General Construction License in California: Process, Cost & Steps

In case you intend to engage in construction projects in California, then it is compulsory that you acquire a General Construction License in California. There are stringent regulations in the state to safeguard consumers and provide a standard of safety and quality of construction. Any construction project with an estimated cost over $500 (including both labor and materials) requires a license from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
This guide explains all the steps from eligibility to final license approval, helping you understand exactly what to do and how to prepare.

Learning the General Construction License (Class B)

The General Building Contractor License, also known as Class B, allows contractors to work on projects that involve two or more unrelated construction trades in California. These trades may include framing, carpentry, electrical and plumbing coordination, and structural work. Contractors typically use this license for residential and commercial buildings, remodels, and large-scale construction projects.

If your work focuses on a single specialized trade, you may need a specialty license. However, a Class B license remains essential for managing and executing the overall project.

Requirements Step 1: Basic Eligibility Requirements

The minimum requirements before application include:

Be 18 years or older
possess a valid social security number (SSN) or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
Have the necessary experience in construction.
Requirements Be a citizen of the United States, or be an alien who meets the following conditions: Is legally established as eligible to work in the United States;

These conditions are aimed at making sure that the applicants are responsible in the eyes of law and can fulfill their construction duties.

Step 2: Receive the necessary working experience

The demonstration of work experience is one of the most significant procedures when it comes to obtaining a General Construction License in California. The CSLB requires:

Four years of journey level experience at minimum.
Experience should not be older than 10 years.
The work should be associated to general building construction.

Journey-level experience does not include work as a trainee or a helper but as a worker with direct responsibility.

The roles of experience acceptable are:

Journeyman
Foreman or supervisor
Contractor
Owner-builder

Step 3: Report and Check Your Experience

In your application, you have to present a Certification of Work Experience. In this form, one is required to sign, and be able to establish your experience, which could include:

A licensed contractor
Employer or supervisor
Client (for owner-builders)

It is very important to provide correct and truthful information. The falsified or misrepresented information may lead to the rejection of the application or loss of the license in the future.

Step 4: Hand in the CSLB Application

When you have recorded your experience, fill out the Application for Original Contractor License and forward it to the CSLB. This application includes:

Personal information
Type of business entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation)
Classification of license (Class B).
Work experience details

At the time of submissions, there is a fee that should be paid. The processing times are different, but they are usually several weeks.

Step 5: Fail the Background Check and Fingerprinting

Once you submit your application, the CSLB requires a criminal background check. Applicants must complete Live Scan fingerprinting, which verifies identity and checks criminal records.

Having a criminal history does not automatically disqualify you. The CSLB evaluates each case based on honesty, rehabilitation, and the relevance of the offense to construction work. Failing to disclose information is considered more serious than the offense itself.

Step 6: Have a readiness to pass the CSLB Exams

To receive a General Construction License in California, it is required that the applicant passes two exams which are mandatory:

1. Law and Business Exam

This exam covers:

The laws and regulations of the contractors.
Business management
Contract requirements
Employment laws
Safety regulations
Licensing rules

2. Exam in General Building (Class B)

This exam is devoted to the practical construction knowledge, which includes:

Project planning and estimating.
Structural and framing elements.
Mechanical and electric coordination.
Building systems
Job-site safety

It is important to prepare well in the exams since failure of either exam stalls licensing.

Step 7: Pass and Take the CSLB Exams

The two exams are computer-based, multiple choice tests, which are administered in testing centers of CSLB. Any exam with a score of less than 72% will fail.

Immediately after completion, results are often availed. In case of failure, CSLB has retakes that follow after a waiting period.

Step 8: Authenticate Bonding and Insurance Requirement

Once you have passed the exams, you are supposed to provide evidence of financial responsibility to have your license issued. This includes:

A Contractor’s License Bond
A Bond of Qualifying Individual (as necessary)

Workers Compensations Insurance (this is necessary unless you have no employees)

These conditions guard the customers, the employees and the community against financial loss or liability.

Step 9: Accept Your License Approval

After CSLB has verified all the documents, the bonds, and insurance, your General Construction License in California is released. At this point, you can bid and do statewide construction work legally.

Your license number should be displayed on:

Contracts
Business cards
Advertising materials
Company vehicles

Step 10: Renew and Maintain Your License

A General Construction License is to be renewed after every two years. To stay compliant:

Pay renewal fees on time
Have vigorous connections and insurance.
Inform CSLB of change in business.
Adhere to the California construction laws and safety regulations.

Non compliance can lead to a fine, suspension or cancellation of a license.

The Importance of being Licensed

Holding a valid license:

Builds customer trust
Expands job opportunities
Protects you legally
Enhances competitiveness credibility.
Opens up to bigger projects and government contracts.

Working on the illegal basis may lead to severe fines and penalties.

Final Thoughts

The California General Construction License process may take time, but it ensures that contractors meet professional, legal, and safety standards. Completing all the specified requirements, gaining experience, passing the examination, and following compliance rules positions you for long-term success in the construction industry.

A licensed contractor not only gains the legal right to work but also builds credibility, achieves stability, and unlocks growth opportunities in California’s competitive construction market.

How Do you obtain a general construction license in California?