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.Â
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 Contractorâs 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 âBâ)
- Residential Remodeling Contractor License (Class âB-2â)
- Specialty Contractor License (Class âCâ)
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 â also known as a Class âCâ license â 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)
- PlumbingÂ
- 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 â the CSLB has over 60 classifications of construction work that requires a Class C license!Â
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 Contractorâs License from the CSLB is a straightforward process.Â
You must have 4 years experience in your specific line of work, pass the CSLB examinations, post your $25,000 Contractorâs Bond and pay the fees associated with the Class C license.
Once you receive your license, youâre 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 Contractorâs 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 â 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 contractorâs license as quickly and painlessly as possible. Sign up for our courses today and get your license as soon as possible!