Last updated: August 31st, 2026
The CSLB Application for Original Contractor License has changed over the years, so if you’re following an older walkthrough, make sure the question numbers and instructions still match the current form.
This guide has been updated to follow the current CSLB Application for Original Contractor License, Form 13A-1, revised January 2026.
Section 4 is where you list the personnel who will appear on the license other than the qualifying individual already listed in Section 3.
Depending on your business entity, this can include:
If additional space is needed, CSLB provides a separate Section 4 – Additional Personnel form.
For corporations, make sure the officers and titles reported to CSLB are consistent with the corporation’s current California Secretary of State records.
California corporations commonly report the offices of:
One person can hold more than one corporate office.
However your corporation is structured, the information submitted to CSLB needs to be consistent with the entity information on file with the Secretary of State.
Incorrect personnel or title information can result in CSLB returning the application for correction and delaying processing.
LLCs must report the members, managers, officers, and other personnel required by CSLB.
The current application also accounts for situations where an LLC has another corporation or LLC acting as a member or manager. In those situations, CSLB may also require an individual authorized signer for the company.
Make sure your LLC is active and in good standing with the California Secretary of State before applying.
The current Section 5 contains Questions 10 through 15.
Questions 10 through 12 apply to everyone listed on the application, including the qualifier and Section 4 personnel.
Questions 13 through 15 apply to the qualifying individual.
Answer these questions carefully and truthfully. Do not automatically answer a question “Yes” or “No” simply because an old application guide told you to do so.
Question 10 asks whether anyone listed on the application—or certain companies they are or were associated with—is responsible for unsatisfied final judgments, liens, or claims against a contractor bond or cash deposit relating to a construction project.
If the correct answer is Yes, CSLB requires an explanation and supporting information.
Read the current wording carefully because the question is more specific than simply asking whether you’ve ever had any lien or judgment of any kind.
Question 11 asks about CSLB citations and whether a contractor license or other professional or vocational license or registration has been:
This applies to California as well as licensing actions in other jurisdictions.
The current application contains additional instructions about certain administrative suspensions that do not require a Yes response, so read the question and its instructions carefully before answering.
If Yes applies, CSLB requires an explanation of the events.
Question 12 addresses unresolved final liabilities involving certain California state agencies.
This can include items such as:
If you have an outstanding state liability, review the current application instructions carefully and provide the information CSLB requests.
Question 13 is for the qualifying individual.
It asks whether the qualifier will exercise supervision and control over the contracting business.
CSLB describes this as activities such as:
This is an important qualifier requirement.
Do not simply answer Yes because someone tells you that “Question 13 is always Yes.” Answer it accurately based on the qualifier’s actual role.
If the qualifier will not genuinely exercise the required supervision and control, you should address that issue before submitting the application.
Question 14 applies only if the qualifier is an RME — Responsible Managing Employee.
An RME must be a bona fide employee who is permanently employed by the applicant and actively engaged in the business.
Under the current requirement, the RME must generally work at least:
whichever is less.
If the qualifier is not an RME, follow the current application’s N/A instructions.
Question 15 asks whether the qualifying individual will require a CSLB-approved translator for the examination.
If you answer Yes, you’ll identify the language needed.
The translator must be approved by CSLB in advance.
Some CSLB examinations are available in Spanish. If an examination is already available in the applicant’s requested language, CSLB may schedule that translated examination rather than approve a translator.
Section 6 has changed significantly since older versions of the application.
The current application contains Questions 16 through 22.
Question 16 is where applicants identify qualifying education or training that they want CSLB to consider toward the four-year experience requirement.
For education credit, CSLB’s current published guidelines provide different maximums depending on the education submitted.
CSLB may grant up to 1½ years of credit for a qualifying associate degree in building or construction management.
CSLB may grant up to two years of credit for qualifying education such as:
CSLB may grant up to three years of education credit for qualifying four-year degrees such as:
Certain classification-specific degrees may also qualify for the three-year maximum.
No matter how much education credit CSLB grants, at least one year of the four-year requirement must be qualifying practical experience.
The amount of education credit is not automatic.
CSLB evaluates the documentation you submit and makes the final determination.
If you’re requesting education credit, follow CSLB’s current transcript-submission requirements.
Question 17 now asks whether you are licensed in another state in an equivalent classification and are seeking reciprocity.
The old Arizona/Nevada/Louisiana and “five out of seven years” language is outdated.
California currently has formal contractor reciprocity agreements with:
To qualify for reciprocity, you generally must:
Reciprocity can result in a Trade Examination waiver.
However, the California Law and Business Examination may still be required unless your prior California examination history provides an applicable exemption.
Always review CSLB’s current Reciprocity Requirements because the eligible classifications differ by state.
Question 18 is now specifically for applicants seeking a B-General Building Trade Examination waiver based on the NASCLA Commercial General Builders Examination.
This question did not exist in the same position on the older application.
Current requirements include qualifying conditions such as:
If you’re not applying for the B-General classification through this waiver route, this question generally does not apply.
Question 19 now relates specifically to the B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor Trade Examination waiver.
An applicant may potentially qualify based on having served as the qualifier on an equivalent general building or residential remodeling license in another state that has been in good standing for the previous five years.
CSLB requires the appropriate License Verification Request and will determine whether the applicant satisfies the waiver requirements.
This is another reason you should not rely on a 2021 walkthrough that describes Question 19 as something entirely different.
Question 20 now asks whether you are currently serving or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces.
The old statement that expedited processing was available only to sole-owner applicants is no longer accurate.
CSLB currently offers military application assistance that can include:
Depending on your circumstances, acceptable documentation can include:
If you’re claiming military construction experience toward the licensing experience requirement, CSLB may also evaluate your military transcripts and applicable work duties.
Visit CSLB’s Military Application Assistance Programs page for current details.
Question 21 is now a separate military-related question.
CSLB provides expedited processing and can waive the application fee and initial license fee for a qualifying applicant who:
and
Supporting documentation is required.
This is entirely different from what Question 21 represented on older versions of the application.
The current application also includes Question 22.
This asks whether the applicant qualifies for expedited licensing because they were admitted to the United States under certain immigration circumstances, including qualifying:
If Yes applies, CSLB requires documentation supporting that status.
The biggest takeaway from Sections 4 through 6 is that the application changes.
An article written around the 2021 form can become misleading even when the general licensing concepts remain valid.
The current 13A-1 application revised January 2026 uses:
Always download the current application from the CSLB Forms and Applications page before completing it.
If you need help preparing or reviewing your application, contact Contractors License Guru for assistance.
You can also review our guide to Page 1 of the CSLB License Application for additional help.
