How to become a general contractor in California

California licenses general contractors through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).¹ You need a license for any job that needs a building permit, uses employees, or totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials.

From $650in board fees to get licensed $46.96median an hour in California

The license steps

Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

Get the experience
You must be 18 or older and have 4 full years of experience in the classification within the last 10 years, as a journey-level worker, foreman, supervisor or contractor.
Issued by
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Pass the exams
Two exams: Law and Business, and a trade exam for your classification (C-61 has no trade exam).
Issued by
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
California license exam
Line up the bond and insurance
You file a $25,000 contractor bond, or deposit a $25,000 cashier's check. LLC licensees must carry liability insurance with an aggregate limit of at least $1,000,000 for five or fewer people on the personnel of record, plus $100,000 for each additional person, up to $5,000,000 (B&P Code 7071.19).
California bond and insurance
Apply for the license$450
The application is $450 for one classification.
Issued by
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Cost
$450
California contractor license steps

Board fees: from $650, plus the bond and insurance premiums.²

How do you start as a general contractor in California?

There are three ways in: a registered apprenticeship (22 programs in California), trade school (69 schools with general contractor programs), or a helper or trainee job with a licensed general contractor.