while you work on your own tasks, set reminders for yourself to shift into supervisory mode. It will be easier for you to actually monitor others when you are not trying to get something else done at the same time.

Improve Your Delegating Skills
Everyone says that when you run a business, you have to be able to delegate. What they don’t tell you is how to get better at that. Early attempts at delegation can be faulty, because you didn’t give someone enough information to complete the task, or you assigned them a task that they simply can’t do. This doesn’t mean that delegation doesn’t work, or that your employees or subcontractors don’t know how to get work done. Rethink it. When you plan out your project, make a list of tasks that the people underneath you are likely to be able to complete at a reasonable level of quality. Note the information that they will need, and make sure that they have it. Over time, you will feel more comfortable delegating responsibilities to them.

Minimize Meetings
Meetings can be an important tool to ensure that everyone is on the same page, and provide real-time feedback on the status of a project. It doesn’t mean that meetings are always necessary or even the best way to make decisions and convey information. Some people love to hold meetings if only to hear themselves talk. But that approach can waste a lot of time, even if it feels like you’re being productive. Before you schedule a meeting, ask yourself if it might be easier and faster to do via email or even text message. For meetings that are necessary, set a defined goal and finish on time.

Productivity is a big part of your contracting business success. These tips can take it to the next level. To get high-level preparation for the contractor licensing exam, contact CSLS today!

If you have never run your own business, you might not be sure how to get started. Although there are tons of guides online designed to help you get your business off the ground, it’s not as obvious how to make success easier to achieve. Here are five things you can do.

Don’t Make Hasty Decisions
If you talk to anyone who has run a successful business for many years, they may tell you that there were certain points where the success of the business hung on a single important decision. When you are first running a business, you may not know which decisions will make the difference between success and failure. That’s why you should invest the time to think through all your options, and avoid deciding on a whim. Give yourself at least a few hours, if not a day or two to make a big choice. Even if you feel like none of your options are good, the investment will help you to feel that you have done everything you can.

Do Your Homework
Learning your trade requires a lot of practice and a decent amount of homework. You’ll find that it is just the beginning of the work that you will do for your contracting business. Every aspect of your business requires research, and you’ll make better decisions if you put in the time before you determine:

• How to hire reliable employees
• The best suppliers in the area
• Quality business services to outsource marketing, payroll and more
• Which products and equipment to buy

Being a well-rounded business consumer sets you up to avoid pitfalls and get the most for your money.

Grow Sustainable
In the first couple of years of your business, you may have periods of time when you have too many work opportunities to complete with the time you have. This can be a great time for business growth, but you need to make sure that you can do it sustainably. Growing too quickly may make it harder to run your business, requiring you to expand administrative services in order to accommodate new employees, complicated equipment inventory and more. You need to make sure that you can keep up with it. Adding layers of complication to your business gradually allows you to make changes as needed and avoid increasing costs too rapidly.

Work With People You Trust
Life is too short to spend your time surrounded by people that you do not trust or respect. While you might not always have the best choices for employees, subcontractors or suppliers, there’s definitely something to be said for being selective. Spend time searching for people who do good work and are easy to work with, then focus on cultivating those relationships. Listen to your instincts when you get the feeling that someone isn’t on the level. And don’t forget to invest in building these relationships from your end, as well. Work hard to establish yourself as a business owner worthy of trust and respect.

Outsource When Necessary
As a business owner, you will probably have more work that has to be done than time you have available to do it. You might be able to get on for a short time by doing most of it yourself, but you may need to consider outsourcing services on occasion. Outsourcing can be expensive, which is difficult to justify when your income isn’t predictable. But there’s a lot of benefit to be had in knowing that the work will be done, even if you don’t have the time to do it. Making a judicious choice to outsource something like accounting could help keep your business’s finances going from day to day.

Running a business is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but there are ways to make it better. For more tips on what you’ll need to become a licensed contractor, contact CSLS today!

