How California license classifications work
Every California contractor license is issued in one or more classifications. The classification decides what work you can contract for: an A general engineering contractor works on fixed works such as roads and pipelines, a B general building contractor takes projects needing at least two unrelated trades, a B-2 residential remodeling contractor handles remodels of existing wood-frame homes involving three or more unrelated trades, and each C specialty license covers one trade.
A specialty contractor may also do work in other trades when that work is incidental and supplemental to its licensed work — meaning it is essential to finishing the licensed job (Business and Professions Code 7059; 16 CCR 831).
Current CSLB classifications
These are the classifications CSLB issues today (source: CSLB Licensing Classifications and 16 CCR 832). Linked classes have their own page with scope, license counts and insurance requirements.
- A General Engineering
- B General Building
- B-2 Residential Remodeling
- 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 (D subcategories)
C-61 and the D subcategories
C-61 Limited Specialty is issued with a D subcategory (for example D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices, or D-64 Non-specialized) that limits the work to that specialty. Since 2024, tree work has its own class, C-49 Tree and Palm; CSLB stopped accepting new C-61/D-49 Tree Service applications after December 31, 2023, and existing D-49 holders keep their classification.
Numbers that are not CSLB classifications
Codes such as C-25, C-37, C-40, C-41, C-48, C-56, C-58, C-59, C-62, C-63, C-65, C-71 through C-75, C-85, C-87 and C-89 are not current CSLB classifications. A few numbers existed decades ago and were repealed (for example C-56 Waterproofing in 1947 and C-26 Lathing in 1998). If a document lists one of these, check the license on CSLB's Instant License Check.
Why your classification matters for insurance
- Workers' comp: C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49 cannot file a no-employee exemption; every other class can until January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), when CSLB requires workers' comp for all active licenses except joint ventures.
- General liability: carriers price by the work you actually perform, so list every classification you hold.
- Bonds: every active license needs the $25,000 contractor bond; LLCs add a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
Adding a classification
An existing licensee can add a classification by applying to CSLB (current fee: $230). A trade exam is required unless a waiver applies — for example, if you passed that exam or qualified a license in that class within the last five years, or you meet CSLB's closely-related-class waiver rules (Business and Professions Code 7065 and 7065.3).
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — confirm current requirements with CSLB (cslb.ca.gov) before you act.
Frequently asked questions
How many CSLB license classifications are there?
CSLB currently issues A, B, B-2 and 43 C specialty classifications, with C-61 Limited Specialty divided into D subcategories.
Is C-85 (or C-37, C-89) a real CSLB license?
No. Those numbers are not current CSLB classifications. Verify any license number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
Which classifications must carry workers' comp even with no employees?
C-8 Concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 Asbestos Abatement, C-39 Roofing and C-61/D-49 Tree Service.