Construction / Masonry Contractor License / California
- California
- Masonry Contractor
- C-29 Specialty
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your California C-29 Masonry Contractor License
What California’s C-29 Masonry classification covers, the two exams you’ll take, and the steps from experience to license.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from California Contractors State License Board requirements
Application fee
$450
Covers your exams; plus $200–$350 initial license fee
Exam time
Not stated
C-29 trade exam + Law & Business
Time to get license
Varies
Depends on the required experience
Continuing ed
Not stated
Not listed in our sources
Overview
Do you need a California masonry contractor license?
In California, masonry contracting falls under the C-29 Masonry Contractor classification. You qualify with the required experience, then pass the C-29 trade exam and the California Law & Business exam.
License required when
- Installing concrete units, baked clay products, concrete, glass and clay block
- Natural and manufactured stone, terra cotta and fire brick for refractory work
- Load bearing and non-load bearing masonry walls and fences, with or without mortar
- Ceramic veneer (not tile), thin brick facing and masonry paving
- Clear waterproofing, cleaning and caulking incidental to masonry work
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list exemptions for C-29 work
- Ask the CSLB whether your project needs a license before you bid it
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalties. In general, the CSLB can take action against people who contract without the right license, so get your C-29 before you bid masonry jobs.
Your fast-track California masonry contractor license checklist
The California application, one page
- Documented masonry experience
- Completed CSLB application
- Board pre-approval to test
- Passing C-29 trade exam
- Passing Law & Business exam
Types
California masonry contractor license types and classifications
Masonry is one of California’s C-class specialty contractor licenses.
C-29
Specialty
Masonry Contractor
Block, brick, stone, terra cotta, refractory, structural and non-structural masonry walls and fences, veneer, paving and incidental waterproofing.
Exam
C-29 + Law & Business
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
California masonry contractor license requirements, class by class
Here’s what our sources confirm for the C-29. Anything marked “Not stated” should be checked with the CSLB.
| Requirement | C-29 Masonry Contractor |
|---|---|
| Experience | Required (amount not stated) |
| Trade exam | C-29 Masonry |
| Law & Business exam | Required |
| Exam format | Closed book |
| Exam pre-approval | Required from the Board |
| Application fee | $450 (plus $200–$350 initial license fee) |
Steps
How to get your California masonry contractor license, step by step
- Get the required experienceBefore you apply
Build hands-on masonry experience. The Board must accept your experience before you can test. - Apply to the CSLBBefore the exam
Submit your application. You’re scheduled for exams only after the Board pre-approves you. - Schedule your examsAfter pre-approval
The Board sets a time and date for your two exams. - Pass the C-29 trade examExam day
Closed book. Covers planning and estimating, masonry walls, veneer and stone, fireplaces and chimneys, and safety. - Pass the Law & Business examExam day
Closed book. Covers business organization, finances, employment, bonds and liens, contracts, licensing, safety and public works. - Receive your licenseAfter you pass
Finish any remaining Board requirements and get your C-29 license.
Exam
What to expect on the California masonry contractor exam
You need to pass two closed-book exams: the C-29 Masonry trade exam and the California Law & Business exam.
Format
Closed book
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
Scheduled by the CSLB
Scoring & content
- C-29: planning and estimating, job site preparation, masonry wall and building installation and repair
- C-29: decorative masonry, veneer and stone, fireplaces, chimneys and outdoor cooking areas, personnel and job site safety
- Law & Business: business organization and finances, employment requirements, bonds, insurance and liens
- Law & Business: contracts, licensing requirements, safety and public works
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Rescheduling an exam costs $100; check with the CSLB for waiting periods
- You must be pre-approved before you can schedule
Exam references · Closed book
The state hasn’t published a reference list for this exam in our sources. Check the candidate bulletin from the exam vendor before you buy books.
The C-29 trade exam and the Law and Business exam are closed book, so no books are allowed in the exam room.
Prep
Best California masonry contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a California masonry contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (one classification, includes exams) | Fixed | $450 |
| Exam fees | Fixed | Included in application fee |
| Initial license fee | Fixed | $200 sole owner / $350 other entities |
| Exam rescheduling | Fixed | $100 each time |
| Bonds and insurance | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Before bond and insurance premiums; $650 sole owner, $800 other entities | $650–$800 |
Fees from the CSLB List of All CSLB Fees and 16 CCR 811, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does California accept out-of-state masonry contractor licenses?
Our sources don’t list any reciprocity agreements for the C-29 Masonry license.
No reciprocity agreements
Our sources don’t list any, so plan to apply as a new applicant and pass both exams. Ask the CSLB if your out-of-state license helps.
Local
Do California cities and counties have their own masonry contractor licensing rules?
Your C-29 license is issued by the state. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- C-29 licenses and classifications
- Application review and exam scheduling
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Building permits and inspections
- Local business licenses where required
Governance
Who regulates masonry contractors in California
Licensing authority
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Contact details aren’t listed in our sources; check the CSLB website
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues C-29 and other contractor licenses
- Reviews experience and pre-approves exam candidates
- Schedules the trade and Law & Business exams
- Disciplines licensed contractors
Maintenance
How to renew your California masonry contractor license and keep it active
Our sources don’t cover the C-29 renewal cycle or requirements. Active renewal costs $450 for a sole owner or $700 for other entities; check with the CSLB for your renewal date.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
$450 sole owner / $700 other entities (active)
Late penalty
$675 sole owner / $1,050 other entities (active delinquent renewal)
FAQ
California masonry contractor license FAQs
What license do I need to do masonry in California?
The C-29 Masonry Contractor license. It covers block, brick, stone, terra cotta, refractory work, masonry walls and fences, veneer, paving and incidental waterproofing.
How many exams do I take for the C-29?
Two: the C-29 Masonry trade exam and the California Law & Business exam.
Is the California masonry exam open book?
No. Both California exams are closed book.
Can I schedule the exam myself?
Not until the Board pre-approves your application. The Board then sets your exam date and time.
Does the C-29 cover tile?
Ceramic veneer is included, but the C-29 scope specifically excludes tile.
Sources
Official sources for the California masonry contractor license
- California Contractors State License Board, C-29 Masonry Contractor classification
- California Contractors State License Board, Law & Business examination
- CSLB, List of All CSLB Fees
- CSLB, 16 CCR 811 Fees (final text)
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.