What a C-10 contractor does
The CSLB describes a C-10 electrical contractor as one who “places, installs, erects or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells” and related equipment that generates, transmits or uses electrical energy. CSLB C-10 classification
In California, any construction job where labor and materials total $1,000 or more needs a licensed contractor. CSLB steps
Who can apply
- The person who qualifies the license (the “qualifier”) must be at least 18. CSLB steps
- They need at least four years of experience at the journey level or higher (journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder) within the last ten years. CSLB experience
- Experience must be verified by someone who saw your work firsthand, like an employer, coworker or client.
- There’s no education requirement. But the CSLB can give up to three years of credit for an apprenticeship completion certificate or related education, as long as at least one year is practical experience.
The exams
Unless an exam is waived, you take two: the Law and Business exam and the C-10 trade exam. The C-10 exam is closed book and multiple choice (four choices), and a calculator is provided. C-10 study guide · Law and Business study guide
| C-10 exam section | Share of the exam |
|---|---|
| Planning and estimating | 28% |
| Rough wiring | 27% |
| Safety | 18% |
| Startup, troubleshooting and maintenance | 16% |
| Finish and trim | 11% |
From the CSLB C-10 study guide (03/2026).
Fees, fingerprints, bond and insurance
- Application fee: $450. After you pass, the initial license fee is $200 for a sole owner or $350 for other business types. CSLB application
- Fingerprints: every new applicant submits fingerprints (Live Scan in California) for a background check. CSLB steps
- Bond: a $25,000 contractor bond (or a cash deposit) before the license is issued. LLCs have extra bond and insurance requirements. CSLB bonds
- Workers’ compensation: you file a certificate of workers’ comp coverage, or an exemption if you have no employees. Check the CSLB page for the current rules before you apply. CSLB workers’ comp
Certification first, then the license
Most electricians get their state certification first and work as journey-level electricians for years before applying for a C-10. The license comes with more than tools: bidding, contracts, permits, payroll, insurance and taking care of a crew. It’s a big step, and a rewarding one.
Common questions
How many years of experience do I need for a C-10 license?
At least four years of experience at the journey level or higher (journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor or owner-builder) within the last ten years. Someone with firsthand knowledge of your work has to verify it.
Does an apprenticeship count toward the C-10?
Yes. The CSLB can give up to three years of credit for an apprenticeship completion certificate, or for related education and training. At least one of the four years must be practical, hands-on experience.
Is the C-10 exam open book?
No. The C-10 trade exam is closed book and multiple choice, and a calculator is provided. Most applicants also take the Law and Business exam.
Do I need a C-10 license to do small jobs?
In California, a license is required for any construction job where labor and materials add up to $1,000 or more.
Thinking about the trade? We’d be glad to talk.
We’re Innovative Electrical Services, a family-run C‑10 electrical contractor in Auburn, working on homes, businesses and industrial sites from the Oregon border down to Southern California, and everywhere in between, including San Francisco and the Bay Area. Part of our mission is to help change how the world thinks about construction, construction workers and the trades.
We’re always interested in hearing from people who take pride in their work and put safety first, including apprentices. Tell us where you are: just curious, in school, an apprentice or trainee, or already certified.
Official sources
- CSLB: C-10 Electrical classification www.cslb.ca.gov
- CSLB: Experience requirements www.cslb.ca.gov
- CSLB: Steps to become a licensed contractor (PDF) cslb.ca.gov
- CSLB: Application for original license (PDF) www.cslb.ca.gov
- CSLB: C-10 exam study guide (PDF) www.cslb.ca.gov
- CSLB: Law and Business study guide (PDF) cslb.ca.gov
- CSLB: Bond requirements www.cslb.ca.gov
- CSLB: Workers’ compensation www.cslb.ca.gov
General information, checked against the official sources above in October 2026. Requirements and fees can change; the Labor Commissioner (DIR), the CSLB and each apprenticeship program have the final word.