Get Licensed

How to Become a California Contractor

The process for becoming a licensed California contractor involves a number of steps. In general, you must:

  • Have at Least Four Years of Relevant Experience
  • Submit the Application
  • Pass the Exam
  • Submit Your Fingerprints at a Live Scan Location and Pass a Background Check
  • Purchase a Contractor License Bond
  • Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance (unless you have no employees)

The entire process is fairly involved and can be somewhat expensive. For a slightly longer overview, please refer to Building Your Career as a Licensed Contractor (Spanish).

For a more thorough overview, please check out this publication: Blueprint for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor.