Contractor License Cost

📆 LICENSING COSTS AS OF JAN 1, 2022.

Here is the approximate cost of a contractor’s license – including application fees – contractor exam preparation course – fingerprinting and bonding fees – Initial license fees – and when it must be paid.

1️⃣ OUR CONTRACTOR’S STUDY COURSE COST (Fee paid to Thompson Learning Co.)

  • TLC Contractor TRADE EXAM and LAW & BUSINESS EXAM Preparation Program: $448

    • Contractor Trade Exam Prep Course Only: .$249 
    • Law & Business Exam Prep Course Only: ….$199.50*/$249

*Law & Business Exam Prep Course only $199.50 when purchased with the Trade Exam Prep Course

Note: You must pass both the Trade & the Law & Business Exam for your initial contractor’s license.


2️⃣ Application Fee (Fee paid to the CSLB) 

  • CSLB Application Fee: $450

3️⃣ BACKGROUND CHECK FEES – (Paid about 30 days after application submittal)

  • LIVE SCAN: (Cost Variable +/- $75 – Fee paid to the Live Scan provider)

    Generally, the fees for Live Scan fingerprinting services in California can range from $20 to $50, plus an additional rolling fee that varies by location. It’s advisable to contact your local Live Scan service provider for the most current pricing information. 


4️⃣ FINAL FEES

  •  INITIAL LICENCE FEE: (Fee paid to the CSLB) PAY AFTER PASSING THE EXAM

    • (sole owner) ……………..… $200

    • (non-sole owner) …….…. $350

  •  $25,0000 CONTRACTOR BOND: (Cost Variable – Fee paid to your insurance provider) “Approximately $250 per year with decent credit.”

    • The final rate depends on your credit rating.

NEW: Effective Jan 1, 2023, the CSLB has increased the Contractor’s Bond requirement from $15,000 to $ 25,000.


5️⃣ WORKERS COMP INSURANCE: 

  •  INITIAL LICENCE FEE: (Cost Variable – Fee paid to your insurance provider) PAY AFTER PASSING THE EXAM

🚀 CSLB Services for Veterans 

CSLB offers special application assistance for past and present military personnel and their spouses/domestic partners.

This assistance includes

  • Expedited application processing;
  • Direct contact with CSLB staff;
  • Access to licensing staff specially trained to evaluate transferable military training and experience from all branches of the military meet minimum licensure requirements and
  • Evaluation of college transcripts to help verify acceptable educational credit (in addition to military training and experience).

To learn more https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Military/