CSLB C-10 License Requirements: The 2026 Checklist

Getting your CSLB C-10 Electrical Contractor license requires meeting specific experience, examination, and financial requirements. Here's a complete checklist for 2026 applicants.

Experience Requirements

CSLB requires a minimum of 4 years (48 months) of journey-level experience in the C-10 electrical classification. This experience must be verified on the application and may be subject to CSLB verification.

• Journey-level experience: Work performed as a skilled electrician at the journeyman level. Apprenticeship time completed under a certified program counts toward this requirement.
• Education substitution: Technical education or training from an accredited institution may substitute for up to 3 years of experience. Each year of education substitutes for 1 year of experience.
• Qualifying individual: One person must qualify for the license by meeting the experience requirement. This is the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or Responsible Managing Officer (RMO).
• Experience documentation: You'll need former employers or journey-level electricians to certify your experience on CSLB forms.

Application Process

The application follows these steps:

• Step 1: Complete and submit the CSLB Contractor License Application with the $450 application fee.
• Step 2: Submit fingerprints via Live Scan ($50-80) for a background check by the DOJ and FBI.
• Step 3: CSLB reviews your application (processing time varies, typically 6-12 weeks).
• Step 4: Once approved, CSLB sends exam scheduling instructions via PSI.
• Step 5: Pass both the C-10 Trade exam and Law & Business exam.
• Step 6: Submit required bonds, insurance documentation, and the initial license fee ($225).
• Step 7: CSLB issues your C-10 contractor license.

Exam Requirements

• C-10 Trade Exam: 115 questions, 72% passing score, 3.5-hour time limit. Tests electrical knowledge including NEC, California Electrical Code, and trade practices.
• Law & Business Exam: 115 questions, 72% passing score, 3.5-hour time limit. Tests California business law, safety regulations, contract law, and financial management.
• Both exams are closed-book. No reference materials allowed at the PSI testing center.
• Retake policy: If you fail an exam, you must wait at least 18 days before retaking it. You only need to retake the exam you failed.

Financial Requirements

Bond Requirements

• Contractor's License Bond ($25,000): Required for all contractors. Protects consumers from financial harm. You pay an annual premium (not the full $25,000).
• Qualifying Individual Bond ($12,500): Required only if the qualifier (RME/RMO) is not an owner of the business.
• Disciplinary Bond: If you have a history of complaints or disciplinary actions, CSLB may require an additional bond.

License Maintenance

Once licensed, you must:

• Renew every 2 years ($450 renewal fee)
• Maintain continuous bond coverage
• Maintain workers' compensation insurance (or valid exemption)
• Report any changes to business information within 90 days
• Include your license number in all advertising
• Respond to consumer complaints filed with CSLB