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Get Licensed & Stay Organized | The 9th Floor

📋 Get Licensed & Stay Organized

Your Complete California Contractor Licensing Roadmap
Check off each step as you progress toward your contractor license
📚 Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation
Build your foundation before applying
  • Verify Work Experience Requirements
    Confirm you meet the 4 years of journey-level experience in your trade (or qualifying combination for general licenses)
  • Gather Experience Verification Documents
    Collect W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, and employer verification letters documenting your work history
  • Choose Your License Classification
    Determine which license type (A, B, C-specialty, etc.) matches your experience and business goals
  • Register for CSLB Exam Prep Course
    Enroll in exam preparation course or obtain study materials for Law & Trade exams
    💡 The 9th Floor offers comprehensive exam prep courses
  • Decide on Business Entity Type
    Choose between sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation for your contracting business
    💡 The 9th Floor provides business entity formation services
📝 Phase 2: Application Process
Submit your contractor license application
  • Complete CSLB Application Form
    Fill out complete application packet (available online or by mail from CSLB)
    💡 The 9th Floor can assist with application completion
  • Submit Experience Documentation
    Provide proof of 4 years experience with signed verification forms from employers or clients
  • Pay Application Fee
    Submit $450 initial application fee (includes first exam attempt)
  • Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting
    Schedule and complete DOJ and FBI background check fingerprinting at approved facility
  • Wait for Application Review
    CSLB reviews application (typically 4-8 weeks) and approves you to schedule exams
🎯 Phase 3: Exam Preparation & Testing
Study for and pass your licensing exams
  • Study Law & Business Exam Material
    Focus on contractor license law, business management, safety, and contracting practices (90 questions)
  • Study Trade-Specific Exam Material
    Master technical knowledge for your classification (60 questions for A/B, 45 for C-specialty)
  • Take Practice Exams
    Complete multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build confidence
  • Schedule Your Exam Date
    Once approved, schedule both Law & Business and Trade exams at PSI testing center
  • Pass Law & Business Exam
    Score 72% or higher (65 correct answers out of 90 questions)
  • Pass Trade-Specific Exam
    Score 72% or higher on your classification's technical exam
🏢 Phase 4: Business Formation & Setup
Establish your business entity and get your EIN
  • File Business Entity Formation
    Register LLC, corporation, or partnership with California Secretary of State (if not sole proprietor)
    💡 The 9th Floor provides business entity formation services
  • Obtain Federal EIN
    Apply for Employer Identification Number (EIN) from IRS for business tax purposes
  • Open Business Bank Account
    Establish separate business checking account using EIN and business documents
  • Register with DIR (if applicable)
    Register with Department of Industrial Relations if planning to bid on public works projects
🛡️ Phase 5: Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Secure required coverage before activation
  • Obtain Contractor License Bond
    Purchase $15,000 contractor license bond (required for all license types)
    💡 The 9th Floor provides bonding services
  • Secure General Liability Insurance
    Purchase required GL insurance policy (minimum $1M recommended)
    💡 The 9th Floor can connect you with insurance providers
  • Obtain Workers' Compensation Insurance
    Purchase workers' comp if you have employees (or file exemption if sole proprietor with no employees)
  • File Insurance Documents with CSLB
    Submit proof of bond and insurance to CSLB for license activation
🚀 Phase 6: License Activation & Business Launch
Final steps to activate your license
  • Receive Active License Number
    CSLB issues your contractor license number once all requirements are met
  • Obtain Local Business License
    Register with your city/county for local business permits
  • Update All Business Materials
    Add license number to contracts, estimates, business cards, website, and vehicles
  • Set Up Accounting & Bookkeeping System
    Establish proper financial tracking for taxes and business management
  • Begin Licensed Operations
    Start bidding on and performing work under your new contractor license!
📅 Phase 7: Ongoing Compliance & Maintenance
Keep your license active and in good standing
  • Renew License Every 2 Years
    Submit renewal application and fees before expiration date
    💡 The 9th Floor offers renewal reminders and services
  • Maintain Continuous Bond & Insurance
    Keep bond and insurance policies active without any lapses
  • Update CSLB with Business Changes
    Report address changes, personnel changes, or business structure modifications within required timeframes
  • Stay Current on Regulatory Changes
    Monitor updates to contractor laws, building codes, and CSLB requirements
  • Maintain Proper Job Documentation
    Keep contracts, change orders, permits, and completion notices organized for compliance

🎯 Ready to Get Licensed?

The 9th Floor | Compliance Made Simple

Your partner in contractor licensing success