How To Get Your C15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors License in California

Andrew Kravchuk – Instructor • November 15th, 2024

Get started with your career by obtaining a C15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors License

Content table

What is a C15 contractor?
How to Get a C15 Flooring Contractor's License in California?
How long does it take to get a C15 flooring contractor's license?
Is the CSLB test hard?
What’s Next?

If you're looking to become a C15 Flooring and Floor Covering contractor in the state of California, there are specific steps and requirements you need to follow. This license classification is issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and is designed for contractors specializing in flooring and floor covering services, excluding tile.

Performing carpet installation after obtaining C15 Flooring Contractors License

What is a C15 contractor?

A C15 Flooring and Floor Covering contractor is a specialized classification for contractors in California. These professionals are authorized to perform various activities related to flooring and floor coverings. This includes installing different flooring materials, applying floor coverings, preparing subfloors, repairing or replacing existing flooring, and even epoxy floor coating installation.

To hold a C15 license, contractors must have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform these tasks effectively and complete the licensing process.

What If You Install Tile?

If your focus is on installing tile and stone materials, you'll need a different license classification. The California Contractors State License Board categorizes tile installation under the C54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile classification. If your business will perform flooring installations as well as tile installations, then your business will need to obtain the C15 and C54 license classifications.

How to Get a C15 Flooring Contractor's License in California?

Securing a C15 flooring contractor license in California entails several steps and requirements. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the C15 flooring and floor covering contractor's license, you must be at least 18 years old.
You should have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
You must have a minimum of four years of journey-level experience.

2. Obtain the Required Work Experience:

Your four years of journey-level experience should include hands-on work in the flooring field and should have been acquired within the last ten years. This experience should be verifiable through payroll or similar records.

3. Prepare for the License Examination:

California mandates that all new applicants pass two examinations: the Law and Business exam and the Flooring trade exam. The Law and Business exam delves into running a contracting business, contracts, liens, employment, etc., while the trade exam evaluates your knowledge in areas like subfloor evaluation, material acclimation, carpet installation, resilient and rubber flooring installation, hardwood flooring installation and more.
Study materials and resources are available from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website or Contractors Intelligence School.

4. Submit Your License Application:

You need to submit a license application to the CSLB along with the required fees.
Alongside your application, you may be required to provide proof of your work experience and qualifications.

5. Schedule and Pass the License Examinations:

Once your application is processed and accepted, you must schedule the required examinations.
Passing all required examinations with a minimum score is necessary for license qualification.

6. Complete the Final Steps within 90-days of Passing Your Exams:

Pay the initial license fee.
Complete livescan fingerprinting.
Obtain a Contractor's Bond and any additional bonding (if applicable).
Obtain Workers' Compensation Insurance (if applicable).
Obtain General Liability Insurance (if applicable).
Complete the Asbestos Open Book Examination.

7. Receive Your C15 Flooring and Floor Covering License:

After completing all the steps and meeting all the requirements, you will receive your C15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor's License pocket card and wall certificate in the mail.

How long does it take to get a C15 flooring contractor's license?

The time it takes to obtain a C15 flooring contractor's license depends on various factors, including CSLB's processing times, exam preparation, and the speed at which you complete the final licensing steps. On average, the process can be completed within two to three months.

Here's a breakdown of timeframes for each key step:

Application Processing: Typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Exam Preparation: This phase often overlaps with the application processing.
Law & Business Exam: This exam has a duration of 3.5 hours.
C15 Trade Exam: This exam also has a duration of 3.5-hours.
Final Steps: must be completed within 90 days of passing all required exams.

Waiting for C15 Contractors License in the mail.

Is the CSLB test hard?

If you're pursuing your first contractor's license, you'll need to pass two state exams: the Law & Business exam and the C15 Trade exam. The trade exam is often more manageable for experienced floor installers because it aligns with their daily work. What helps is that all state test questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the trade. By extension, having experience in the field will make the trade exam easier.

On the other hand, the Law & Business exam tends to be more challenging when compared to the trade exam. While you may have field experience installing floors, your experience rarely includes hiring employees, bookkeeping, and performing the daily operations of an office.

Regardless of your experience level, the CSLB publicly posts two-page study guides that help a qualifying individual identify the content of the examinations. These study guides are available for both the Law & Business exam and the C15 trade exam. Additionally, enrolling as a student at Contractors Intelligence School can make the exams seem almost trivial.

What’s Next?

Are you prepared to elevate your flooring expertise? Becoming a licensed flooring contractor can unlock new opportunities and set you on the path to a thriving career in the construction industry. Don't allow the difficulty of the CSLB test to discourage you.

With proper preparation, determination, and access to the necessary resources, you can overcome the challenges and embark on this fulfilling journey. Reach out to Contractors Intelligence School at 800-425-7570 today to begin your journey toward becoming a licensed flooring contractor!

Published on: November 15, 2024