California Contractor School Online®
National Contractors License Bureau
The premiere contractor school to assist you in passing your state contractor license exam.
License Requirements

General Commercial Contractors:

  • First time applicants are subject to a business law examination and a trade examination. Exam results are good for five years.

  • Applicant must document four years experience within the last ten years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification being sought. The license is issued for 2 years. The average processing time for a new application is 90 days.

  • Payment/performance bonds are required for public works contracts in excess of $25,000.

  • Applicants must verify that their operating capital exceeds $2,500 (operating capital refers to tools, vehicles, and business assets).

  • Any two or more licensees desiring to act in the capacity of a joint venture or combination, must secure an additional license prior to award of the contract. Two licensees may submit a bid as a joint venture prior to obtaining the joint venture license.

  • A license bond of $10,000.00 is required on all active licenses. A separate "Bond of Qualifying Individual" also in the amount of $10,000.00 is required for a Responsible Managing Employee.

    Note: the approximate cost of a $10,000 bond is between $125 and $175.

  • A license bond of $10,000 is required for all swimming pool contractors.