C-10 – Electrical Contractor License
California C-10 Electrical Contractor License Exam Preparation
The C-10 Electrical Contractor license is one of the most popular and in-demand specialty classifications in California. With the growth of solar energy, electric vehicles, and smart home technology, licensed electrical contractors have more opportunities than ever before.
At Contractors State License Services (CSLS), we've helped thousands of aspiring electrical contractors pass their CSLB exams and build successful businesses. With over 40 years of experience and a 99% pass rate, we offer the most comprehensive exam preparation programs in California.
Why Choose CSLS for Your C-10 License?
• 99% exam pass rate
• 40+ years helping contractors succeed
• 25+ convenient California locations
• Live instruction, online, and home study options
• Expert instructors with real-world electrical experience
What Is a C-10 Contractor License?
Official CSLB Definition
"An electrical contractor places, installs, erects or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform or utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose."
— California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3
In simpler terms, a C-10 license allows you to perform any type of electrical work – from residential wiring to commercial installations to industrial systems. This includes the growing fields of solar energy and EV charging infrastructure.
Work You CAN Perform with a C-10 License
With a California C-10 Electrical contractor license, you can legally perform:
- Residential electrical – New construction wiring, remodels, service upgrades, panel replacements
- Commercial electrical – Office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, warehouses
- Industrial electrical – Manufacturing facilities, processing plants, data centers
- Solar photovoltaic systems – Installation and electrical connections for solar panel systems
- EV charging stations – Electric vehicle charging infrastructure (growing demand)
- Panel upgrades – Service changes, main panel replacements, subpanel installations
- Lighting systems – Indoor, outdoor, landscape, and security lighting
- Low voltage systems – C-10 holders can also perform C-7 (low voltage) work
- Generators and backup power – Standby generator installation and transfer switches
Work You CANNOT Perform
Even with a C-10 license, there are limitations:
- Fire protection systems – Requires C-16 Fire Protection license
- General building construction – Multi-trade projects require B license
- HVAC systems – Requires C-20 license (though you can do the electrical portion)
- Well drilling – Requires C-57 license
- Gas appliance connections – Gas work requires different licensing
Important: Many electrical contractors work alongside general contractors (B license holders) as subcontractors on larger construction projects.
C-10 vs C-7: Understanding the Difference
Many aspiring contractors wonder whether they need a C-10 (Electrical) or C-7 (Low Voltage Systems) license. Here's how to decide:
| Feature | C-10 - Electrical | C-7 - Low Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage Range | All voltages (includes low voltage) | 100 volts or less only |
| Residential Wiring | Yes | No |
| Panel/Service Work | Yes | No |
| Security Systems | Yes | Yes |
| Fire Alarm Wiring | Yes | Yes |
| Solar Installations | Yes | No |
| EV Chargers | Yes | No |
| Communication Cables | Yes | Yes |
Our recommendation: If you have experience in full electrical work (not just low voltage), get the C-10 license. It includes everything C-7 covers plus high-voltage work, giving you more business opportunities.
C-10 License Exam Preparation
The CSLB examination for a C-10 Electrical contractor license consists of two parts:
- Law and Business Exam – 115 multiple-choice questions covering California contractor law, business management, and safety regulations
- Trade Exam – 100 multiple-choice questions on electrical knowledge and skills
Trade Exam Topics
The C-10 Electrical trade exam covers:
- National Electrical Code (NEC) – Current code requirements and applications
- California Electrical Code – State-specific amendments and requirements
- System evaluation and design – Load calculations, service sizing, circuit design
- Rough wiring – Box placement, conduit runs, wire pulling
- Finish wiring and trim – Device installation, terminations, testing
- Troubleshooting and repair – Fault finding, diagnostics, repairs
- Safety and OSHA requirements – Electrical safety, lockout/tagout, PPE
- Blueprint reading – Electrical symbols, schedules, specifications
- Estimating and bidding – Material takeoffs, labor calculations, job costing
Available Course Options
Request Free Information or call us at 800-409-8237
C-10 License Requirements
Experience Requirements
To qualify for a C-10 Electrical contractor license, you must have:
- 4 years of journeyman-level experience in electrical work within the past 10 years
- Experience must be verifiable through employer certification or other documentation
- Experience in the type of electrical work you'll be performing (residential, commercial, or industrial)
Note: You don't need a separate California journeyman electrician certification, but your experience must be at the journeyman level (working independently, not as an apprentice).
