{"id":2790,"date":"2023-12-18T12:34:34","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T19:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/contractorslicensingschools.com\/blog\/?p=2790"},"modified":"2024-01-12T14:03:25","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T21:03:25","slug":"can-anyone-get-a-general-contractor-license-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/contractorslicensingschools.com\/blog\/can-anyone-get-a-general-contractor-license-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Anyone Get A General Contractor License in California?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to doing contracting work in California, there are few more common words than these three: \u201cgeneral contractor license<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

As by far the most popular contractor license classification in the state \u2013 with over 300,000 Class B license holders \u2013 becoming a general contractor is a highly desired and highly lucrative career path for many in the state.<\/p>\n

But can anyone get a Class B General Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board<\/a> (CSLB) \u2013 and become a licensed general contractor?<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll take a look at whether just anyone can become a GC in California \u2013 and the steps you need to take to get there.<\/p>\n

The Journey From Apprentice To General Contractor<\/h3>\n

So, can anyone become a general contractor?<\/p>\n

Maybe you know someone else who went after it and successfully obtained their general contractor license. Maybe you\u2019re the first person you know to even try. In any case, taking on this significant milestone can be satisfying and rewarding \u2013 financially, professionally, and personally.<\/p>\n

The beauty of a career as a general contractor is that anyone can become a general contractor if they\u2019re willing to put in the time and effort to learn the trade. Yes, even you. With no traditional school requirements \u2013 only on-the-job experience \u2013 becoming a GC is a great way to make good money in a stable industry.<\/p>\n

However, there is a long journey ahead \u2013 a journey that is, in many ways, much more difficult than the cushy classrooms of a university. Every contractor must complete four years\u2019 worth of journeyman experience in their given trade to even be eligible to apply for their license. For general contractors, that means they must do 4 years\u2019 worth of journeyman work as a general contractor!<\/p>\n

An apprenticeship with a general contractor can also pay dividends massively by allowing you to only need three years\u2019 work experience as an apprentice \u2013 plus one year of journeyman experience.<\/p>\n

Becoming an apprentice or journeyman is critical for your path to becoming a general contractor. In many ways, it\u2019s a lot like a four-year university \u2013 except in this case, you\u2019re getting paid to learn your future job!<\/p>\n

Review And Understand The Eligibility Requirements<\/h3>\n

Before you apply for your general contractor license, you must make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).<\/p>\n

In order to get a Class B License, applicants must meet the following requirements. In some cases \u2013 such as situations where an applicant has a criminal record \u2013 you may be required to meet other, more rigorous standards to even apply for a general contractor license.<\/p>\n

Here are the basic requirements to become a general contractor:<\/p>\n