Solar Contractors License (C-46)

Get your California solar contractors license. Our program makes the licensing process very simple, which allows most of our students to get their solar contractors license within 6-8 weeks.

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CIS video on how to get a California C-46 solar contractors license

Solar home study and online course study material including books and practice tests

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California C-46 Solar Contractors License Exam Prep

The California C-46 Solar Contractors License lets you install, modify, maintain, and repair thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems statewide. To earn it you must document four years of journeyman-level solar experience, pass the Law and Business exam plus the C-46 Solar trade exam, and be at least 18 years old. Contractors Intelligence School prepares you for both exams through online, live-streaming, in-class, and home-study courses, and most students are ready to test within 6 to 8 weeks. For a full step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide on how to get a C46 solar license in California.

98% of CIS students pass the state exam on their first try. Every C-46 course is backed by our 100% Pass Exam Money-Back Guarantee.

How to obtain a
solar
contractors license?

Video guide on how to get a C-46 solar contractors license in California

Before you can apply for your solar contractors license, you must meet the following experience requirements:

Every applicant has to pass the Law & Business exam and the Trade exam before the license is issued.

Not sure which one to apply for? Compare all contractor license classifications before you choose yours.

If you want a more detailed walkthrough, read our guide on how to get your C-46 solar contractors license.

4 years of experience performing/supervising solar work.
Social Security number or ITIN
Be at least 18 years old*

Don't have 4 years of solar experience?
A college degree can be substituted for up to three years of that experience.

The State will accept self-employed experience.

In order to obtain your solar contractors license, you are required to pass the Trade examination as well as the Law & Business exam.

*Even though you can apply for a solar contractors license when you are 18 years old, it is recommended that you be at least 23 years old due to experience requirement.

C-46 Solar Exam Format and Passing Score

To get licensed you must pass two closed-book exams administered by PSI at testing centers across California: the Law and Business exam and the C-46 Solar trade exam. A score of at least 72% is required to pass each exam. The C-46 trade exam covers energy conservation, solar space heating and cooling, solar domestic hot water systems, photovoltaic power systems, and basic electrical theory.

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California Contractor License Courses & Study Options

Full Online Course

Includes online access to Law & Trade videos, audio, reading and practice exams

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Regular Price: $595.00

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Live Streaming Class

Includes Full Online Course

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In-Class Preparation

Our live classes are available throughout California.

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Traditional Home Study

Comes with a 120-day complimentary access to our online tests

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Frequently Asked Questions About the C-46 Solar License

A C-46 Solar Contractor License is a California classification that lets a contractor install, modify, maintain, and repair thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. Holders cannot perform other building trades unless the work is required to install a solar energy system.

You must have four years of journeyman-level solar experience within the last ten years, a Social Security number or ITIN, and be at least 18 years old. A college degree can be substituted for up to three years of the required experience, and the state accepts self-employed experience.

Most Contractors Intelligence School students are ready to sit for the state exam within 6 to 8 weeks. The full timeline also depends on how quickly the CSLB processes your application and schedules your exam dates with PSI.

You must pass two exams: the Law and Business exam and the C-46 Solar trade exam. Both are closed-book and administered by PSI at testing centers across California. CIS course materials prepare you for both.

You need a score of at least 72% to pass each California contractor exam. The C-46 trade exam covers energy conservation, solar space heating and cooling, solar domestic hot water systems, photovoltaic power systems, and basic electrical theory.

Contractors Intelligence School C-46 courses range from $395 for Traditional Home Study to $595 for the Live Streaming and In-Class options. Beyond tuition, plan for the state California contractors license fees, which cover your application and initial license.

Possibly. A college degree can be substituted for up to three years of the four-year experience requirement, and the state accepts self-employed experience. If you are unsure whether you qualify, CIS can review your background before you apply.

Yes. 98% of CIS students pass the state exam on their first try, and every course carries a 100% Pass Exam Money-Back Guarantee. With the In-Class or Live Streaming course, CIS will even pay your re-test fee if you do not pass. See the terms and conditions for details.