If you’re in the construction business and work on residential or commercial properties, then you may need to be licensed as a class “C” contractor. 

This guide will help you understand what kind of work requires a Class C license, the time it takes to get your license, what kind of projects you can work on, and how much it costs to get a Class C contractor license.

Types of Contractor’s Licenses

A contractor license is designed for construction professionals who only perform certain specified tasks within the state of California. The following types of licenses are available:

• General Building Contractor License (Class “B”)
• Residential Remodeling Contractor License (Class “B-2”)
• Specialty Contractor License (Class “C”)

General Contractor License

A general contractor license is required to perform any type of construction work. If you plan on completing any of the following tasks, then you must have a general contractor license:

• Building new structures from the ground up
• Renovating or remodeling existing buildings
• Repairing roofs and other exterior structures
• Installing pool decks or retaining walls

General contractors are responsible for the entire project and must hire subcontractors to complete specific tasks. For example, if your job involves building a garage addition onto an existing house, you will need to find a skilled carpenter who can build the framing and other components that make up this structure.

Specialty Contractor License

The Speciality Contractor License in California – also known as a Class “C” license – is for specialized contractors working in specific trades in the construction industry.

If you work as, or plan to work as, a professional in one of the following industries, you need a specialty contractor license:

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Plumbing 
• Electrical work
• Boiler, hot-water heating and steam-fitting
• Insulation and acoustical
• Concrete
• Drywall
• Elevator
• Demolition
• Masonry
• Lathing and plastering
• Refrigeration
• Solar
• Well drilling
• Welding

This is just a small sample of the types of specialized tradework that requires a Class C license – the CSLB has over 60 classifications of construction work that requires a Class C license! 

In effect, you will need a Class C license if you are doing any work on a home where you are not a general contractor or engineer, or if you are doing any remodeling work. Any specialized construction trade requires you to have a Class C license.

How Do I Get A Class C Contractor’s License?

Getting your Class C Contractor’s License from the CSLB is a straightforward process. 

You must have 4 years experience in your specific line of work, pass the CSLB examinations, post your $25,000 Contractor’s Bond and pay the fees associated with the Class C license.

Once you receive your license, you’re now legally able to perform work in your trade on any job site, so long as you are performing only the type of work you are licensed to perform.

When does my Class C Contractor’s License expire?

Like every other CSLB license, your Class C license will expire 2 years from the date of issuance.

No need to worry about remembering to renew your license – the CSLB will send you a renewal reminder 60 days before your license is set to expire.

Need help getting your Class C license? CSLS has all the resources you need to get your Class C contractor’s license as quickly and painlessly as possible. Sign up for our courses today and get your license as soon as possible!

A California contractor license is necessary to do any construction work in California that costs more than $500. In reality, almost every construction job in the state requires you to have a contractor’s license.

Here’s our guide to getting your CSLB contractor license as soon as possible.

California Contractor’s License 3-step Guide
Getting your CSLB license takes 3 steps.

1. Apply for a license
2. Pass the CSLB examination
3. Pay your fees & submit paperwork

It’s that easy. Below you can find everything you need to get your license as soon as possible!

What kind of license do I need?
In California, you need a contractor license to do any work that costs more than $500. 

The easiest kind of contractor’s license is a Class “B” Contractor’s License. This license allows you to do general contracting work. 

There are also licenses for specialty contracting work called a Class “C” Contractor’s License. These are for jobs like plumbing or electrical.

In order to be licensed, you need to have 4 years’ journey-level experience and to pass the CSLB examination. 

Who is responsible for giving out licenses?
The Contractors State Licensing Board, or CSLB, is the agency responsible for giving out contractor licenses.

In order to be a general contractor in California, you have to go through the process the CSLB has created.

The most important thing the CSLB does is the CSLB exam. This 2-part exam verifies a contractor’s skills and ensures safe, quality construction work in California.

