Electrical Contractors License (C-10)

A C-10 Electrical Contractor License in California is required for businesses to legally perform electrical work in the state. It is issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), ensuring that electrical contractors have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively handle electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.

A C-10 license is required for:

• Independent electricians who want to operate their own business.
• Electrical contracting companies that take on projects involving installing, repairing, or maintaining electrical systems in commercial, industrial, and residential properties.
• Unlicensed professionals working on electrical projects that exceed $1,000 in labor and materials, if the work is subject to a permit of any kind, or those who hire one or more workers to assist with the job, must have a license—even if the project is under $1,000.

A licensed C-10 contractor in California:

• Places, installs, erects, or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells, or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform or utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose.
• Works on high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems.
• Ensures compliance with California electrical codes and safety standards.
• Designs and implements custom electrical solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

With a California C-10 license, you’ll be legally authorized to work on larger projects without restrictions, including commercial and government electrical contracts, increasing your paycheck and gaining more confidence and trust from clients and partners.

A significant achievement that opens the door to higher-paying jobs and independent business opportunities, obtaining a California C-10 license is a multi-stage process. Here is what it takes to successfully navigate the licensing journey and start your career as a licensed contractor.

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

Before preparing for the exam, make sure you are an eligible applicant by checking if you match the application requirements outlined by CSLB for this type of license.

• Must be at least 18 years old to demonstrate the ability to take on job responsibilities. However, it is recommended that you be at least 23 years old due to the experience requirement.
• A minimum of four years of full-time experience in electrical work at a journeyman level. If you lack the required experience, consider working under a licensed electrical contractor to gain the necessary hands-on training. Or a college degree can be substituted for up to three years of experience.
• Valid Social Security Number or ITIN

2. File your license application

Get the application form from the CSLB website and fill it out with your personal information and qualifying journey-level experience. Ensure all details are accurate, as mistakes can lead to delays or rejection of your application.

To submit the form, you’ll have to pay a non-refundable application fee, which is currently $450 in California, and complete Live Scan fingerprinting for a criminal background check. It typically takes 3–4 weeks for the initial application review. The CSLB will notify you of the approval or might request additional documents.

3. Pass examination tests

Upon getting the application approval, you’ll also receive an approval letter with instructions to schedule your licensing exam with PSI and pay $51.43 per exam or $102.86 for two exams. The latter is a multi-choice 3.5-hour test taken on a computer at the PSI examination center, covering:

• Law and business exam to ensure your knowledge of business management and contracts, employment laws, safety regulations, licensing and legal responsibilities;
• Trade examination to prove your competence in electrical codes and safety standards, wiring methods, electrical system troubleshooting, and other specific aspects.

Notably, with our electrical contractor course, you’ll maximize your chances of successfully accomplishing your test the first time.

4. Get a contractor’s bond

To protect consumers, California law requires all licensed contractors to:

• Post a surety bond, ensuring contractors follow state laws and regulations.
• Obtain worker’s compensation insurance if you have employees;
• Pass an asbestos open book exam.

5. Obtain your electrical contractor license in California

With all requirements met and exams passed, you’ll become a happy owner of a C-10 license in California. You’ll be issued a license number and certificate once you pay a licensing fee of $200 for a sole owner and $350 for a non-sole owner. Remember that your license is valid for two years, and you must renew it before expiration to continue operating legally.

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