California C10 License Requirements: Complete Guide

Last updated: August 31st, 2026

If you’re planning to work as an electrical contractor in California, securing a C-10 license is essential when your work falls within California’s contractor licensing requirements. This license allows contractors to legally bid on and perform electrical work within the C-10 classification, including installing, altering, and repairing electrical wiring and systems.

At Contractors License Guru, we’ve helped thousands of professionals understand the licensing process and prepare for their state exams. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the current California C10 license requirements, including experience, paperwork, examinations, and the current PSI scheduling process.

Who Needs a C10 License?

The C-10 Electrical Contractor classification is issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It covers contractors whose principal business involves placing, installing, erecting, or connecting electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, and related systems that generate, transform, transmit, or utilize electrical energy.

California generally requires a contractor license when:

• The total cost of labor, materials, and all other project costs is $1,000 or more
• The project requires a building permit
• Employee labor is used

California’s minor-work exemption applies only when all three of the following conditions are met:

• The combined value of labor, materials, and all other costs is less than $1,000
• The project does not require a building permit
• No employee labor is used

All three conditions must be satisfied.

A larger project also cannot be broken into smaller contracts in an attempt to stay under the $1,000 exemption.

If you’re contracting for electrical work that requires a license, operating without the proper C-10 classification can result in fines, enforcement action, and problems collecting payment for work performed.

Minimum Requirements for the C10 License

To apply for the C-10 license, the qualifying individual generally needs to meet CSLB’s applicable eligibility requirements.

1. Work Experience

• You generally need at least four years of qualifying journey-level or higher experience in electrical work within the applicable 10-year period.
• Experience must be certified by a qualified and responsible person with firsthand knowledge of the work you performed.
• Your experience should demonstrate work within the C-10 classification, such as installing, altering, maintaining, or repairing qualifying electrical systems.

“Journey-level” generally means you’re fully qualified to perform the trade without supervision.

CSLB may request additional documentation to verify the experience claimed on your application.

2. Legal and Age Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must provide an acceptable Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

3. Examination Requirements

For a typical first-time C-10 applicant who does not qualify for an applicable examination waiver or exemption, CSLB generally requires:

• The Law and Business Examination, covering subjects such as licensing, contracts, business finances, employment requirements, safety, bonds, insurance, and other California contracting laws
• The C-10 Electrical Trade Examination, which tests technical knowledge related to electrical contracting

Examination waivers or exemptions can apply in qualifying circumstances, so determine which exams CSLB actually requires for your application before purchasing exam-preparation materials.

You can review the current CSLB Examination Study Guides for official exam outlines.

The C10 Application Process

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the requirements, the general process looks like this:

1. Submit an Application for an Original Contractor License to CSLB.
2. Pay the applicable application fee.
3. Wait for CSLB to review and accept your application.
4. Receive your Notice to Schedule if examinations are required.
5. Schedule and pay for your exams directly through PSI.
6. Pass the examinations required for your application.
7. Complete CSLB’s remaining license-issuance requirements.
8. Pay the applicable initial license fee.

The amount of time the licensing process takes can vary based on CSLB processing times, application completeness, experience verification, examination availability, and whether CSLB requests additional information.

Instead of relying on an old processing-time estimate, check the current CSLB processing times for the latest information.

How C10 Exams Are Scheduled Through PSI

CSLB creates and maintains California contractor licensing examinations, but PSI administers the exams.

You cannot schedule your C-10 examinations immediately after submitting your application.

First, CSLB must review your application and determine that it is acceptable. If testing is required, CSLB will mail you a Notice to Schedule an Examination.

Once you receive that notice, you can schedule and pay for your exam directly through PSI.

You can schedule:

• Online: Through the PSI California Contractors exam portal
• By Phone: Call PSI at 877-392-6422

If you’re required to take both the Law and Business and C-10 Trade examinations, each exam has a separate fee and is scheduled separately. Depending on appointment availability, you may schedule them on the same day or different days.

PSI allows you to choose from available examination dates and authorized testing locations.

What Happens After You Pass?

Passing your required examinations doesn’t automatically activate your contractor license.

CSLB will notify you of the remaining issuance requirements that apply to your application.

These may include:

• Live Scan fingerprinting
• Asbestos open-book examination
• Contractor bond
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Applicable initial license fee
• Entity-specific licensing documents

For the C-10 classification, workers’ compensation is particularly important.

Active C-10 Electrical contractors are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance or an approved Certification of Self-Insurance even if they have no employees. C-10 is one of the classifications that cannot use CSLB’s standard no-employee workers’ compensation exemption.

Once CSLB confirms that all applicable requirements have been satisfied, your C-10 license can be issued.

How Contractors License Guru Helps You Get Licensed

Navigating the C-10 license process can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time applying with CSLB.

At Contractors License Guru, we help simplify the process.

We can help you:

• Organize and document your qualifying experience
• Prepare your CSLB application correctly
• Determine your examination requirements
• Prepare for the Law and Business and C-10 Trade exams
• Understand bonds, insurance, and final issuance requirements
• Stay on top of forms, fees, and licensing steps

We’ve helped thousands of California contractors move from applicant to licensed professional.

If you’re serious about building your electrical contracting business, getting the application right from the beginning can help prevent unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About California C10 License Requirements

When is a C10 license required in California?

California generally requires a contractor license when the total project cost is $1,000 or more, a building permit is required, or employee labor is used.

For the minor-work exemption to apply, the total project cost must be less than $1,000, no permit can be required, and no employee labor can be used.

All three conditions must be met.

Is the California contractor exemption simply jobs under $1,000?

No.

This is one of the most important distinctions to understand.

Being below $1,000 is only one condition.

The exemption applies only when:

• The project costs less than $1,000 in total
• No building permit is required
• No employee labor is used

If the project requires a permit or uses employee labor, a contractor license can still be required even when the price is below $1,000.

Who administers the C10 exam?

PSI administers CSLB contractor licensing examinations.

After CSLB approves your application and refers you for testing, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule and then schedule and pay PSI directly.

Where do I schedule my C10 exam?

Once CSLB has referred you for testing, use the PSI California Contractors portal or call 877-392-6422.

Do I need to take both exams?

A typical first-time C-10 applicant generally takes:

• Law and Business
• C-10 Trade

However, exam waivers or exemptions may apply depending on your prior licensing, examination, or qualifying history.

Does a C10 contractor need workers’ compensation with no employees?

Yes.

C-10 is one of the California contractor classifications required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance or approved self-insurance even when there are no employees.

Ready to Get Your C10 License?

Understanding the C10 license requirements is the first step toward legally operating an electrical contracting business in California.

Remember the key points:

• California’s minor-work exemption requires under $1,000 + no permit + no employee labor
• Most first-time C-10 applicants will need the Law and Business and C-10 Trade examinations, unless a waiver or exemption applies
• Examinations are currently scheduled and paid for directly through PSI after CSLB refers you for testing
• C-10 contractors have specific ongoing requirements, including workers’ compensation coverage even without employees

If you’re ready to take the next step, Contractors License Guru can guide you through the application and examination process.

Contact us today or explore our contractor exam-preparation resources to get started.