Construction / Specialty Contractor License / California
- California
- Specialty Contractor
- 25 C-Classes + ASB & HAZ
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your California C-Class Specialty Contractor Licenses
This guide covers the California C-class specialty licenses, from C-2 insulation to C-60 welding, plus the asbestos (ASB) and hazardous substance removal (HAZ) certifications. You’ll see what each class covers, what you need to qualify, the two exams and how to stay licensed.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from California Contractors State License Board requirements
Application fee
$450
Plus $51.43 per PSI exam and a $200–$350 initial license fee
Exam time
Not stated
Law & Business + your trade exam
Time to get license
~4 yrs
4 years of journeyman-level experience within the last 10
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE at renewal
Overview
Do you need a California specialty contractor license?
Yes, if you contract for work in a specialty trade in California. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues a separate C-class license for each trade, and each class has a defined scope. Asbestos and hazardous substance work also need a certification added to your license.
License required when
- You contract for work that falls inside a C-class scope, such as drywall, concrete, tile, landscaping or welding
- You do asbestos-related work involving 100 square feet or more of asbestos-containing material (your qualifier needs the ASB certification)
- You do hazardous substance removal or remedial action (your qualifier needs the HAZ certification)
- You operate as an LLC, which adds a worker bond and liability insurance requirement
Common exceptions
- Asbestos jobs under 100 square feet of surface area don’t trigger the ASB certification requirement
- HAZ doesn’t cover asbestos-related work or hazardous substance spills on a highway
- Each class has limits. For example, C-21 excludes alterations to the parts of a structure that stay, and C-32 excludes re-paving
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our research notes don’t list specific penalty amounts. Working outside your classification or without a license can lead to CSLB enforcement action, so confirm your class covers the job before you bid.
Your fast-track California specialty contractor license checklist
The California application, one page
- C-class that matches your trade
- 4 years of qualifying experience within the last 10
- Application packet submitted to CSLB for exam approval
- Passing results on Law & Business and your trade exam
- $15,000 contractor’s bond (plus $12,500 qualifier bond if using an RME)
- Workers’ comp certificate in your business name, if you have employees
Types
California specialty contractor license types and classifications
California splits specialty work into narrow C-classes. Pick the class that matches your trade. Every class takes the same Law & Business exam plus its own trade exam.
C-5 · C-8 · C-50 · C-51
Structure
Framing, concrete & steel
Framing and rough carpentry (C-5), concrete forming and finishing (C-8), placing and tying rebar (C-50), and erecting structural steel (C-51).
Exam
L&B + trade exam
Limit
Not stated
C-17 · C-23 · C-60
Metal & glass
Glazing, ornamental metal & welding
Cutting and installing glass, frames and doors (C-17), ornamental metal work (C-23), and joining metals with gas or electric welding (C-60).
Exam
L&B + trade exam
Limit
Not stated
C-2 · C-6 · C-9 · C-35
Interiors
Insulation, cabinets, drywall & plaster
Insulation and acoustical materials (C-2), cabinets, millwork and finish carpentry (C-6), gypsum board with taping and texture (C-9), and lath, plaster and stucco (C-35).
Exam
L&B + trade exam
Limit
Not stated
C-15 · C-33 · C-54
Finishes
Flooring, painting & tile
Carpet, resilient, laminate and wood floors (C-15), painting and wallcoverings (C-33), and ceramic, mosaic and stone tile (C-54).
Exam
L&B + trade exam
Limit
Not stated
C-12 · C-13 · C-27 · C-31 · C-32 · C-34
Site & roadway
Earthwork, fencing, landscaping & roads
Grading and paving (C-12), fences and gates (C-13), landscape systems (C-27), work zone traffic control (C-31), striping and coatings (C-32), and pipelines (C-34).
Exam
L&B + trade exam
Limit
Not stated
C-11 · C-21 · C-45 · C-47
Buildings & equipment
Elevators, demolition, signs & manufactured homes
Elevators (C-11), moving and demolishing structures (C-21), electrical and non-electrical signs (C-45), and installing manufactured and mobile homes (C-47).
Exam
L&B + trade exam
Limit
Not stated
C-22
Abatement
Asbestos abatement
Containment, encapsulation, removal and disposal of asbestos-containing construction materials, done under Cal/OSHA (DOSH) rules.
Exam
L&B + C-22
Limit
Not stated
ASB · HAZ
Add-on certifications
Asbestos & hazardous substance removal
ASB lets you do asbestos work of 100 sq ft or more within classes you already hold. HAZ is issued only to A, B, C-12, C-36, C-57 or C-61/D-40 license holders.
