California Contractor License Reciprocity
Which states California has reciprocity with, the requirements and why you still take the Law and Business exam.
Quick answer
California has reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and North Carolina. If you held an active license in good standing in one of those states for the previous five years, in a reciprocal classification, CSLB may waive the trade exam. You still must pass California’s Law and Business exam.
Reciprocity Requirements
- Apply for a classification on that state’s Reciprocal Classifications List.
- Have held an active license in good standing in the reciprocal state for the previous five years.
- Have the other state’s licensing agency complete CSLB’s Request for Verification of License form.
- Complete the Application for Original Contractor’s License.
Exams Under Reciprocity
CSLB may waive the trade portion of the exam but keeps the right to require it. Everyone granted reciprocity must still take the Law and Business exam, which covers California law.
The NASCLA Option for General Builders
Contractors from any state who passed the NASCLA Commercial General Builders exam can request a waiver for the Class B General Building trade exam if they held a general building license in good standing for the previous five years. They submit the verification form, a signed request for the NASCLA waiver and share their NASCLA results with California. See the Class B license guide.
From Any Other State
Without reciprocity, out of state contractors apply like any other applicant. Experience as an out of state licensed contractor can count toward the four years. See how to get a contractor license.
Prepare for the Law and Business Exam
CSLP has prepared California contractors for their CSLB exams since 2013. Our courses include help with your CSLB application, online law and trade books with practice questions and weekly live classes in English and Spanish, from $595. Compare course options.
Content reviewed against CSLB sources: November 2026
CSLP is an independent contractor license school and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Contractors State License Board. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm current requirements with CSLB.Online California Contractor License Courses
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California Contractor License Reciprocity: FAQs
Does California have reciprocity with Texas or Florida?
No. CSLB’s formal reciprocity agreements are with Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and North Carolina.
Do I still take the Law and Business exam with reciprocity?
Yes. Reciprocity can waive the trade exam, but every reciprocity applicant must take California’s Law and Business exam.
I am licensed in California. Can I get reciprocity in another state?
Ask the other state for its reciprocity form and have it forwarded to CSLB.