A California C-36 Plumbing Contractor license allows individuals and businesses to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems used for any purpose. This includes water supply systems, drainage and sewer systems, gas piping, water heating equipment, and related safety devices on residential, commercial, industrial, and public projects, in compliance with California plumbing codes and safety standards.
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
Title 16. Professional and Vocational Regulations
Division 8. Contractors’ State License Board
Article 3. Classification
Section 832.36 — Class C-36 — Plumbing Contractor
A plumbing contractor provides a means for a supply of safe water, ample in volume and of suitable temperatures for the purpose intended and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in all structures and fixed works. This classification includes but is not limited to:
(a) Complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction and connection of on-site waste disposal systems;
(b) Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply of gases and liquids for any purpose, including vacuum, compressed air and gases for medical, dental, commercial and industrial uses;
(c) All gas appliances, flues and gas connections for all systems including suspended space heating units. This does not include forced warm air units;
(d) Water and gas piping from the property owner’s side of the utility meter to the structure or fixed works;
(e) Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids, to a temperature suitable for the purposes listed in this section, including the installation of solar equipment for this purpose;
(f) The maintenance and replacement of all items described above and all health and safety devices such as, but not limited to, gas earthquake valves, gas control valves, back-flow preventers, water conditioning equipment and regulating valves.
Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code
Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code
Obtaining a California C-36 Plumbing 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 plumbing 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 plumbing 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-36 Plumbing 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-36 Plumbing Contractor License, from meeting the requirements to preparing for the exams and completing final licensing steps.
Our C-36 Plumbing Contractor License course is designed to prepare you for the required CSLB examinations. The program covers essential plumbing trade concepts, California plumbing codes, and business regulations, giving you a clear and organized path to exam readiness and license qualification.
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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When you enroll in any of our courses, you’ll get full access to our powerful mobile learning app, designed to help you study on your schedule. Whether you're on the job site, at home, or on a break, you can study when it's most convenient for you.
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Our C-36 Plumbing Contractor license courses come with a 100% Pass Exam Money-Back Guarantee. We’ll even cover your re-test fee if you do not pass your C-36 Plumbing Contractor license exam.
To obtain a California C-36 Plumbing 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 plumbing experience, passing the Law and Business exam and the C-36 Plumbing trade exam, and meeting bonding and insurance requirements before the license is issued.
Starting a plumbing business in California requires proper licensing, business setup, and compliance with state and local regulations. Key steps include:
The most effective way to prepare for the C-36 Plumbing Contractor exam is to follow study strategies that have been proven to work. This typically includes understanding the exam format, focusing on commonly tested plumbing topics, using current California code references, and practicing with exam-style questions.
Every exam preparation program has its own approach, but successful candidates generally benefit from a structured study plan that addresses both the plumbing trade exam and the Law and Business exam while reinforcing time management and test-taking strategies.
Get expert guidance with your CSLB application and exam preparation so you can get licensed quickly and grow your business with confidence.
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