CSLS has helped thousands of construction professionals to become licensed C61 contractors in California, with more than 99% of our students passing their exam on the first try. We put every available tool and resource on your side, so you can feel confident about your test and jump into your new career ready to go from the first day!
A specialty contractor, other than a C-61 contractor, may perform work within the field and scope of the operations of Classification C-61, provided the work is consistent with established usage and procedure in the construction industry and is related to the specialty contractor’s classification.
The CSLB has listed the C-61 classifications into “D” subcategories for administrative tracking. The definitions for the “D” subcategories were developed by staff and approved by the Board as policy.
D-1 – Architectural Porcelain (Now under D-64)
D-2 – Asbestos Fabrication (Now under C-2)
D-3 – Awnings
D-4 – Central Vacuum Systems
D-5 – Communication Equipment (Converted to C-7)
D-6 – Concrete Related Services
D-7 – Conveyors-Cranes (Now under D-21)
D-8 – Doors and Door Services (Now under D-28)
D-9 – Drilling, Blasting and Oil Field Work
D-10 – Elevated Floors
D-11 – Fencing (Converted to C-13)
D-12 – Synthetic Products
D-13 – Fire Extinguisher Systems (Now under C-16)
D-14 – Floor Covering (Converted to C-15)
D-15 – Furnaces (Now under “A” or C-20)
D-16 – Hardware, Locks and Safes
D-17 – Industrial Insulation (Now under C-2)
D-18 – Prison and Jail Equipment (Under relevant class)
D-19 – Land Clearing (Now under C-12 or “A” if license is required)
D-20 – Lead Burning and Fabrication (Now under D-64)
D-21 – Machinery and Pumps
D-22 – Marble (Now under C-29)
D-23 – Medical Gas Systems (Now under C-36)
D-24 – Metal Products
D-25 – Mirrors and Fixed Glass (Now under C-17)
D-26 – Mobile Home Installation and Repairs (Converted to C-47)
D-27 – Movable Partitions (Now under D-34)
D-28 – Doors, Gates and Activating Devices
D-29 – Paperhanging
D-30 – Pile Driving and Pressure Foundation Jacking
D-31 – Pole Installation and Maintenance
D-32 – Power Nailing and Fastening (Now under D-64)
D-33 – Precast Concrete Stairs (Now under C-23)
D-34 – Prefabricated Equipment
D-35 – Pool and Spa Maintenance
D-36 – Rigging and Rig Building (Now under “A”)
D-37 – Safes and Vaults (Now under D-16)
D-38 – Sand and Water Blasting
D-39 – Scaffolding
D-40 – Service Station Equipment and Maintenance
D-41 – Siding and Decking
D-42 – Non-Electrical Sign Installation
D-43 – Soil Grouting (Now under C-32, C-12 or “A”)
D-44 – Sprinklers (Now under D-12)
D-45 – Staff and Stone (Now under C-29)
D-46 – Steeple Jack Work (under relevant class)
D-47 – Tennis Court Surfacing (Now under C-12 or “A”)
D-48 – Theater and School Equipment (Now under D-34)
D-49 – Tree Service (Now under C-49)
D-50 – Suspended Ceilings
D-51 – Waterproofing and Weatherproofing (under relevant class)
D-52 – Window Coverings
D-53 – Wood Tanks
D-54 – Rockscaping (Now under C-15 or C-27)
D-55 – Blasting (Now under C-12 or “A”)
D-56 – Trenching Only
D-57 – Propane Gas Plants (Now under “A”)
D-58 – Residential Floating Docks (Now under “A”)
D-59 – Hydroseed Spraying
D-60 – Striping (Now under C-32)
D-61 – Gold Leaf Gilding (Now under D-64)
D-62 – Air and Water Balancing
D-63 – Construction Clean-up
D-64 – Non-specialized
D-65 – Weatherization and Energy Conservation
Let's Get
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4 Easy Ways to Study for the C61 Contractors License
- All Inclusive Program
In-School & Online - Crash Course
In-School & Online - Online Program
Live Webinar - Home Study Kit
- Additional Classification
- Current Promotion
- Why Get Licensed?