Exam
L&B + ASB or HAZ
Limit
Within your license
Requirements
California specialty contractor license requirements, class by class
The core requirements are the same for every C-class. The certifications add one rule each about which licenses they can attach to.
| Requirement | C-class license | ASB certification | HAZ certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years in the last 10 | 4 years in the last 10 | 4 years in the last 10 |
| Experience level | Journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder | Journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder | Journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder |
| Exams | Law & Business + trade exam | Law & Business + ASB exam | Law & Business + HAZ exam |
| License you must hold | None | Work only within classes you hold | A, B, C-12, C-36, C-57 or C-61/D-40 |
| Contractor’s bond | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Qualifier bond (RME) | $12,500 | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| Workers’ comp | If you have employees | If you have employees | If you have employees |
| LLC extras | $100,000 worker bond + $1M–$5M liability | $100,000 worker bond + $1M–$5M liability | $100,000 worker bond + $1M–$5M liability |
Steps
How to get your California specialty contractor license, step by step
- Choose your classificationBefore you start
Match your work to a C-class scope. If you’ll handle asbestos or hazardous substances, plan for the ASB or HAZ certification too. - Build your experience4 yrs in the last 10
You need at least 4 years of related experience within the last 10 years, at journeyman level or higher, or as a foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder. - Apply to CSLB for exam approvalBefore the exam
Submit a completed application packet to the Contractors State License Board. You can only schedule your exams after the Board pre-approves you. - Pass both examsExam day
Schedule with PSI, paying $51.43 per exam, and pass the Law & Business exam and your trade exam. Both are closed book. - File your bond and insuranceBefore you’re licensed
File a $15,000 contractor’s bond with CSLB, plus a $12,500 qualifier bond if you qualify through an RME. Add workers’ comp if you have employees. LLCs also need a $100,000 worker bond and liability insurance. - Receive your licenseAfter CSLB review
Once your exams, bond and insurance are on file, CSLB issues your license. Find the forms at cslb.ca.gov.
Exam
What to expect on the California specialty contractor exam
Every applicant takes two exams: Law & Business, which is the same for all classes, and the trade exam for your classification or certification. Both are closed book, so you need to know the material cold.
Format
Closed book
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Law & Business: business organization, finances, employment, bonds, insurance and liens, contracts, licensing and public works
- Every trade exam opens with planning and estimating and ends with safety
- The middle of each trade exam covers your class, such as placing and finishing for C-8 or hardscape and irrigation for C-27
- ASB and HAZ exams cover containment prep, removal methods and disposal, documentation and safety
- Question counts and passing scores: Not stated
Retake policy
- Fail an exam and you can retake it after 21 calendar days
- Each attempt costs the $51.43 PSI exam fee, paid when you reschedule
- You have 18 months from application acceptance to pass both exams, or you reapply with new fees
Exam references · Closed book
The CSLB exams are closed book, so no references are allowed in the test site. These are the study references CSLB suggests in its study guides, and a class in parentheses means the book is listed for that class’s exam only.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| California Residential Code (C-5, C-8, C-17, C-35) | 2025 | Study only |
| Complete Book of Framing: An Illustrated Guide for Residential Construction (C-5) | Not stated | Study only |
| Modern Carpentry (C-5) | Not stated | Study only |
| Cal/OSHA General Industry, Construction and Electrical Safety Orders (Title 8) (C-5, C-8, C-6, C-32, C-11, C-22) | 2026 | Study only |
| California Building Code (C-5, C-8, C-51, C-17, C-23, C-2, C-6, C-9, C-35, C-54, C-12, C-13, C-27, C-11, C-21, C-45, C-47) | 2025 | Study only |
| Concrete Association (C-8) | Not stated | Study only |
| The correct answer is marked with an asterisk (*) (C-8) | Not stated | Study only |
| Concrete Repair and Maintenance Illustrated (C-8) | Not stated | Study only |
| Construction Best Management Practices Handbook (C-8) | Not stated | Study only |
| The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction (C-8) | Not stated | Study only |
| Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th edition (C-8) | Not stated | Study only |
| Underground Service Alert Guidelines (C-8, C-13, C-32, Hazardous Substance Removal) | Not stated | Study only |
