California Contractor License Classifications: A, B, and Every C License
Updated November 1, 2026
CSLB licenses contractors by classification, which is the trade or type of work you can contract for. There are three branches, plus limited specialties under C-61.
General contractors
| Class | Name | Principal business |
|---|---|---|
| A | General Engineering | Fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, such as roads, bridges, pipelines, dams, and grading |
| B | General Building | Structures requiring at least two unrelated building trades or crafts |
| B-2 | Residential Remodeling | Nonstructural projects on existing residential wood frame structures requiring at least three unrelated trades |
See what a B license allows for its limits.
C specialty licenses
| Class | Trade |
|---|---|
| C-2 | Insulation and Acoustical |
| C-4 | Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting |
| C-5 | Framing and Rough Carpentry |
| C-6 | Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry |
| C-7 | Low Voltage Systems |
| C-8 | Concrete * |
| C-9 | Drywall |
| C-10 | Electrical |
| C-11 | Elevator |
| C-12 | Earthwork and Paving |
| C-13 | Fencing |
| C-15 | Flooring and Floor Covering |
| C-16 | Fire Protection |
| C-17 | Glazing |
| C-20 | Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning * |
| C-21 | Building Moving/Demolition |
| C-22 | Asbestos Abatement * |
| C-23 | Ornamental Metal |
| C-27 | Landscaping |
| C-28 | Lock and Security Equipment |
| C-29 | Masonry |
| C-31 | Construction Zone Traffic Control |
| C-32 | Parking and Highway Improvement |
| C-33 | Painting and Decorating |
| C-34 | Pipeline |
| C-35 | Lathing and Plastering |
| C-36 | Plumbing |
| C-38 | Refrigeration |
| C-39 | Roofing * |
| C-42 | Sanitation System |
| C-43 | Sheet Metal |
| C-45 | Sign |
| C-46 | Solar |
| C-47 | General Manufactured Housing |
| C-49 | Tree and Palm |
| C-50 | Reinforcing Steel |
| C-51 | Structural Steel |
| C-53 | Swimming Pool |
| C-54 | Ceramic and Mosaic Tile |
| C-55 | Water Conditioning |
| C-57 | Well Drilling |
| C-60 | Welding |
| C-61 | Limited Specialty (see below) |
* CSLB requires workers' comp for these, and for C-61/D-49 Tree Service, even with no employees.
C-61 limited specialties
C-61 covers specialty work that does not fit another classification, and your license is limited to the scope CSLB accepts. CSLB tracks these under D subcategories, such as D-03 Awnings, D-12 Synthetic Products, D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices, D-34 Prefabricated Equipment, D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance, D-41 Siding and Decking, D-50 Suspended Ceilings, and D-52 Window Coverings. CSLB's Description of Classifications has the full list.
Certifications
Asbestos and hazardous substance removal are separate certifications with their own applications. CSLB issues hazardous substance removal certifications only to holders of A, B, C-12, C-21, C-36, C-57, or C-61/D-40 licenses.
How to choose
- Start from your experience. The qualifier needs four years at journeyman level or higher in that classification within the last 10 years.
- Apply for one first. CSLB says the exam application covers one classification, and you can add others after the license issues. See adding a classification.
- Match the work you sell. A B license does not replace a specialty license on a single-trade job other than framing or carpentry.
- Not sure? CSLB's Description of Classifications is the official wording. For questions about a B license's scope, CSLB lists classifications@cslb.ca.gov.
Sources
- CSLB: Licensing Classifications
- CSLB: Description of Classifications
- CSLB Fast Facts: What Jobs B General Building Can and Cannot Perform
- CSLB: Workers' Compensation Requirements
- CSLB: Application for Original Contractor License
This guide is general information, not legal advice. CSLB rules and fees change; always confirm on cslb.ca.gov.