Get a General Construction License in California

Becoming a licensed contractor in California requires you to go through a series of steps that are overseen by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Navigating the legal process is not an easy task, and not knowing what the next step is can put a halt to your dreams and aspirations. 

Whether you want a general construction license or an advanced one that allows you to participate in bigger projects, our guide highlights the complete process for becoming a contractor in California. 

How to Get a California State General Construction License?

Getting a state contractor license in California can be a lengthy process with a high chance of error. If you want to become a general contractor, you should know about the various requirements and eligibility criteria so you can become a contractor as soon as possible. 

This section outlines and explains the process of acquiring a general construction license in California. Before applying for anything, ensure that you are eligible for the license. Make sure to take note and follow the steps as they are given:

1. Go to https://www.cslb.ca.gov/. 

   

2. Click on Apply for a License.

   

3. Select Apply for a Contractor License.

   

4. Click on Forms and Applications.

   

5. After this, you need to fill out the form and mail it to CSLB. You can either fill it online by clicking on Easy-Fill, download and fill it by clicking on PDF, or have it mailed to you by selecting Order. 

   

6. You can mail the form to CSLB at P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826-0026. 
7. After receiving your mail, CSLB will process your application and contact you for a fingerprint scan and a complete background check. 
8. After passing the background check, you will be eligible for a California contractor licensing exam. 
9. Pass the Business, Law, and Trade exams. 
10. The next step requires you to secure a bond of $25,000 as insurance in case of financial loss. 

After this, CSLB will complete your application process and work towards finalizing your license and issuing it to you.

Types of Contractor License in California

In California, there are four general types of contractor licenses you can get. To move forward with the process, you should know the different types of licenses and choose which one you need to apply for. 

Each type of license has different classifications that allow you to work on specific projects like building, repairing, remodeling, and much more. Here is a brief explanation.

Class A – General Engineering Contractor License

The Class A General Engineering Contractor License permits contractors to work on large-scale fixed works with specialized engineering knowledge. The work you can get from a Class A license includes highways, bridges, overpasses, power plants, dams, tunnels, airports, railroads, and much more. 

In California, large construction/engineering companies that work for the welfare of people often need a Class A license. 

Class B – General Building Contractor License

The Class B General Building Contractor License allows individuals to work on the construction and repair of buildings for residential and commercial purposes. With this license, you can take part in new construction, remodels, and renovations of any building for living by residents. 

Projects under Class B license usually include other unrelated building trades such as electrical work, plumbing, and more.

Class B-2 – Residential Remodeling Contractor License

The Class B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor License is used by contractors to perform renovation work on structures with the motive of improving their condition. As the name suggests, the Residential Remodeling license is used to improve and make additions to already existing structures with the motive of increasing their quality and living conditions. 

This license is used widely across California for tasks such as roof repair, remodeling, tiling, plumbing, and much more. 

Class C Speciality Contractor License

Class C Specialty Contractor License permits contractors to work on specific tasks that are limited to their capabilities. The tasks can be plumbing, electrical work, masonry, etc. The license allows contractors to work in their field of work and operate freely. 

This license has a limited scope of work as it covers only a specific field of interest. 

The state of California requires anyone who does work valued at more than $500 to have a contractor license from CSLB. Having the right license by your side can help you get work and make profit from your skills. 

Knowing your skills and capabilities, you can apply for a license and start working in California. 

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a California State Contractor

There is a high chance of error when it comes to general contractor applications. CSLB is strict when it comes to reviewing applications, and there is a strong filter that sets a high standard for contractors in California. If you are applying to become a contractor, you should know about the eligibility criteria so you can properly prepare for the process and avoid any chances of error. 

• You must be at least 18 years old plus four years of experience in the field.
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Verification of experience and skills. 
• Pass Business and Law Examination & Trade Examinations.

Ensuring these things are met, you can smoothly go through the process and become a general contractor in California. 

How Much Time and Money Does it Take to Get a State Contractor License in California

Becoming a contractor in a state as big as California is not an easy feat. To achieve this, you need to invest a lot of your time and effort and commit to the process. Many applicants are oblivious to the time and money they need to put in and end up failing to fully go through the process. 

Monetary Requirements

Most people are only aware of the $25,000 contractor bond they need to obtain, but there are many more costs that they need to bear. Here is a full list of monetary costs involved:

Application Fee	$450
Initial Licensing Fee	$200 for Sole Owners and $350 for Non-Sole Owners
Fingerprinting Scan Fees	$32 – $100 depending on the method
Contractor Bond	$25,000
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fee	Depending on the staff strength numbers and work
Liability Insurance Fee	Based on coverage limits

Those who want to become a general contractor should be prepared for these costs. Next, let’s see how much it will take for you to become a contractor. 

Time Required

The complete process from application to receiving the license varies based on multiple factors. CSLB has a strict process to filter out candidates and makes sure to only give a license to deserving candidates. From reviewing your application to checking exam availability, it can take 3 to 6 months for you to become a state contractor in California. 

Here is the complete breakdown of the process:

Reviewing Candidate Application	4 – 6 Weeks
Exam Scheduling	2 – 4 Weeks
Bond Submission and Proof of Experience	4 Weeks
Receiving the License	2-6 Weeks

Depending on exam dates, availability and the status of your application, it can even take well over 6 months for CSLB to process your application and grant you a license. In case of any errors, CSLB will return your application for correction; that’s why it is important to be fully prepared. 

Candidates failing to provide accurate proof of their experience and skills will further delay and slow down the process. Those who want to work as contractors in California should be prepared to invest both their time and money, as the state has set high standards for its developers. To reduce any chances of error, it is important to properly prepare for your trials and do some advance work. 

Our next section will help you in reducing your chances of error while applying to be a state contractor. 

How to Reduce the Chances of Error While Applying for a State Contractor License in California?

When applying to become a contractor in California, you should remember that the chances of error are high. Any mistakes can lead to lengthy delays and even rejection. That’s why it is important to be fully prepared and reduce your chances of error. Here are the things you need to keep in mind when applying through CSLB. 

• Read every instruction carefully
• Understand how CSLB’s process works
• Know the requirements and eligibility criteria
• Collect all the documents early
• Have proof of your experience and skills ready
• Fully prepare for the examination
• Double-check all the information you are providing
• Verify insurance requirements and provide the right contractor bond

Taking care of these things, you can error-proof your application and become the ideal candidate as a general contractor.

Wrapping Up

Embarking on your journey to be a licensed contractor in California, you are bound to experience some setbacks and challenges that demand the best from you. Set forth by the Contractors State License Board, the rewarding endeavor has many requirements that you need to fulfill. 

As we have discussed above, the process to become a contractor involves demonstrating your abilities and the experience you have gathered. From background checks to examinations, CSLB has made sure to make it difficult for anyone to get a general construction license. Luckily, you can use our guide to understand the process and break down each step so you can get your license without any issues. 

By adopting a strategic approach to the application process, you can tackle every challenge CSLB will throw at you and take the first step towards a rewarding and successful career as a contractor in California. 

Now, the next step is for you to apply for the contractor position and start preparing for exams. 

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