| Construction and Maintenance Manual for Post-Tensioned Slab-on-Ground Foundations (C-50) | Not stated | Study only |
| Manual of Standard Practice (C-50) | Not stated | Study only |
| Placing Reinforcing Bars (C-50) | Not stated | Study only |
| Post-Tensioning Manual (C-50) | Not stated | Study only |
| Cal/OSHA General Industry, Construction and Electrical Safety Orders (Title 8) (C-50, C-51, C-23, C-60, C-9, C-15, C-33, C-13, C-27, C-34, C-21, C-45, C-47, ASB, Hazardous Substance Removal) | 2025 | Study only |
| California Vehicle Code (C-51, C-23, C-21, C-45, C-47) | Not stated | Study only |
| Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination, A2.4 (C-51, C-60) | Not stated | Study only |
| Steel Construction Manual (C-51) | Not stated | Study only |
| Structural Welding Code, Steel (C-51) | Not stated | Study only |
| Structural Welding Code, Sheet Steel (C-51) | Not stated | Study only |
| Structural Welding Code, Reinforcing Steel (C-51) | Not stated | Study only |
| AAMA Curtain Wall Series: Glass and Glazing (C-17) | Not stated | Study only |
| ASTM Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights (C-17) | Not stated | Study only |
| GANA Glazing Manual (C-17) | Not stated | Study only |
| GANA Sealant Manual (C-17) | Not stated | Study only |
| Cal/OSHA General Industry, Construction and Electrical Safety Orders (Title 8) (C-17, C-2, C-54, C-12, C-31) | 2023 | Study only |
| California Fire Code (C-23) | 2025 | Study only |
| AWS A3.0 Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (C-23) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Commercial Driver Handbook (C-23, C-21) | Not stated | Study only |
| Modern Welding (C-23, C-60) | Not stated | Study only |
| Welding Handbook, Volume 2, Part 1: Welding Processes (C-23) | Not stated | Study only |
| Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, AWS Z49.1 (C-60) | Not stated | Study only |
| Structural Welding Code, Steel, D1.1 (C-60) | Not stated | Study only |
| The Independent Shop’s Guide to Welding Safety and Health (C-60) | Not stated | Study only |
| ASTM E580/E580M-22 Standard Practice for Installation of Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels in Areas Subject to Earthquake Ground Motions (C-2) | Not stated | Study only |
| Ceiling Systems Handbook (C-2) | Not stated | Study only |
| Insulate and Weatherize (C-2) | Not stated | Study only |
| Insulation Handbook (C-2) | Not stated | Study only |
| IR 25-2.17 Metal Suspension Systems for Lay-in Panel Ceilings: 2017 CBC (C-2) | Not stated | Study only |
| LEAD Safety for Renovation, Repair, and Painting (C-6) | Not stated | Study only |
| Modern Cabinetmaking (C-6) | Not stated | Study only |
| North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (C-6) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Green Building Standards Code (C-6, C-21) | 2025 | Study only |
| ASTM Standard Specification C754-20; C84024 (C-9) | Not stated | Study only |
| Commercial Metal Stud Framing (C-9) | Not stated | Study only |
| GA-600-2021 Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual (C-9) | Not stated | Study only |
| The Gypsum Construction Handbook (C-9) | Not stated | Study only |
| GA-214-2021 Levels of Finish for Gypsum Panel Products (C-9) | Not stated | Study only |
| GA-216-2021 Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products (C-9) | Not stated | Study only |
| Builder’s Guide to Stucco, Lath & Plaster (C-35) | Not stated | Study only |
| Gypsum Construction Handbook (C-35) | Not stated | Study only |
| Plaster & Drywall Assemblies Manual (C-35) | Not stated | Study only |
| Portland Cement Plaster/Stucco Manual (C-35) | Not stated | Study only |
| Cal/OSHA General Industry, Construction and Electrical Safety Orders (Title 8) (C-35) | 2024 | Study only |
| Armstrong Guaranteed Installation System Manual F-5061 (C-15) | Not stated | Study only |
| CRI Carpet Installation Standards (C-15) | Not stated | Study only |
| NWFA Technical Guidelines & Publications (C-15) | Not stated | Study only |
| Installation Brochures (C-15) | Not stated | Study only |
| PCA Industry Standards (C-33) | Not stated | Study only |
| PCA Craftsman Manual and Textbook (C-33) | Not stated | Study only |
| Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (C-33) | Not stated | Study only |
| Painter’s Handbook (C-33) | Not stated | Study only |
| ANSI A108/A118/A136.1 Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile (C-54) | Not stated | Study only |
| Dimension Stone Design Manual (C-54) | Not stated | Study only |
| NTCA Reference Manual (C-54) | Not stated | Study only |
| TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation (C-54) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Plumbing Code (C-54, C-27, C-34) | 2025 | Study only |
| CalDAG 2017: California Disabled Accessibility Guidebook, An Interpretive Manual and Checklist (C-12) | Not stated | Study only |
| Excavation and Grading Handbook, Revised (C-12) | Not stated | Study only |
| Moving the Earth: The Workbook of Excavation (C-12, C-34) | Not stated | Study only |
| Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements (C-12) | Not stated | Study only |
| Caltrans Standard Plans (C-12) | Not stated | Study only |
| Caltrans Standard Specifications (C-12) | Not stated | Study only |
| The “Greenbook”: Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (C-13, C-34) | Not stated | Study only |
| Standard Plans and Standard Specifications (C-13) | Not stated | Study only |
| ASTM Standards for Fence Materials and Projects (C-13) | Not stated | Study only |
| Arborists’ Certification Study Guide (C-27) | Not stated | Study only |
| Landscape Construction (C-27) | Not stated | Study only |
| The Landscape Lighting Book (C-27) | Not stated | Study only |
| Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (C-27) | Not stated | Study only |
| The New Sunset Western Garden Book (C-27) | Not stated | Study only |
| Principles of Irrigation (C-27) | Not stated | Study only |
| Trouble Shooting Irrigation Control Systems (C-27) | Not stated | Study only |
| Standard Specifications (C-31) | 2022 | Study only |
| California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, Part 6: Temporary Traffic Control (C-31) | Not stated | Study only |
| Flagging Instruction Handbook (C-31) | Not stated | Study only |
| Standard Plans (C-31) | 2022 | Study only |
| Standard Plans (C-32) | 2025 | Study only |
| Standard Specifications (C-32) | 2025 | Study only |
| Advisory Circular 150/5340-1M, Standards for Airport Markings (C-32) | Not stated | Study only |
| The Asphalt Handbook: Manual Series No (C-32) | Not stated | Study only |
| CalDAG 2024: California Disabled Accessibility Guidebook, An Interpretive Manual and Checklist (C-32) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2026 Edition, Revision 9 (C-32) | 2026 edition, Revision 9 | Study only |
| WATCHBook: Work Area Traffic Control Handbook (C-32) | Not stated | Study only |
| Excavation and Grading Handbook (C-34) | Not stated | Study only |
| Pipe and Excavation Contracting (C-34) | Not stated | Study only |
| Pipeline Rules of Thumb Handbook (C-34) | Not stated | Study only |
| Trenchless Technology Piping: Installation and Inspection (C-34) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Electrical Code (C-11) | 2025 | Study only |
| ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (C-11) | 2004 | Study only |
| ASME A17.2 Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks (C-11) | 2010 | Study only |
| ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts (C-11) | 2003 | Study only |
| Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook (C-11) | 2020 | Study only |
| Elevator Safety Orders (C-11) | Not stated | Study only |
| NDA Demolition Safety Manual (C-21) | Not stated | Study only |
| Storm Water Program (C-21) | Not stated | Study only |
| Transportation Permits Manual (C-21) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Energy Code (C-45) | 2025 | Study only |
| Neon Installation Guide (C-45) | Not stated | Study only |
| Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 48: Standard for Electric Signs (C-45) | Not stated | Study only |
| Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2161: Standard for Neon Transformers and Power Supplies (C-45) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Electrical Code (especially Article 600) (C-45) | 2025 | Study only |
| Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (C-47) | Not stated | Study only |
| Manufactured Home Installation Training Manual (C-47) | Not stated | Study only |
| Mobilehome Parks and Installations (C-47) | Not stated | Study only |
| California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (C-22, ASB) | Not stated | Study only |
| EPA 560/5-85-024 Guidance for Controlling Asbestos Containing Material in Buildings (Purple Book) (C-22) | Not stated | Study only |
| Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (C-22) | Not stated | Study only |
| National Emission Standard for Asbestos (C-22, ASB) | Not stated | Study only |
| Asbestos-Containing Material in Schools (C-22) | Not stated | Study only |
| Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools (ASB) | Not stated | Study only |
| EPA 560/5-85-024 Guidance for Controlling Asbestos-Containing Material in Buildings (Purple Book) (ASB) | Not stated | Study only |
| Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 29, Pt (Hazardous Substance Removal) | Not stated | Study only |
| Leaking Underground Fuel Tank (LUFT) Guidance Manual (Hazardous Substance Removal) | Not stated | Study only |
| Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Orientation Manual (Hazardous Substance Removal) | 2014 | Study only |
| Underground Storage Tank Regulations, Title 23, California Code of Regulations Chapter 16 (Hazardous Substance Removal) | Not stated | Study only |
Every California C-class trade exam, the Law and Business exam, and the asbestos and hazardous substance certification exams are closed book, so you can’t bring any books into the exam room.
