A – General Engineering Contractor License
California A General Engineering Contractor License Exam Preparation
The A General Engineering Contractor license is California's classification for heavy civil and infrastructure work. If you're planning to work on highways, bridges, dams, pipelines, or other major engineering projects, this is the license you need.
At Contractors State License Services (CSLS), we've helped thousands of aspiring contractors pass their CSLB exams and launch successful careers in heavy civil construction. 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 A 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 engineering experience
What Is a Class A Contractor License?
Official CSLB Definition
"A general engineering contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, including the following divisions or subjects: irrigation, drainage, water power, water supply, flood control, inland waterways, harbors, docks and wharves, shipyards and ports, dams and hydroelectric projects, levees, river control and reclamation works, railroads, highways, streets and roads, tunnels, airports and airways, sewers and sewage disposal plants and systems, waste reduction plants, bridges, overpasses, underpasses and other structures related thereto, pipelines and other systems for the transmission of petroleum and other liquid or gaseous substances, parks, playgrounds and other recreational works, refineries, chemical plants and similar industrial plants requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, powerhouses, power plants and other utility plants and installations, mines and metallurgical plants and installations, land leveling and earthmoving projects, excavating, grading, trenching, paving and surfacing work and cement and concrete works in connection with the above mentioned fixed works."
— California Business and Professions Code Section 7056
In simpler terms, an A license allows you to work on "fixed works" – large-scale infrastructure and engineering projects that are permanently fixed to the land. These are the projects that shape California's landscape: highways, bridges, dams, airports, and industrial facilities.
Work You CAN Perform with an A License
With a California A General Engineering contractor license, you can legally perform:
- Water infrastructure – Dams, irrigation systems, flood control, water supply systems, levees
- Transportation projects – Highways, streets, roads, airports, railroads, tunnels
- Bridge construction – Bridges, overpasses, underpasses, and related structures
- Petroleum/gas pipelines – Pipeline systems for oil, gas, and other substances
- Industrial plants – Refineries, chemical plants, power plants, utility installations
- Land development – Excavating, grading, trenching, paving, surfacing
- Harbor and port work – Docks, wharves, shipyards, harbors
- Sewage and waste systems – Sewers, sewage disposal plants, waste reduction facilities
- Mining and metallurgical work – Mine installations, metallurgical plants
- Recreational facilities – Parks, playgrounds, and recreational infrastructure
Work You CANNOT Perform
Even with an A license, there are limitations:
- Building construction – Residential and commercial structures require a B (General Building) license
- Single-trade specialty work – Standalone electrical, plumbing, or HVAC contracts require C licenses
- Structural changes to buildings – Work on buildings is outside the A license scope
- C-16 Fire Protection – Requires the specialty license or licensed subcontractor
- C-57 Well Drilling – Requires the specialty license
Key distinction: The A license is for "fixed works" (infrastructure). The B license is for "structures" (buildings). If you want to do both, you'll need both licenses.
A vs B License: Understanding the Difference
The A and B licenses are the two "general" contractor classifications in California. Understanding the difference is crucial to choosing the right license for your career:
| Feature | A - General Engineering | B - General Building |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Fixed works (infrastructure) | Structures (buildings) |
| Typical Projects | Highways, bridges, dams, pipelines | Homes, commercial buildings, additions |
| New Home Construction | No | Yes |
| Highway/Road Work | Yes | No |
| Public Works Projects | Common | Less common |
| Private Sector Work | Industrial plants, pipelines, site work | Residential, commercial construction |
| Bond Requirement | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Experience Required | 4 years in engineering work | 4 years in building construction |
When to choose A: You want to work on infrastructure projects – roads, bridges, grading, pipelines, or industrial facilities. Many A contractors work on public works projects (government contracts).
When to choose B: You want to build homes, commercial buildings, or do major renovations. Most residential and commercial construction falls under the B license.
Many contractors hold both: If you want maximum flexibility to take on both infrastructure and building projects, you can obtain both A and B licenses.
A License Exam Preparation
The CSLB examination for an A General Engineering 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 general engineering knowledge and skills
Trade Exam Topics
The A General Engineering trade exam covers:
- Heavy civil construction methods – Techniques for infrastructure projects
- Engineering principles and calculations – Load calculations, structural requirements
- Earthwork and grading – Excavation, compaction, slopes, drainage
- Concrete and structural work – Formwork, reinforcement, placement
- Safety and OSHA requirements – Trenching, excavation safety, fall protection
- Blueprint reading – Civil engineering drawings, specifications
- Estimating and bidding – Quantity takeoffs for large-scale projects
- Surveying basics – Understanding grades, elevations, benchmarks
- Equipment operation and selection – Heavy equipment for earthmoving
- Environmental regulations – SWPPP, erosion control, permits
Available Course Options
Request Free Information or call us at 800-409-8237
A License Requirements
Experience Requirements
To qualify for an A General Engineering contractor license, you must have:
- 4 years of journeyman-level experience in general engineering work within the past 10 years
- Experience must be in the A classification – infrastructure and heavy civil work
- Experience must be verifiable through employer certification or other documentation
Qualifying experience includes work on:
- Highway and road construction
- Bridge and overpass projects
- Grading and earthwork
- Pipeline installation
- Dam and water infrastructure
- Industrial site development
Alternative Pathways:
- Engineering degree can substitute for up to 3 years of experience
- Technical training programs may count toward experience
- Military Corps of Engineers experience may qualify
Application Process
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you have 4 years of qualifying experience in general engineering work 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 work experience in general engineering
- 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 General Engineering Contractors
California's ongoing infrastructure needs create strong demand for licensed general engineering contractors:
- Median Annual Salary: $108,210 for construction managers in heavy civil construction (BLS, 2023)
- Job Growth: California's infrastructure investments continue to drive demand
- Major Project Areas:
- Highway and road maintenance/expansion
- Water infrastructure upgrades
- High-speed rail construction
- Airport modernization
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- Public Works: Many A contractors work on government contracts with prevailing wage requirements
With California's aging infrastructure and continued development, licensed general engineering contractors are positioned for long-term career success. The state's commitment to infrastructure improvement means steady work opportunities for qualified A license holders.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, California Employment Development Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Class A contractor license in California?
A Class A General Engineering contractor license allows you to work on fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill. This includes infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, dams, airports, pipelines, and power plants.
What's the difference between an A and B license?
An A license is for "fixed works" like highways, bridges, and infrastructure. A B license is for "structures" like buildings, homes, and commercial construction. A handles heavy civil/engineering work; B handles building construction.
What work can a Class A contractor perform?
A licensees can work on highways, roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, dams, flood control, irrigation systems, pipelines, refineries, power plants, railroads, and major earthwork projects like excavating, grading, and paving.
Can a Class A contractor build houses?
No. Building residential or commercial structures requires a Class B (General Building) license. The A license is specifically for infrastructure and engineering projects, not buildings.
How hard is the Class A contractor license exam?
The A exam has two parts: Law & Business (115 questions) and Trade (100 questions). The trade exam covers heavy civil construction, engineering principles, and earthwork. With proper preparation, most students pass. CSLS has a 99% pass rate.
How much does a Class A 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 Class A license?
You need 4 years of journeyman-level experience in general engineering work within the last 10 years. This includes work on infrastructure projects, heavy civil construction, or related engineering projects.
Do A licensees need to do public works projects?
No. While A contractors often work on public works projects, the license allows you to work on any fixed works requiring specialized engineering, including private projects like refineries, pipelines, and industrial plants.
Ready to Get Your A License?
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