- About the Exam
- Exam Requirements
- Free License Guide
Trade: C61 - Online Practice Exam
Free 7 Day Access
ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAM (IN SCHOOL OR ONLINE)
Instructor-Led Program: $1,195 (Value: $2,500)
If you want the very best of what CSLS has to offer, this program is the one for you. After you've been through this course, you'll either pass the exam or we'll pay for you to retake it. In fact, we're so confident you'll pass the first time that we'll pay half of your first year bond fee, up to $120.
- Classes:
- 4 Law and Business Classes
- 1-Full Day Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
- Interactive Online Trade Math (30 days)
- 1-Online Seminar : Forming Your Contractor Business
- 1-Day Test Taking Skills
- 1-Day Construction Math Review
- Study Materials:
- CSLS Law & Business Materials Binder
- Trade Specific Materials Binder
- Online Law & Business Video
- Online Trade-Specific Video (Where Available)
- Online Law & Business Audio
- Online Health & Safety Video
- Online Construction Math Review Video
- Online Law & Business Practice Exams (180 Days)
- Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (180 Days)
- Services Included:
- Unlimited Use of Our Schools - 25 Locations in California
- Student Support
- State Application Preparation & Review
- Guarantee:
- 100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee
** BONUS **
For a limited time, now includes 50% off your first year Bond Fee (up to $120)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO THE COMPLETE PROGRAM
For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 135,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.
CRASH COURSE PROGRAM (IN SCHOOL OR ONLINE)
Condensed Program: $495 (Value: $695)
Do you already have your test date, or are you in a hurry? Then the crash course is designed for you. This short study course has been designed with speed and efficiency in mind. This course is available for all other trades and created in a step-by-step, easy-to-follow format.
- Classes:
- 1-Full Day Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
- Interactive Online Trade Math Crash Course (14 days)
- Study Materials:
- CSLS Law & Business Materials Binder
- Trade Specific Materials Binder
- Online Law & Business Audio
- Online Health & Safety Video
- Online Construction Math Review Video
- Services Included:
- Unlimited Use of Our Schools - 25 Locations in California
- Student Support
- State Application Review
- Extras:
- Online Law & Business Practice Exams (30 Days)
- Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (30 Days)
- Guarantee:
- 100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO THE CRASH COURSE
For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 135,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.
LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
Condensed Program: $695 (Value: $995)
Do you live far away from a school or just prefer to get a live class experience from the comfort of your own computer? Then our live online program is perfect for you, taught by top industry instructors in the same format as our in-class courses.
- Classes:
- 4 Live Online Classes
- 1-Full Day Live Online Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
- 1-Day Test Taking Skills Online Seminar
- Study Materials:
- Online CSLS Law & Business Materials
- Online Trade Specific Materials
- Online Law & Business Audio
- Online Health & Safety Video
- Online Construction Math Review Video
- Services Included:
- Unlimited Use of Our Schools - 25 Locations in California
- Student Support
- State Application Review
- Extras:
- Online Law & Business Practice Exams (60 Days)
- Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (60 Days)
- Guarantee:
- 100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO THE ONLINE PROGRAM
For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 135,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.
HOME STUDY KIT - 2024 Edition
Self Study Program: $295 (Value: $395)
Do you want the study materials for the California Contractors Licensing Exam so you can study at home, following your own pace?
If so, the home-study kit is right for you. It's available for all other trades and created in a step-by-step, easy-to-follow format.
- Kit Includes:
- CSLS Law & Business Materials Binder
- Trade Specific Materials Binder
- Online Law & Business Audio
- Online Health & Safety Video
- Extras:
- Online Law & Business Practice Exams (30 Days)
- Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (30 Days)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE HOME STUDY KIT
Additional Classifications
Is It Time to Add Another Classification to Your License?
As you start to develop more experience in your chosen field, you might decide to apply for another classification on your contractor's license. Adding a new classification might noticeably expand your ability to provide services to customers and grow your construction business.
Fill out the form below, a school counselor will answer any questions you may have for your particular case.
Celebrate Labor Day by advancing your career! This September, we’re offering an exclusive opportunity to help you take the next big step in your contracting career or business.
