The UN-Official CSLB License Checklist
Track Your Progress: From Application to Activation
Print this document and physically check off each milestone to ensure you do not miss any critical paperwork, fees, or deadlines on your path to becoming a licensed California contractor.
Phase 1: Application Preparation & SUBMITTAL
Determine Your Business Entity
Select whether you are filing as a Sole Owner, Partnership, LLC, Corporation, or Federally Recognized Tribe.
Note: If you choose an LLC, you will be required to pay extra for specific LLC surety and worker bonds later in the process.
Select whether you are filing as a Sole Owner, Partnership, LLC, Corporation, or Federally Recognized Tribe.
Note: If you choose an LLC, you will be required to pay extra for specific LLC surety and worker bonds later in the process.
Complete the Main Application
Fill out the Application for Original Contractor License (Form 13A-1)
Fill out the Application for Original Contractor License (Form 13A-1)
Validate Work Experience
Fill out the Certificate of Work Experience, detailing your 4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years. (Form 13A-11
Fill out the Certificate of Work Experience, detailing your 4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years. (Form 13A-11
Gather Required Signatures
Ensure both the Qualifier (you) and the Certifier have physically signed the work experience documents.
Ensure both the Qualifier (you) and the Certifier have physically signed the work experience documents.
TLC Expert Document Review
Attention TLC Clients: Before submitting your application to the CSLB, please have Thompson Learning Co. review your Main Application and Certificate of Work Experience. This review ensures your application meets CSLB standards and helps prevent unnecessary rejections.
Attention TLC Clients: Before submitting your application to the CSLB, please have Thompson Learning Co. review your Main Application and Certificate of Work Experience. This review ensures your application meets CSLB standards and helps prevent unnecessary rejections.
Submit Main Application & Fee to CSLB
Mail the completed application package along with the non-refundable $450 Application Processing Fee (Check or Money Order).
Mail the completed application package along with the non-refundable $450 Application Processing Fee (Check or Money Order).
Phase 2: Processing & Clearances
Track Your Application Status
Receive your 9-digit Application Fee Number and 4-digit PIN in the mail. Check your live status at www.cslb.ca.gov under “Check Application Status” until it updates to “Posted”.
Receive your 9-digit Application Fee Number and 4-digit PIN in the mail. Check your live status at www.cslb.ca.gov under “Check Application Status” until it updates to “Posted”.
Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting
Submit your electronic fingerprints for the mandatory DOJ/FBI background check and pay the vendor rolling fees.
Submit your electronic fingerprints for the mandatory DOJ/FBI background check and pay the vendor rolling fees.
Receive Testing Approval
Wait for your official Notice to Schedule an Examination to arrive from the CSLB Testing Unit.
Wait for your official Notice to Schedule an Examination to arrive from the CSLB Testing Unit.
Phase 3: State Examinations
Schedule Exams with PSI
Book your test dates online or by phone directly with PSI, and pay the scheduling fees. Recommendation: Schedule your Law & Business and Trade exams individually, spaced about 30 days apart. This maximizes your study opportunity and minimizes exam fatigue.
Book your test dates online or by phone directly with PSI, and pay the scheduling fees. Recommendation: Schedule your Law & Business and Trade exams individually, spaced about 30 days apart. This maximizes your study opportunity and minimizes exam fatigue.
Pass the Law & Business Exam
Complete and pass the 3.5-hour computerized exam covering state laws, safety, and business management.
Complete and pass the 3.5-hour computerized exam covering state laws, safety, and business management.
Pass the Specific Trade Exam
Complete and pass the 3.5-hour computerized exam covering technical codes, math, and trade safety.
Complete and pass the 3.5-hour computerized exam covering technical codes, math, and trade safety.
Phase 4: License Activation (The 60 / 90-Day Window)
Pay the Initial License Fee
Submit $200 (Sole Owner) or $350 (Non-Sole Owner) to the CSLB Issuance Unit.
Submit $200 (Sole Owner) or $350 (Non-Sole Owner) to the CSLB Issuance Unit.
File Contractor Bond
Submit proof of your active $25,000 Contractor License Bond.
Submit proof of your active $25,000 Contractor License Bond.
Submit LLC Bonds & Insurance (If Applicable)
If structured as an LLC, file your $100,000 employee/worker bond and a $1 Million liability insurance policy.
If structured as an LLC, file your $100,000 employee/worker bond and a $1 Million liability insurance policy.
Submit Workers’ Compensation
Provide your Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (or exemption if your specific trade qualifies under current SB 1455 mandates).
Provide your Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (or exemption if your specific trade qualifies under current SB 1455 mandates).
Complete Asbestos Examination
Fill out and submit the signed Asbestos Open-Book Examination form.
Fill out and submit the signed Asbestos Open-Book Examination form.
Receive Your License
Once processed, the CSLB will generate your official number and mail your wall certificate and pocket card. You are now officially licensed to contract in California!
Once processed, the CSLB will generate your official number and mail your wall certificate and pocket card. You are now officially licensed to contract in California!
Check Off Your Exams With Confidence
Thompson Learning Co. provides the exact application reviews, realistic mock exams, and straightforward field logic you need to cross the finish line without delays.
www.ThompsonLearningCo.com