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How to get a plumber license in California

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from California's official board.

CSLB restructured its site; several classification/renewal URLs 404. Facts confirmed from CSLB study guide and current CSLB rules via search rather than a single live board page.

Issuing authority: Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Official page: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/

License levels in California

California plumber licensing at a glance

Requirements4 years of journey-level (or higher) plumbing experience within the past 10 years; education can substitute for up to 3 years. Pass the Law & Business exam and the C-36 trade exam (72% each). File a $25,000 contractor bond (raised from $15,000 on 1/1/2023 under SB 607).
ReciprocityNo state journeyman/apprentice plumber license; California licenses only the C-36 contractor.
RenewalTwo-year renewal; no state continuing-education requirement for contractors.
NotesCSLB restructured its site; several classification/renewal URLs 404. Facts confirmed from CSLB study guide and current CSLB rules via search rather than a single live board page.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in California?
CSLB restructured its site; several classification/renewal URLs 404. Facts confirmed from CSLB study guide and current CSLB rules via search rather than a single live board page.
What plumber license levels does California have?
The levels are C-36 Plumbing Contractor.
How do you get licensed as a plumber in California?
4 years of journey-level (or higher) plumbing experience within the past 10 years; education can substitute for up to 3 years. Pass the Law & Business exam and the C-36 trade exam (72% each). File a $25,000 contractor bond (raised from $15,000 on 1/1/2023 under SB 607).
Does California have plumber license reciprocity?
No state journeyman/apprentice plumber license; California licenses only the C-36 contractor.

Related

Supply
How many plumbers in CaliforniaHub
All California trades pages

Sources: cslb.ca.gov · www.cslb.ca.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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