A California C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor license allows individuals and businesses to perform painting, coating, and finishing work on residential, commercial, industrial, and public structures. This includes interior and exterior painting, surface preparation, application of paints and coatings, wall coverings, and decorative finishes performed in compliance with California regulations, applicable building standards, and safety requirements.
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
Title 16. Professional and Vocational Regulations
Division 8. Contractors’ State License Board
Article 3. Classification
Section 832.33 — Class C-33 — Painting and Decorating Contractor
A painting and decorating contractor prepares by scraping, sandblasting or other means and applies any of the following: paints, papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, turpentines, japans, driers, thinners, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives, water and any other vehicles, mediums and materials which adhere by evaporation and may be mixed, used and applied to the surfaces of structures and the appurtenances thereto for purposes of decorating, protecting, fireproofing and waterproofing.
Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code
Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code
Obtaining a California C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor license is a multi-step process regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, submit an application, pass state exams, and complete final licensing requirements before legally operating as a painting and decorating contractor.
1. Determine Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, you must meet the CSLB’s basic eligibility requirements:
*A qualifying college degree may substitute for up to 3 years of the required experience.
2. Submit an Application
Submit a completed application to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Applications must be filled out accurately, include the required painting and decorating work experience information, and be accompanied by the $450 application fee for new applications.
3. Pass the Required Examinations
After your application is approved, you will receive instructions from the CSLB to schedule your exams with PSI Exams, the testing provider for California contractor licensing. Applicants must pass two exams:
4. Complete Final Requirements
Before your license can be issued, you must complete the remaining CSLB requirements. These typically include Live Scan fingerprinting, filing a contractor license bond, obtaining workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees, completing the asbestos open-book exam, and paying the initial license fee.
5. License Issuance
Once all requirements are met, the CSLB will issue your California C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor license. You will receive your official license number and wall certificate.
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If you’re looking for a more detailed walkthrough, this guide breaks down how to obtain a California C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor License, from meeting the eligibility requirements to preparing for the exams and completing final licensing steps.
If you’re ready to pursue your C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor License, our structured course is designed to help you prepare effectively for the CSLB exam while gaining a clear understanding of California licensing requirements and professional painting practices.
Prepare your CSLB application independently using our Exclusive iApplication Prep Tool™, Intelligent by Design. This dynamic, guided system collects your information through a series of prompts and generates a completed CSLB application, ready for download, signatures, and submission.
If you want extra peace of mind, you can upgrade to Expert Application Review & Filing. A licensing specialist will review your completed application for accuracy and compliance, and we will file it on your behalf to help reduce delays, rejections, and costly mistakes.
To familiarize yourself with a state testing system, real exam structure, and question formats, you’ll get access to mock tests available online or via our mobile app. They simulate real exam conditions to help you test the waters before state exams.
You’ll get access to comprehensive, well-structured, and illustrated materials covering all related topics for trade and law exams, including study guides, textbooks, online lectures, and live instruction classes, depending on the study option you choose.
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Yes. You must hold a C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor License if you plan to charge $1,000 or more (including labor and materials) for painting or decorating work in California. This requirement applies to interior and exterior painting, surface preparation, coatings, wall coverings, and decorative finishes on residential, commercial, or industrial projects. A license may also be required for projects under $1,000 if the work requires a permit or if additional workers are hired.
To obtain a California C-33 Painting & Decorating Contractor License, you must meet the CSLB eligibility requirements, submit an application, pass the required state examinations, and complete all final licensing requirements. This includes documenting qualifying painting and decorating experience, passing the Law and Business exam and the C-33 Painting & Decorating trade exam, and meeting bonding and insurance requirements before the license is issued.
The timeline varies based on your experience level, exam preparation, and how quickly you complete the application and testing process. Some applicants are able to complete the process in as little as 2 months, while others choose a longer preparation timeline depending on their study pace and readiness.
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