Where can I get my license?
In order to pass the CSLB examination and become a licensed contractor, you need to take the examination. This examination is only available in person and cannot be taken online. 

It can also be taken at home or at your place of work, but you need special permission from the CSLB for this, which can add time to getting your license.

In order to submit your application, you need to send your application to the CSLB headquarters at the following address:

CSLB Headquarters
Contractors State License Board
P.O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826-0026

You can take the CSLB examination in the following cities: Berkeley, Fresno, Norwalk, Oxnard, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Jose.

How long does it take to get my contractor’s license?
You can take the CSLB examination at any time, but you need to schedule your examination in advance.

Once you take your test, it takes roughly 1 month for you to receive your results (as of December 2022).

From start to finish, the whole process from application to receiving your license currently takes about 4-6 weeks.  

How do I start my contracting business in California?
The quickest way to get started is to schedule a time to take the CSLB examination. 

To do so, go to the CSLB website – www.cslb.ca.gov – and submit an application for your CSLB contractor license.

You’ll receive your examination information, then it’s up to you to pass the test and get your license. 

Passing the CSLB examination the first time is the quickest and cheapest way to get your CSLB license. Every time you fail the exam, it costs $100 to re-take the exam – not to mention the money lost from waiting to take it again.

Let CSLS help you pass the exam the first time with our CSLB examination courses. We can teach you everything you need to get your contractor’s license as quickly as possible – so you can start your contracting business today!

Are you a contractor performing work in California? Then you need a CSLB Contractor’s License. 

Although there are a number of contractor’s licenses covering a number of different types of work (like HVAC, plumbing, and so on), the most common type of contractor’s license you’ll need is a Class “B” General Building Contractor’s License.

What is a Class B License?
A B-Class or Class “B” Contractor’s License is a requirement for anyone performing contracting work in California that costs more than $500. 

Since most jobs will cost more than that, if you’re doing any sort of general contracting work in California, you will need a Class B license or face severe penalties.

According to the CSLB’s website, a California general building contractors license allows a contractor to build a house or a shelter as long as framing or at least two unrelated trades are being performed. 

For example, a general contractor cannot bid and perform on a project that only requires electrical work to be performed, but a general contractor can subcontract this work to a licensed electrician.

If the project requires both electrical and plumbing work, the general contractor can bid and perform on this contract.

As a general building contractor, you can not take any contracts that involve only one trade, unless the one trade is framing or carpentry.

Requirements for applying for a Class B license
The requirements for obtaining a B-Class License are:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have 4 years of verifiable experience and skills necessary to manage the daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision. In other words, 4 years of on-site work as a journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor in general construction
• Obtain a Contractor’s Bond of $15,000. This amount will be raised to $25,000 in 2023.
• Pass The CSLB Exams. You must pass two examinations to get your Class B License – one law and business exam and one trade exam.

How do I get my Class B General Contractor’s License?
The steps to get your B-Class CSLB license are actually very straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your B-Class license.

• Determine your eligibility. Do you meet all the requirements laid out above?
• Apply for the test. Submit your application, pay the fees required, and send a fingerprint sample for a background check.
• Schedule an exam. Set a date for when you want to take the test.
• Pass the examinations. Take the two CSLB exams. 
• Become certified! After you pass the exam, your license will be issued, so long as you can provide your Contractor’s Bond and pay the additional fees needed to receive your license. It takes about a week after your license is issued to receive your certificate!

Taking the CSLB Exam
The hardest part for contractors is the difficult CSLB exam. Many contractors will be just fine handling the trade part of the exam, but a large number of contractors struggle with the other part: the law and business exam.

The law and business exam is filled with many small details concerning old and rare laws. Without proper preparation, many good contractors can fail to get their licenses. 

CSLS offers everything you need when it comes to passing the Class B General Contracting examination on the first try. Learn more about how CSLS can help you get your contracting license today!