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California contractor license types

CSLB issues general engineering (A), general building (B), residential remodeling (B-2) and dozens of specialty (C) licenses. Make sure the license matches your job. Our A vs B vs C guide explains the difference.

General licenses

ClassWhat it coversLicenses
A General Engineering ContractorHeavy and public-works construction that needs engineering know-how: roads, bridges, grading, pipelines, dams and similar fixed works.15,229
B General Building ContractorStructures for people, animals or property, where the job involves at least two unrelated building trades, or framing work.107,757
B-2 Residential Remodeling ContractorRemodels of existing homes that involve three or more unrelated trades, without changes to load-bearing parts of the structure.1,755

Specialty (C) licenses

ClassWhat it coversLicenses
C-2 Insulation and Acoustical ContractorThermal and sound insulation, including blown, batt and acoustical ceiling materials.1,210
C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting ContractorBoilers, hot-water heating systems and steam piping.708
C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry ContractorWood framing, rough carpentry, sheathing and structural wood members.1,093
C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry ContractorCabinets, built-ins, trim, doors and other finish woodwork.4,450
C-7 Low Voltage Systems ContractorLow-voltage wiring for communications, alarms, data, sound and similar systems (not fire alarm systems).4,909
C-8 Concrete ContractorForming, pouring, finishing and repairing concrete: slabs, driveways, foundations and flatwork.5,608
C-9 Drywall ContractorGypsum wallboard installation, taping and texturing.3,335
C-10 Electrical ContractorElectrical wiring, panels, fixtures and equipment for generating, carrying and using electricity.29,124
C-11 Elevator ContractorInstalling, maintaining and repairing elevator systems.221
C-12 Earthwork and Paving ContractorsExcavation, grading, trenching and asphalt or concrete paving.2,498
C-13 Fencing ContractorFences, gates and related barriers of any material.1,905
C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering ContractorsHardwood, laminate, vinyl, carpet and other floor coverings.7,112
C-16 Fire Protection ContractorFire sprinkler and other fire suppression systems.2,266
C-17 Glazing ContractorWindows, glass doors, storefronts, mirrors and other glass installation.3,162
C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning ContractorFurnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning, ductwork and ventilation.12,227
C-21 Building Moving/Demolition ContractorDemolishing structures and moving whole buildings.1,889
C-22 Asbestos Abatement ContractorRemoving, encapsulating and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.320
C-23 Ornamental Metal ContractorDecorative metal railings, gates, grilles and similar work.1,107
C-27 Landscaping ContractorPlanting, irrigation, hardscape, garden walls and other landscape construction.12,644
C-28 Lock and Security Equipment ContractorLocks, door hardware, safes and security equipment.375
C-29 Masonry ContractorBrick, block, stone and other masonry construction.2,118
C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control ContractorTemporary traffic control in work zones: signs, barricades and striping.482
C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement ContractorParking-lot striping, signage, curb stops and highway safety features.518
C-33 Painting and Decorating ContractorInterior and exterior painting, coatings and wall coverings.16,194
C-34 Pipeline ContractorUnderground and above-ground pipelines for water, gas, sewer and other fluids.554
C-35 Lathing and Plastering ContractorLath, plaster and stucco systems, inside and out.1,882
C-36 Plumbing ContractorWater, drain, waste, vent and gas piping and fixtures inside a property.18,279
C-38 Refrigeration ContractorCommercial and residential refrigeration equipment and walk-in coolers.1,662
C-39 Roofing ContractorRoof coverings of every type, plus waterproofing on roofs.5,805
C-42 Sanitation System ContractorSeptic tanks, leach fields and sewer connections.978
C-43 Sheet Metal ContractorSheet-metal fabrication and installation, such as ducts, gutters and flashing.1,315
C-45 Sign ContractorFabricating and installing electrical and non-electrical signs.887
C-46 Solar ContractorSolar thermal and photovoltaic systems.1,184
C-47 General Manufactured Housing ContractorInstalling, repairing and setting up manufactured and mobile homes.459
C-49 Tree and Palm ContractorTree and palm planting, pruning, trimming and removal.665
C-50 Reinforcing Steel ContractorRebar and other steel reinforcement for concrete.258
C-51 Structural Steel ContractorErecting structural steel shapes, plates and frames.1,583
C-53 Swimming Pool ContractorBuilding and remodeling swimming pools and spas.2,951
C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile ContractorCeramic, porcelain, stone and mosaic tile installation.6,387
C-55 Water Conditioning ContractorWater softeners, filtration and treatment equipment.312
C-57 Well Drilling ContractorDrilling, deepening and repairing water wells.736
C-60 Welding ContractorWelding and cutting of metal on construction projects.1,119
C-61 Limited SpecialtyA catch-all for narrow trades, each tied to a D-subcategory such as window coverings, doors and gates, or pool maintenance.19,063

Certifications

ClassWhat it coversLicenses
ASB Asbestos CertificationA certification, added to a license, that allows asbestos-related work incidental to the licensed trade.790
HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal CertificationA certification, added to an eligible license (such as A, B, C-12, C-21, C-36 or C-57), for hazardous substance removal and site remediation.1,825

Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.