Requirements, fees, and steps to get your general contractor license in California. Last updated 2026-06-27. Source
| License Name | General Contractor |
| Issuing Authority | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Type | Trade + Law/Business (72% pass each) |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 |
| GL Insurance | Workers comp required if employees |
| Workers Comp | Required if employees |
| Initial Fee | $450 application + $200 initial |
| Renewal Fee | $450 biennial |
| Renewal Period | biennial |
| CE Required | varies |
| CE Hours | varies by trade |
| Reciprocity States | AZ, NV, LA (5-year good standing) |
| Experience Required | 4 (journeyman within past 10 years) |
| Financial Requirement | Contractor bond $25,000 | Qualifier bond $25,000 |
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