Thanks to our new Happy Labor Day exclusive bundle, you can enroll in our top California contractor’s exam prep program for just $795 ($1160 value) for a limited time. This special offer includes all the tools and resources you need to pass the exam on your first try, backed by our proven first-try pass guarantee.
If you’ve been dreaming of bidding on larger projects, working with top-tier clients, and increasing your income, now is the perfect time to make that dream a reality.
Join over 150,000 successful CSLS students who have already obtained their contractor’s licenses. Our comprehensive Happy Labor Day bundle covers everything you need for A, B, B-2, and all other trades, ensuring you’re fully prepared to get on track this fall.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Seize the moment, grab your tools, and let’s work together to build a brighter future! This offer won’t last long, so act now to secure your spot.
This offer is available for General A, B, B-2, and all other trades.
Here’s everything that’s included in this exclusive bundle:
Classes:
4 Evening Law and Business Classes (Online or In-School Where Available)
1-Full Day Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
- Interactive Online Trade Math Crash Course (14 Days)
Study Materials:
- CSLS Law & Business Materials Binder
- Trade Specific Materials Binder
- Audio CD for Law and Business
- Health & Safety DVD (Includes Textbook)
- Construction Math Review DVD with 24-page manual
- Online Law & Business Practice Exams (90 Days)
- Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (90 Days)
Services Included:
- Support from School Staff
- State Application Review
Guarantee:
- 100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee
- Free Shipping
With 90 days of access to our CSLS Practice Exams, you’ll pass on your first try… even if tests aren’t your thing.
Offer valid until 8:30AM Pacific, October 1st, 2024.
What Our Clients Are Saying About CSLS:
“If I had known how easy it would have been to get my license I would have done it a long time ago. Working with CSLS has tripled my business.”
–Juan S., Van Nuys
“I was afraid to take on projects that were too big or complicated before and was stuck doing small low-paying jobs… CSLS changed everything for me and my business.”
–Steven P., San Diego
“CSLS is the best money you can spend on building your business. I can’t believe how much they care and how much they helped me through this process. Thank you!”
–Jim T., Sacramento
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 135,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.
Why Get Licensed?
Advertise Your California Contractor Business. Advertise online, on your truck, in newspapers, and anywhere else you can think of. You have to be a licensed contractor to legally compete for the best, highest-paying construction projects.
Bid on Larger Projects and Earn More Money as a Licensed Contractor. Being a licensed California contractor means you can legally bid on projects over $500. Why not earn more money, and have more control over your career, as a business owner?
Expand Your Business and Network With Other Licensed Contractors. Licensed contractors want to work with other professionals who have the proper qualifications as well. That way, they can stay on the right side of the law and know they are getting the best workmanship for their clients. Taking classes with other licensed contractors can open the door for referrals and other business opportunities that may not have existed.
Protect Your Business, and Your Future, by Becoming a California Licensed Contractor. The California State License Board catches hundreds of unlicensed contractors working within the state every month – taking away their income, future, and financial stability instantly. As a licensed contractor, you don't have to worry about these kinds of troubles.
Obtain Permits from the City for Your Clients. Only California State licensed contractors can apply for building and construction permits on behalf of their clients. Completing your exam is the first step toward keeping your customers out of trouble... not to mention avoiding red tape, construction delays, late payments and lost projects.
Charge More for Your Work and Time as a California Licensed Contractor. It's no secret that licensed California contractors, like most legal business owners, earn higher wages and project fees than unlicensed construction workers do.
About the Exam
Information About The California Licensing Exam For C61 Trade.
Do You Qualify?
Before you sign up for a class to help you pass your California State licensing exam, here are the basic eligibility requirements. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) states that you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a valid SSN or ITIN and photo identification. Update: The CSLB now accept a valid ITIN for the application. (learn more)
- Have 4 years of experience either as a worker or supervisor. (A college degree may be substituted for up to three years of that experience. Self-employed work in the same capacity may also be accepted.)
*Laws are subject to change by the CSLB, and credit for a college degree or self employment is determined at their sole discretion. Please call one of our counselors to make sure these laws are up to date: (800) 409-8237 FREE.
What Is On The Exam?
