A California Class B General Building Contractor license authorizes a contractor to build, remodel, or improve structures when the project requires framing or two or more unrelated building trades. This license is issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and applies to a broad range of residential, commercial, industrial, and public works construction projects.
A Class B contractor may take prime contracts and self-perform work on projects that involve framing or multiple trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC as part of a broader building scope. However, a general building contractor may not contract for or self-perform work that involves only one specialty trade, unless that trade is framing. Single-trade work must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed specialty contractor, as required by California law.
DIVISION 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY [5000 - 9998.11]
CHAPTER 9. Contractors [7000 - 7191]
ARTICLE 4. Classifications [7055 - 7059.1]
7057. (a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.
This does not include anyone who merely furnishes materials or supplies under Section 7045 without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of, the work of the general building contractor.
(b) A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor shall not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
(c) A general building contractor shall not contract for any project that includes a fire protection system as provided for in Section 7026.12 or 7026.13, or the “C-57” Well Drilling classification as provided for in Section 13750.5 of the Water Code, unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification, or subcontracts with the appropriately licensed contractor.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 377, Sec. 3. (AB 433) Effective January 1, 2014.)
B-General Building vs. B-2 Residential Remodeling
An applicant applying for a B-General Building license must have four years of journeyman-level experience performing or directly supervising framing or rough carpentry and two unrelated construction trades (for example, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, or concrete).
Framing or rough carpentry experience is generally required for the B-General Building classification.
An applicant applying for the B-2 Residential Remodeling license must have four years of journeyman-level experience performing or directly supervising residential remodeling work involving at least three unrelated trades.
FFraming or rough carpentry experience is not required for the B-2 classification.
Obtaining a B-General Building License is a multi-step process that requires careful attention. Becoming a licensed general contractor qualifies you to pursue a broader range of residential, commercial, and public works construction projects.
1. Determine Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, you must meet the CSLB’s basic eligibility requirements:
A qualifying college degree may substitute for up to 3 years of the required experience.
2. Submit an Application
Submit a completed application to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Applications must be filled out accurately, include the required work experience information, and be accompanied by the $450 application fee for new applications.
3. Pass the Required Examinations
After your application is approved, you will receive instructions from the CSLB to schedule your exams with PSI Exams, the testing provider for California contractor licensing. Applicants must pass two exams:
4. Complete Final Requirements
Before your license can be issued, you must complete the remaining CSLB requirements. These typically include Live Scan fingerprinting, filing a contractor license bond, obtaining workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees, completing the asbestos open-book exam, and paying the initial license fee.
5. License Issuance
Once all requirements are met, the CSLB will issue your California General Building Contractor license. You will receive your official license number and wall certificate.
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If you're looking for a more detailed walkthrough, this guide breaks down how to obtain a California Class B General Building Contractor License, from meeting the requirements to preparing for the exams and completing final licensing steps.
Read the Full GuideBecoming a licensed Class B General Building Contractor requires thorough preparation and a clear understanding of general building practices, California contracting laws, and business regulations. Our course offers flexible tools and support options designed to help you prepare for the required exams and navigate the licensing process with confidence.
Prepare your CSLB application independently using our Exclusive iApplication Prep Tool™, Intelligent by Design. This dynamic, guided system collects your information through a series of prompts and generates a completed CSLB application, ready for download, signatures, and submission.
If you want extra peace of mind, you can upgrade to Expert Application Review & Filing. A licensing specialist will review your completed application for accuracy and compliance, and we will file it on your behalf to help reduce delays, rejections, and costly mistakes.
To familiarize yourself with a state testing system, real exam structure, and question formats, you’ll get access to mock tests available online or via our mobile app. They simulate real exam conditions to help you test the waters before state exams.
You’ll get access to comprehensive, well-structured, and illustrated materials covering all related topics for trade and law exams, including study guides, textbooks, online lectures, and live instruction classes, depending on the study option you choose.
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To become a registered general contractor in California, you must obtain a general building contractor license by passing the required examinations and securing the necessary documentation.
On average, it takes as little as two months to fully prepare for the exams and obtain your general contractor license when enrolling in a structured licensing preparation program.
The average cost of obtaining a California general contractor license is approximately $850. This includes fees paid directly to the state or the CSLB. Contractors must also maintain a contractor’s bond, which costs about $250 annually, and may choose to enroll in an exam preparation course, which can add up to $600 to the total licensing cost.
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