Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in California?

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is responsible for reviewing applications and granting C36 Plumbing contractor licenses to qualified individuals who have successfully passed the required examinations.

Plumbing Licensing Requirements in California

To obtain a C36 Plumbing contractor's license in California, you must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years or older.
• 4 years of journey-level experience in plumbing, meaning you’ve been doing plumbing without supervision and are fully qualified to perform the trade.
• Possess an SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Duration to Become a Licensed Plumber

For those with no prior experience, becoming a licensed plumber typically takes 4-5 years. Journeyman plumbers with the necessary experience can complete the process in a few weeks to a couple of months. The timeline may vary based on factors such as application volume, exam availability, and application completeness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a C-36 License

Obtaining a plumbing contractor license is a big milestone for an experienced and qualified specialist striving to grow their professional career and win better business opportunities. While the process might seem complex, by staying organized and preparing thoroughly, you’ll be well on your way to running a licensed, reputable plumbing business.

So, here are detailed instructions on how to get a plumbing license.

Verify your experience

With a minimum requirement of 4 years of journey-level experience for a C-36 plumbing license applicant, CSLB is quite flexible in how you gained your experience, accepting:

• W-2 employment as a plumber for a licensed contractor.
• Self-employment as a sole proprietor.
• Union or apprenticeship training meeting journey-level standards.
• College degree (substituting 3 years of experience).

At the same time, the CSLB won’t take your word for it; you’ll have to verify your experience by filling out the Certificate of Work Experience. You should describe your work duties in detail and get this form signed by an authorized certifier: a licensed contractor, employer, foreman, or union representative.

If you cannot prove your qualifying plumbing experience, your application will be rejected, so take this step seriously. Besides, be ready to provide any additional documents the CSLB may require to confirm your qualifications.

Submit your application to the CSLB

To formally launch the licensing process, you should apply to the CSLB, subject to meeting all the above requirements for the plumbing license California has in place. You should complete the Application for Original Contractor License (online or in a PDF format), print it out, and submit it to the CSLB along with a properly executed Certificate of Work Experience and an application fee payment. Currently, a non-refundable application fee for a single classification is $450. Mail the completed forms and fee payment confirmation to P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826.

Once submitted, application processing typically takes about 4–6 weeks, depending on the current volume and whether any corrections or clarifications are needed. At Contractors Intelligence School, application review and assistance are a part of every educational program we offer, helping you avoid errors and prevent possible delays.

Undergo fingerprinting and background check

Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive a Notice to Appear for Examination with instructions for completing a criminal background check through fingerprinting. It’s a mandatory procedure for all applicants to verify that they don’t have any criminal convictions that would prevent them from getting a plumbing contractor's license.

• Visit an accredited Live Scan location near you.
• Bring the required form sent by CSLB, including the CSLB’s ORI code, job title, and mailing information, and a valid ID.
• Pay the Live Scan fee, which might slightly vary by location, yet normally falls between $50 and $75.

Your fingerprints are securely transmitted to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for state and federal checks accordingly. Fingerprint results are typically processed and sent to the CSLB within 1 to 2 weeks. Note that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting licensed. The CSLB considers the nature, severity, and recency of any offense, and whether you’ve demonstrated rehabilitation.

Pass the Law & Business and Trade Exams

The CSLB has contracted PSI Exams to administer state contractor examinations. Once your application is approved, you can schedule your test dates with PSI Exams. Call PSI directly or visit their website, create an online account, and select your desired test date and location. Flexible scheduling allows applicants to focus on passing one exam at a time.

To obtain your C-36 license, you’ll have to pass two exams:

• Law & Business Exam covering California construction law, contract law, employment law, business management, safety regulations, and lien laws.
• C-36 Trade Exam focusing specifically on plumbing systems, codes, tools, safety, water and gas systems, and more.

Both exams are in a multiple-choice format and closed-book, with no added materials allowed during testing. Each test will consist of up to 115 questions and last 3.5 hours. You’ll receive your results immediately after completion. If you fail, the CSLB allows retesting after 3 weeks (with a minor retest fee applied).

To prepare for the exams, you can choose a self-study path and use the official CSLB guides or enroll in structured training at Contractors Intelligence School. With us, you’ll get prepared faster and can be nearly 100% sure of passing the exams on the first try, like 98% of our trainees do. Don’t leave your success to chance. Enroll in our proven C-36 License Prep Course to gain knowledge and confidence.

Get bonded and insured

Bonding and insurance requirements are in place to ensure that licensed contractors operate with financial responsibility and accountability, both to clients and to employees. After passing the exams, you’ll get 90 days to provide the CSLB with:

• Contractor license bond that amounts to a minimum of $25,000.
• Workers’ compensation insurance if you hire full-time or part-time employees.
• Workers’ compensation exemption certification if you don’t have hired employees.
• General liability insurance, which is optional yet highly recommended to cover property damage, bodily injury, and legal fees if you're sued due to work-related incidents.

You can acquire the necessary bond and insurance through surety bond providers and agencies, as well as insurance brokers that often offer instant online quotes and same-day electronic delivery to the CSLB.

Receive and activate your license

When you file the required supportive documents with the CSLB, you should pay an initial licensing fee of $200 for a sole owner and $350 for a non-sole owner to activate your license. You will receive an official CSLB license number, a wall certificate, and a pocket license card by mail, while your business info will be listed publicly in the CSLB license database.

To maintain your C-36 license in good standing, you’ll have to renew it every 2 years. The CSLB will send you a renewal reminder 60 days in advance, and you’ll have to pay a renewal fee of $450 for a sole owner and $700 for a non-sole owner.

Should any changes occur in your business name or address, you should inform the CSLB within 90 days of such change by filing an Application to Change Business Name or Address. Mind, though, that if those changes entail a new registration number for your business, you’ll have to file for a new license.

As a licensed contractor, you are also expected to keep up with changes in California state laws and building codes, environmental regulations, employment laws, and safety standards. So, subscribing to the CSLB newsletters and alerts won’t go amiss.

Closing Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to become a licensed C36 plumbing contractor in California is a rewarding and potentially lucrative endeavor. While the path may be challenging, the opportunities for growth and success in the plumbing industry are abundant. So, take that first step, contact Contractors Intelligence School at 800-425-7570 and with dedication and determination, you can achieve your goal of becoming a licensed plumbing contractor. Your journey awaits, and the plumbing industry is ready for your expertise and skills.