Prep
Best California specialty contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a California specialty contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $450 |
| Exam fees (paid to PSI) | Fixed | $51.43 per exam ($102.86 for Law & Business + trade) |
| Initial license fee | Fixed | $200 sole owner; $350 partnership, corporation or LLC |
| ASB or HAZ certification application | Fixed | $125 |
| Fingerprinting (DOJ $32 + FBI $17) | Fixed | $49, plus the Live Scan site’s rolling fee |
| Contractor’s bond ($15,000 face amount) | Variable | Varies |
| Qualifier bond ($12,500, RME only) | Variable | Varies |
| Workers’ comp (if you have employees) | Variable | Varies |
| LLC worker bond and liability insurance | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Sole owner: application, two PSI exams and initial license fee; excludes fingerprinting, bonds and insurance | $752.86 |
Fees from the CSLB List of All CSLB Fees and PSI’s CSLB examination information guides, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does California accept out-of-state specialty contractor licenses?
California has license reciprocity agreements with three states. Our notes don’t say exactly what each one waives, so contact CSLB before you apply.
Arizona — reciprocity agreement
Contact CSLB for how to apply via reciprocity and which exams are waived.
Louisiana — reciprocity agreement
Contact CSLB for how to apply via reciprocity and which exams are waived.
Nevada — reciprocity agreement
Contact CSLB for how to apply via reciprocity and which exams are waived.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and take both exams.
Local
Do California cities and counties have their own specialty contractor licensing rules?
Your CSLB license covers the whole state. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections for the work itself.
State handles
- C-class licenses and their scopes
- Law & Business and trade exams
- ASB and HAZ certifications
- Contractor’s, qualifier and LLC bonds on file
City & county handle
- Building permits and inspections
- Local business licenses where required
- Local rules for the job site
Governance
Who regulates specialty contractors in California
Licensing authority
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
800-321-2752
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews C-class specialty licenses
- Pre-approves applicants and schedules the state exams
- Grants ASB and HAZ certifications, working with DOSH on asbestos exams
- Keeps contractor, qualifier and LLC bonds on file
Maintenance
How to renew your California specialty contractor license and keep it active
California doesn’t require continuing education to renew a C-class license. Keep your bond and insurance current with CSLB. An active renewal is $450 for a sole owner or $700 for other entities.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
None required
Renewal fee
$450 sole owner; $700 other entities (active)
Late penalty
$675 sole owner; $1,050 other entities (active, fee plus penalty)
FAQ
California specialty contractor license FAQs
How many exams do I take for a California C-class license?
Two: the Law & Business exam, which everyone takes, and the trade exam for your classification. Both are closed book.
How much experience do I need?
At least 4 years of related experience within the last 10 years, at journeyman level or higher, or as a foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder.
Do I need a separate certification for asbestos work?
Yes, if the job involves 100 square feet or more of asbestos-containing material. Your qualifier must pass the ASB exam, and you can only do that work within the classes you already hold. Full abatement work is its own C-22 license.
Who can get the hazardous substance removal (HAZ) certification?
Only contractors who hold an A, B, C-12, C-36, C-57 or C-61/D-40 license. It doesn’t cover asbestos work or highway spills.
What bond do I need?
Every contractor files a $15,000 contractor’s bond with CSLB. Add a $12,500 qualifier bond if you qualify through an RME, and LLCs need an extra $100,000 worker bond.
Is continuing education required in California?
No. California doesn’t require continuing education to renew a contractor license.
Does my out-of-state license transfer to California?
California has reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Louisiana and Nevada. Contact CSLB to see how to apply; everyone else applies as a new applicant.
Sources
Official sources for the California specialty contractor license
- California Contractors State License Board, Forms and Applications
- California Labor Code § 6501.8, asbestos-related work
- California Health and Safety Code §§ 18007, 18008 and 18008.7, manufactured and mobile home definitions (C-47)
- Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Department of Industrial Relations, asbestos abatement rules
- California Contractors State License Board, List of All CSLB Fees
- PSI, CSLB Law and Business Licensing Examination Information Guide
- California Contractors State License Board, My Original Exam Application was Accepted
- PSI, CSLB Asbestos Certification (ASB) Licensing Examination Information Guide
- PSI, CSLB Hazardous Substance Removal Licensing Examination Information Guide
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the California Contractors State License Board.