General Contractor License Requirements in California
| Licensing Authority | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) |
| License Type | B - General Building |
| Experience Required | 4 years of journeyman-level experience within the last 10 years |
| Education Substitute | Accredited construction management degree substitutes up to 3 years (minimum 1 year hands-on required) |
| Exam Required | Yes — Law & Business + B - General Building Trade |
| Bond Required | Yes — $25,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 6-12 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $450 |
| Initial License Fee | $200 |
| Fingerprinting | $49 |
| Est. Initial Total | $699 |
Renewal: $450 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Law & Business
B - General Building Trade
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in California
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in California. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Local requirements on top of your California license
The CSLB general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in California. On top of it, most California cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in California as a general contractor — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Contractors State License Board issues the B - General Building; the business that invoices California customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
California requires a $25,000 surety bond. Contractor license bond; premium typically $100-$500/year based on credit. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
California does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers comp required if you have employees. Sole proprietors may file an exemption. Contractor insurance requirements→
Register locally.
Most California cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck general contractor businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $450.
Other licenses in California
- Electrician license in California
Statewide license required · $699 in initial government fees · CSLB
- Plumber license in California
Statewide license required · $699 in initial government fees · CSLB
- HVAC Technician license in California
Statewide license required · $699 in initial government fees · CSLB
- Roofing Contractor license in California
Statewide license required · $699 in initial government fees · CSLB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in California?
Yes, California requires a statewide general contractor license through the Contractors State License Board.
How much does a general contractor license cost in California?
The estimated initial cost is $699, including application, exam, and license fees. A $25,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in California?
4 years of journeyman-level experience within the last 10 years Education substitute: Accredited construction management degree substitutes up to 3 years (minimum 1 year hands-on required)
What exams are required for a general contractor license in California?
You must pass the Law & Business and B - General Building Trade exams. A passing score of 72% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in California?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond is required. Contractor license bond; premium typically $100-$500/year based on credit
Does California have general contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, California has reciprocity agreements with 4 states that may apply to general contractors. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in California?
Processing time is typically 6-12 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in California?
No, California does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in California— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: CSLB