CSLB webinar outlines who needs a California contractor license and how to apply

Presenter (Presenter) and CSLB staff (Staff member) used a recorded online workshop to walk prospective applicants through the application, documentation, exam and post-licensure steps required to obtain a California contractor’s license.

The presenters said a state contractor’s license is required for any construction project that totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials; the total may not be split into smaller jobs to avoid the threshold, and the exemption does not apply when a building permit is required or the person employs others. The staff member cited the statutory definition in Business and Professions Code §7026.1, which covers anyone who undertakes, offers to undertake, advertises, or bids on construction work.

CSLB staff explained applicants must be at least 18 and have a Social Security number or ITIN. To qualify, an applicant must document four years (48 months) of trade experience within the last 10 years at the journeyperson, foreperson/supervising employee, contractor or owner-builder level, or an entity must designate a qualified individual (the "qualifier") who meets that experience requirement and will assume direct supervision and responsibility for the company’s operations. The presenter noted that CSLB licenses…