Electrical (C-10)
Contractors License

C-10 Electrical Contractors License Description

A C-10 electrical contractor license in California is required for businesses to legally perform electrical work in the state. It is issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), ensuring that electrical contractors have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively handle electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.

Who needs a C-10 license?

• Independent electricians who want to operate their own business.
• Electrical contracting companies that take on projects involving installing, repairing, or maintaining electrical systems in commercial, industrial, and residential properties.
• Unlicensed individuals performing electrical work valued over $1,000 in labor and materials, or any work that requires a permit. A license is also required if employees or additional workers are hired to assist, even when the total project cost is under $1,000.

A licensed C-10 contractor in California:

• Places, installs, erects, or connects electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells, or any part thereof that generate, transmit, transform, or utilize electrical energy for any purpose.
• Works on both high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems.
• Ensures compliance with California electrical codes and safety standards.
• Designs and implements custom electrical solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

With a California C-10 license, you'll be legally authorized to work on larger projects without restrictions, including commercial and government electrical contracts—helping increase your earning potential while building confidence and trust with clients and partners.

How to Obtain an Electrical Contractors License in California?

A significant achievement that opens the door to higher-paying jobs and independent business opportunities, obtaining a California C-10 license is a multi-stage process. Here is what it takes to successfully navigate the licensing journey and start your career as a licensed contractor.

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

Before preparing for the exam, make sure you are an eligible applicant by checking whether you meet the application requirements outlined by the CSLB for this license type.

• Must be at least 18 years old to demonstrate the ability to take on job responsibilities. However, it is recommended that applicants be at least 23 years old due to the experience requirement.
• A minimum of four (4) years of full-time experience in electrical work at a journeyman level. If you lack the required experience, consider working under a licensed electrical contractor to gain hands-on training. A college degree may be substituted for up to three (3) years of experience.
• Valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

2. File your license application

Obtain the application form from the CSLB website and complete it with your personal information and qualifying journeyman-level experience. Ensure all details are accurate, as errors may delay or result in rejection of your application.

To submit the application, you must pay a non-refundable application fee, currently $450 in California, and complete Live Scan fingerprinting for a criminal background check. Initial application review typically takes three to four weeks, after which CSLB will notify you of approval or request additional documentation.

3. Pass examination tests

After your application is approved, you will receive instructions to schedule your licensing exam with PSI. The exam fee is $51.43 per exam or $102.86 for both exams. The computer-based, multiple-choice exam lasts approximately 3.5 hours and includes:

• A Law & Business exam covering business management, contracts, employment laws, safety regulations, licensing, and legal responsibilities.
• A Trade exam testing knowledge of electrical codes and safety standards, wiring methods, electrical system troubleshooting, and other trade-specific topics.

With our electrical contractor course, you can significantly improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt.

4. Get a contractor's bond

To protect consumers, California law requires licensed contractors to:

• Post a contractor's surety bond to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.
• Obtain workers' compensation insurance if employees are hired.
• Pass an asbestos open-book examination.

5. Obtain your electrical contractor license in California

Once all requirements are met and exams are passed, you will be issued a California C-10 license along with an official license number and certificate. Licensing fees are $200 for a sole owner and $350 for a non-sole owner.

Your license is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration to continue operating legally.

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