CSLB Application Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Before You Apply

Confirm you need a license and which classification fits your work. You need a California contractor license for construction work when the project requires a building permit, when you use any employees or additional workers, or when the total cost of labor and materials on one or more contracts for the project is $1,000 or more. A larger job cannot be split into smaller contracts to stay under $1,000. Every new applicant must also complete the asbestos open book exam before a license can be issued.

Step 2: Apply for the Exam

Submit the Application for Original Contractor’s License with the $450 fee. If you must take the exam, apply for one classification only. See how to apply.

Step 3: Document Your Experience

Show four years of journey level experience from the last ten years on the Certification of Work Experience form. No additional experience verification is accepted after your application is accepted. See verifying your experience.

Step 4: If Your Application Is Returned

Incomplete applications are returned. Correct them and resubmit within 90 days, or the application becomes void and you must start over with a new fee.

Step 5: When Your Application Is Accepted

You receive a fingerprinting packet and a Notice to Schedule an Examination. You schedule each exam with PSI and pay the exam fees directly to PSI.

Step 6: Get Fingerprinted

Take the Request for Live Scan Service form to a Live Scan site, pay the $49 processing fee and the site’s rolling fee, and send CSLB its copy of the form within 90 days.

Step 7: Study and Take Your Exams

Each exam allows three and a half hours, and you get your result before you leave the test center. You have 18 months from acceptance to pass. See how to schedule your exam and the exam day checklist.

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Step 8: Meet the Issuance Requirements

After you pass, CSLB sends a bond and fee letter. File the $25,000 contractor bond, any Bond of Qualifying Individual, workers’ compensation proof or exemption, the asbestos open book exam and the initial license fee.

Step 9: Check Your Status

Use the Application Fee Number and PIN from your acknowledgment letter to check your status at any time. See checking your application status.

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