The California Contractor License Exam is similar for all other classifications. There are two parts: a general knowledge portion for all contractors, and the trade portion for your specific classification:
- The Law and Business portion (general knowledge) is a 3.5-hour, multiple-choice exam you take on a computer. It covers business management and construction law. The exam is given by the CSLB at various locations throughout California.
- The Trade Portion is also a 3.5-hour, multiple-choice exam, but covers specific questions related to your trade.
What To Bring To The Exam?
Your appointment letter, valid ID and nothing else (everything you need to finish your test will be provided by the testing center).
Before you are admitted, state employees will check your appointment letter to make sure it matches your ID. Once you have been allowed to enter, you will be shown to a cubicle with a computer. You will have a small dry erase board, marker and sponge to use instead of scratch paper.
Your exam begins with an electronic thumbprint for identification purposes, followed by a video on your testing computer before you see any of the exam questions. No personal calculators, cell phones, pagers or other electronic devices are permitted in the testing area.
Paperwork
Before you can be scheduled for your exam, you must go through an extensive admissions process with the CSLB. During this time, you will be required to fill out an application, provide proof of identity, select a business entity format, pay your license fees, and complete other paperwork.
Preparing all of your paperwork requirements may seem like a difficult task, and it may seem hard to figure out where to start. That's why our expert counselors are here to help you navigate government license forms, fees, insurance and corporation requirements. If you have any further questions, please call us at (800) 409-8237
Requirements
Who Needs a California Contractor's License & What Kinds Are There?
In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that is valued at $500 or more for labor and materials must hold a current, valid license from the CSLB.The CSLB licenses contractors in other different classifications. This ranges from general contractors to swimming pool contractors, landscapers, painters, electricians, plumbers and many more.
Understanding the Difference Between a General and Specialty Contractor
General building contractors usually oversee projects and coordinate the specific licensed subcontractors for a job. Specialty or subcontractors are usually hired to perform a single job. For example, if you want only roofing or plumbing work, you may want to hire a contractor licensed in that particular specialty.
A general building contractor may also contract for specialty work, but must hold a specialty license for that work or actually have a specialty contractor do the work. The only exception is if the job requires more than two types of work on a building. Then it is appropriate for a licensed general building contractor to contract for and oversee the entire project. For example, if a kitchen remodeling will involve plumbing, electrical and carpentry work under one contract, one should hire a licensed general building contractor. Under these circ*mstances, a general building contractor may perform all of the work on a building or subcontract parts of the job to contractors with specialty licenses.
California Contractor's License Requirements:
- 4 years of experience (either as a worker or supervisor)
- A college degree can be substituted for up to three years of that experience
- Self-employed work in the same capacity will also be accepted
The first step in becoming licensed as a California state contractor is making sure that you are eligible to take the test and become certified. In California, there is a set of guidelines that have to be met before you can apply. First, you have to be at least 18 years of age and have had four years of construction experience within the last 10 years (or two years of work experience plus a four-year college degree).
There are also certain guidelines about the amount of working capital you have to have on hand, as well as your ability to be bonded. For most of the people we work with, however, passing the California State Contractor's License Exam is the biggest hurdle, and the one that prevents some construction professionals from taking the next step in their career. With our 100% guarantee and 99% success rate, there is no need to fear taking the next step into the rest of your life. Your future of becoming a licensed contractor is now within reach.
General California Exam Information
The California licensed contractor exam actually consists of two parts: the business and law section, which contains 115 questions, and the specific trade section, which can have 100 – 120 questions. The test itself is multiple choice (no writing or essay answers needed) and is taken in person. Note that your California State Licensed Contractor Exam will be timed by a test monitor, but very few of our students struggle to finish within the 2.5 hours that are given.
Application Processing Time
Although it typically takes at least a month to receive a test date for the California State License Exam, some students are able to take the test in as little as two weeks. Once you have been assigned a date and have completed the exam, you will be given a pass/fail result right away in person, on the same date of the exam, along with some areas for improvement if you have not been successful.
Download a Free 40 Questions Practice Exam
and Test-Taking Tips Sheet
Take a FREE California Contractor License Practice Exam
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