Alternative Pathways:
- Education can substitute for up to 3 years of experience (degree-dependent)
- Technical training programs may count toward experience
- Military electrical experience may qualify
- Apprenticeship completion plus additional experience
Application Process
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you have 4 years of qualifying electrical experience and are at least 18 years old
- Complete Application: Fill out the CSLB application form accurately and completely
- Pay Application Fee: Submit the $450 application fee to CSLB
- Background Check: Complete fingerprinting and criminal background check
- Experience Verification: Have employers certify your electrical work experience
- Schedule Exams: Once approved, schedule your Law & Business and Trade exams
- Pass Exams: Score 72% or higher on both examinations
- Obtain Bond: Secure a $25,000 contractor bond
- Pay License Fee: Submit the $200 initial license fee
Fees and Costs
| Application Fee | $450 |
| Initial License Fee | $200 |
| Contractor Bond | $25,000 (premium varies) |
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $450 |
Need help with your application? CSLS offers Application Processing Services to ensure your application is complete and accurate, reducing delays and rejections.
Career Outlook for Electrical Contractors
California's electrical contracting industry is experiencing strong growth, driven by several key factors:
- Median Annual Salary: $65,280 for electricians in California, with experienced contractors earning significantly more (BLS, 2023)
- Job Growth: 6% projected growth through 2032 (faster than average)
- High Demand Areas:
- Solar installations – California leads the nation in solar adoption
- EV charging infrastructure – Growing demand as EV adoption increases
- Smart home technology – Home automation and integration
- Commercial construction – New buildings and tenant improvements
- Service upgrades – Older homes need panel upgrades for modern loads
- Self-Employment: Many C-10 holders operate their own contracting businesses
With California's commitment to renewable energy and building electrification, licensed electrical contractors are positioned for long-term career success.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, California Employment Development Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a C-10 contractor license in California?
A C-10 Electrical contractor license allows you to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes wiring, fixtures, appliances, conduits, and solar photovoltaic systems.
What's the difference between C-10 and C-7 licenses?
C-10 covers all electrical work including high-voltage systems. C-7 (Low Voltage) is limited to systems operating at 100 volts or less, like security systems, fire alarms, and communication cables. C-10 holders can do C-7 work, but not vice versa.
What work can a C-10 contractor perform?
C-10 contractors can install residential and commercial wiring, panel upgrades, lighting systems, solar photovoltaic systems, EV charging stations, industrial electrical systems, and any work involving electrical energy generation, transmission, or use.
Do I need to be a journeyman electrician to get a C-10 license?
You need 4 years of journeyman-level experience in electrical work, but you don't need a separate journeyman license. Your experience must be verifiable through employer certification or other documentation.
How hard is the C-10 contractor license exam?
The C-10 exam has two parts: Law & Business (115 questions) and Trade (100 questions). The trade exam covers the National Electrical Code, system design, wiring, and safety. With proper preparation, most students pass. CSLS has a 99% pass rate.
How much does a C-10 contractor license cost?
Total costs include: application fee ($450), initial license fee ($200), contractor bond ($25,000 minimum), and exam prep courses. Total investment is typically $1,500-$3,000.
What experience do I need for a C-10 license?
You need 4 years of journeyman-level experience in electrical work within the last 10 years. Education from accredited programs can substitute for up to 3 years of experience.
Can a C-10 contractor install solar panels?
Yes. C-10 contractors are qualified to install solar photovoltaic systems, including the electrical connections. Many C-10 contractors specialize in solar installation due to California's strong demand for renewable energy.
Ready to Get Your C-10 License?
Join thousands of successful electrical contractors who passed their CSLB exam with CSLS. With 40 years of experience and a 99% pass rate, we're California's most trusted contractor licensing school.
Whether you prefer live classroom instruction, online self-study, or home study materials, we have a program that fits your learning style and schedule.
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