A painting & decorating contractor license will allow a contractor to prepare surface by scraping, sandblasting or other means and apply any of the following: paints, papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, turpentines, japans, driers, thinners, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives, water and any other vehicles, mediums and materials which adhere by evaporation and may be mixed, used and applied to the surfaces of structures and the appurtenances thereto for purposes of decorating, protecting, fireproofing and waterproofing.
Before you can apply for your painting & decorating contractors license, you must meet the following experience requirements:
Don't have 4 years of painting & decorating experience? A college degree can be substituted for up to three years of that experience.
The State accepts self-employed experience.
In order to obtain your painting & decorating contractors license, you are required to pass the Trade examination as well as the Law & Business exam.
*Even though you can apply for a painting & decorating contractors license when you are 18 years old, it is recommended that you be at least 23 years old due to experience requirement.
Includes 120-days access to Law & Trade videos, audio, reading, and practice exams
$495.00
Regular Price: $595.00
Our live classes are available throughout California. Includes Study Material
$595.00
Comes with a 120-day complimentary access to our online tests
$295.00
Limited Time Offer | Save $500
For Just $1200.00 $695.00
This special offer includes:
Full Online Course
Live Streaming Classes
We Pay Your 1st Year Contractors License Bond
Expires 1/31/2026
We've created a step-by-step guide that walks you through everything you need to know about obtaining your C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor License in California, from eligibility and application to exam preparation and compliance. Get clarity on the entire process before you begin.
The C-33 prep course is a comprehensive training program that not only prepares students for the CSLB Painting & Decorating exam but also provides valuable knowledge for running a successful painting business, ensuring that future painting contractors are fully equipped to take on professional projects with confidence.
We provide step-by-step guidance on filling out and submitting a contractor application to avoid mistakes and minimize delays and rejection risks.
To familiarize yourself with a state testing system, real exam structure, and question formats, youāll get access to mock tests available online or via our mobile app. They simulate real exam conditions to help you test the waters before state exams.
Youāll get access to comprehensive, well-structured, and illustrated materials covering all related topics for trade and law exams, including study guides, textbooks, online lectures, and live instruction classes, depending on the study option you choose.
Compatible with over 8,000 devices
When you enroll in any of our courses, youāll get full access to our powerful mobile learning app, designed to help you study on your schedule. Whether you're on the job site, at home, or on a break, you can study when it's most convenient for you.


I was able to pass my contractor exam with their online program within 6 months. I recommend
ā Alex Romo


Great online platform and great customer service when needed.
ā Mark Cappelletti


Great platform to study and excellent personal they help me out to the entire process
ā Josue Mejia
Our students donāt just study. They pass.With our proven teaching methods, 98% of students pass their exams on the first try. You can feel confident you're investing in a program that truly works and sets you up for success from day one.
Our students don't just study. They pass.With our proven teaching methods, 98% of students pass their exams on the first try. You can feel confident you're investing in a program that truly works and sets you up for success from day one.
Yes. Any painting or decorating project valued at $1,000 or more in labor and materials requires a C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor License issued by the CSLB. This ensures that you're legally qualified to perform professional painting work in California. The license is also required for projects under $1,000 if the work requires any type of permit or if the unlicensed individual hires other workers to assist.
To get your C-33 license, you must meet the CSLB requirements, submit your application, and pass two exams - the Law & Business exam and the Painting Trade exam. Our program guides you step by step through this process to make it simple and efficient.
With our program, most students earn their C-33 Painting & Decorating License within 6 to 8 weeks, depending on CSLB processing times.
Our C-33 prep courses include a 100% Pass Exam Money-Back Guarantee. If you take our In-Class or Live Streaming course and don't pass, we'll even cover your retest fee.
Get expert guidance with your CSLB application and exam preparation so you can get licensed quickly and grow your business with confidence.
Prefer to talk it through? Call us and get personalized advice from our friendly support team.