Plumbing (C-36)
Contractors License

C-10 Electrical Contractors License Description

A plumbing contractor's license will allow a contractor to provide means for a supply of safe water, ample in volume and of suitable temperature for the purpose intended and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in all structures and fixed works.

The C-36 California Plumbing License is a specialized license required in California for professionals and businesses engaged in plumbing work. It is issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and is essential for any plumbing contractor who takes on projects valued at $1,000 or more. However, even if a project is under $1,000, a license is still required if the work involves permits or the use of employees.

Holding a plumbing license in California demonstrates that a contractor has the necessary skills, knowledge, and legal authorization to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, including:

• Water supply systems;
• Drainage and sewer systems;
• Gas piping;
• Water heaters and boilers;
• Leak detection devices;
• Backflow prevention equipment.

The work that a plumbing contractor can perform includes but is not limited to:

(a) Complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction and connection of on-site waste disposal systems;

(b) Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply of gases and liquids for any purpose, including vacuum, compressed air and gases for medical, dental, commercial and industrial uses;

(c) All gas appliances, flues and gas connections for all systems including suspended space heating units. This does not include forced warm air units;

(d) Water and gas piping from the property owner's side of the utility meter to the structure or fixed works;

(e) Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids, to a temperature suitable for the purposes listed in this section, including the installation of solar equipment for this purpose; and

(f) The maintenance and replacement of all items described above and all health and safety devices such as, but not limited to, gas earthquake valves, gas control valves, backflow preventors, water conditioning equipment and regulating valves.

Obtaining a plumbing license in California is crucial when it comes to:

• Independent plumbers who want to take on larger residential or commercial projects.
• Plumbing companies that employ multiple workers and handle large-scale plumbing installations.
• General contractors who want to specialize in plumbing-related work.
• Business owners who want to provide plumbing services in California legally.

How to Obtain a Plumbing Contractors License in California?

Before you jump into preparing for the plumbing license test California requires for all potential C-36 licensees, make sure you fully understand the licensing process to avoid mistakes, inconsistencies, delays, and rejections.

Step 1. Meet the Minimum Requirements

To apply for the C-36 license, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Work experience: At least four (4) years of journeyman-level experience in plumbing within the past 10 years. A college degree may substitute for up to three (3) years of experience. Your experience must be verifiable by employers, coworkers, or licensed contractors.
• Age and legal status: You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Due to experience requirements, most applicants are 23 years or older.
• Business registration (optional): If operating as a business, register your partnership, LLC, or corporation with the California Secretary of State.

Step 2. Submit the CSLB License Application

Before taking the C-36 Plumbing License exam, you must submit the Application for Original Contractor License through the CSLB. The completed application may be mailed or delivered in person along with the non-refundable processing fee of $450.

Live Scan fingerprinting is required for all contractor applicants in California. This step does not affect exam approval but is required before license issuance. Fees may reach up to $80, and the completed Live Scan form must be submitted to the CSLB. Criminal records are reviewed individually and do not automatically disqualify applicants.

Application processing times vary from several weeks to several months depending on volume and background review requirements.

Step 3. Pass the Exams

Once approved, you will be scheduled to take two computer-based multiple-choice exams, each lasting approximately 3.5 hours:

• Law and Business Exam: Covers legal requirements, business operations, contracts, and safety regulations.
• Plumbing Trade Exam: Tests knowledge of plumbing systems, materials, codes, and installation practices.

Exam preparation materials are available through the CSLB, or you may enroll in a dedicated exam prep course for the most efficient C-36 license preparation.

Step 4. Obtain a Contractor's Bond and Workers' Compensation Insurance

Before your license is issued, California law requires:

• A $25,000 contractor's surety bond to protect consumers from fraud or contract violations.
• An additional $100,000 bond for LLCs with employees or contracted workers.
• Workers' compensation insurance if you employ workers, or a filed exemption if you do not.

Step 5. Receive Your C-36 License

After meeting all requirements—including completion of the mandatory open-book asbestos exam—you are eligible to receive your C-36 license.

Licensing fees are $200 for a sole owner and $350 for a non-sole owner. Once issued, your license number must be displayed on all advertising materials, including business cards, websites, and promotional content.

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