STEPS TO BECOMING A LICENSED CONTRACTOR IN CALIFORNIA:What You Need To Know

What You Need To Know About Becoming A Licensed Contractor


Wondering how to become a Licensed Contractor or if you need to be Licensed? The following are the top questions we hear and answer guiding you and our students through becoming a Licensed Contractor successfully.

Who can become a licensed contractor?
A licensed contractor must be 18 years of age or older and have the experience and skills necessary to manage daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision, or be represented by a qualifying individual with the necessary experience and skills.

Who must be licensed as a contractor?
All businesses or individuals, who construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation, or other structure in California, must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board if the total cost (labor and materials) of one or more contracts on the project is $500 or more. Contractors must be licensed before submitting bids.

How much does a license cost?
In addition to the financial requirements that must be met, it costs $250 for an original application fee (nonrefundable) and $150 for the initial license fee for one classification. The license must be renewed every two years. Currently, the renewal fee is $300.

How can you apply?
The Application for Original Contractor’s License is available at any office of the Contractors State License Board. It is also possible to order or download an application form from our Website, www.cslb.ca.gov, call the CSLB’s 24-hour automated information line, (800) 321-CSLB (2752), or write to the CSLB, at: P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826, to request an application.

What kind of experience is required?
At least four years of journey-level experience is required to qualify for the exam. Credit is given for experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder.

What are the other requirements?
All applicants must be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check before a license is issued at an additional cost to the applicant.

Is there an examination requirement for a contractor’s license?
Yes, the qualifying individual for a contractor’s license is required to pass law and trade examinations, unless he or she meets the requirements for a waiver. An examination notice will be sent at least three weeks prior to the examination date.

Is school necessary?
Although there are no educational requirements to qualify for a contractor’s license, it is highly encouraged to seek assistance from a school that specializes in helping students pass the Contractor State License Board Exam.

For more detailed information on becoming a California licensed contractor, see the CSLB publication, Blueprint
for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor or visit our Website, www.cslb.ca.gov or visit MakeMeAContractor.com for more information today.

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About CSLS

Contractors State License Service (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 23 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. From our main offices in Southern California, CSLS operates over 25 locations with full-service support and classrooms. We have grown to this extent by providing quality, professional services. In comparison, this provides 7 times the number of convenient locations than the second largest contractor school. Contractors State License Services is one of the only contractor schools in the state that is run by educators, not lawyers or people mostly interested in the bonding and insurance business. Contractors State License Services formerly operated under the oversight of the State of California's Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education. As of January 1 2010, the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) came into existence replacing the BPPVE. CSLS now operates under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (CPPEA), Article 4 Section 94874(f). Our Mission is simple; We can help you pass your California Contractors License Exam. Celebrating our 25th year, CSLS has helped over 120,000 students pass the California contractor licensing exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California. Additionally, we offer complete home study and online contractor’s license programs to help you pass your California contractors license exam. CSLS offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including General Engineering Contractor, General Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, Insulation and Acoustical Contractor, Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor, Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor, Concrete Contractor, Drywall Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Elevator Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. For a complete list of contractor licenses, visit www.MakeMeAContractor.com and tuned for more informative posts.