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 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.
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.