Quick answer: California licenses almost every construction trade through one agency — the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You need a state contractor license for any job where labor plus materials totals $1,000 or more, or that requires a building permit. Below that, minor “handyman” work is allowed without a license.
Here’s which trades CSLB licenses, the classification each falls under, and how to qualify.
Which trades need a license in California?
| Trade | State license required? | Licensing body |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | Yes | CSLB — C-36 Plumbing |
| Electrician | Yes | CSLB — C-10 Electrical |
| HVAC / AC technician | Yes | CSLB — C-20 HVAC |
| General contractor | Yes | CSLB — B General Building |
| Roofer | Yes | CSLB — C-39 Roofing |
| Painter | Yes | CSLB — C-33 Painting |
| Carpenter | Yes | CSLB — C-5 / C-6 Carpentry |
| Landscaper | Yes | CSLB — C-27 Landscaping |
| Handyman | Under $1,000 | Exempt below the threshold |
| Cleaner | No | Janitorial isn’t a CSLB trade |
“Under $1,000” means work below the exemption threshold — above it, or any job needing a permit, requires a license.
How California licenses contractors (CSLB)
California is a licensed state for essentially all construction work. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues a General Building (Class B) license and dozens of specialty (Class C) classifications — one for each trade. To qualify you generally need at least four years of journeyman-level experience, must pass a trade exam and a business & law exam, and post a $25,000 contractor bond.
The $1,000 threshold and handyman exemption
You can legally do minor work without a license only if the total price — labor plus materials — is under $1,000, the job needs no building permit, and you use no employees. As of 2025, that threshold rose from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622). Splitting a larger job into sub-$1,000 invoices to stay under the limit is illegal.
Common CSLB classifications
- B — General Building Contractor (projects involving two or more unrelated trades)
- C-36 — Plumbing
- C-10 — Electrical
- C-20 — Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating & Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
- C-39 — Roofing
- C-33 — Painting and Decorating
- C-27 — Landscaping
- C-5 / C-6 — Framing & rough / finish carpentry
Electrician certification (separate from the C-10)
Beyond the C-10 contractor license, individual electricians who work for a C-10 must hold state electrician certification from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. General certification requires roughly 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and passing a certification exam.
How to get licensed in California
- Pick your classification. Class B for general building, or the C class for your trade (C-36 plumbing, C-10 electrical, C-20 HVAC, and so on).
- Document four years of journeyman-level (or higher) experience.
- Pass the CSLB exams — a trade exam and a business & law exam.
- Post a $25,000 contractor bond and pay the application fees.
- Renew every two years to keep the license active.
Ready to price your work? Build a quote with the free estimate generator, or invoice from your phone with BIG INVOICE.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to do handyman work in California?
Only if the job is under $1,000 (labor plus materials), needs no building permit, and you use no employees. Above $1,000, or any job requiring a permit, needs a CSLB license.
What license do plumbers need in California?
A CSLB C-36 Plumbing contractor license. It requires four years of qualifying experience, passing the trade and law exams, and posting a contractor bond.
Does California require a general contractor license?
Yes. General building work of $1,000 or more requires a CSLB Class B (General Building) license.
How long does it take to get a California contractor license?
Most of the timeline is the four-year experience requirement. Once you qualify and apply, processing plus the exam typically takes a few months.
Sources: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), 2025. Licensing rules change — always confirm current requirements with the relevant state board and your local city before you work.