How to Get Your
California Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in California. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career in the Golden State.
California Plumbing License Quick Facts
License Type
C-36 Plumbing Contractor
Experience Required
4 years as journeyman
License Fee
$330 - $530
Licensing Body
CSLB
Renewal Period
Every 2 years
Bond Required
$2,500-$10,000
Did you know that California employs more than 40,000 plumbing professionals, which is the highest among other states? The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects the employment of plumbers to increase by 5% from 2020 to 2030. But you need to get a plumbing license to get started in this career.
Many who are interested to joining this profession might wonder: Is it illegal to do plumbing work without a license in California? Well, the licensing process varies for every US state, but as in California, you can do low-value plumbing projects. However, you must be a licensed contractor to take up big jobs such as laying down plumbing lines and other works related to plumbing systems.
To get started as a plumber in this state, you need a professional license, and to get the license, you must have immense work experience, pass the California plumbing exam, and submit a bond. This article will tell you everything you should know about California plumbing licenses.
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in California?
California Licensing Authority
Contractors State License Board
CSLBIssues C-36 plumbing contractor licenses for all contractors in California under the Department of Consumer Affairs
Why Do You Need a Plumbing License?
In general, if you are a licensed technician, you are identified as an authorized person to do a particular job. In California, it is important to get licensed to start working as a plumbing contractor.
Only if you are a newbie who is getting trained, working, and learning directly under a registered California plumbing contractor you won't face any issues. Otherwise, plumbing work projects that cost more than $500 in labor and materials alone in California must be done only by a licensed contractor.
Types of California Plumbing Licenses
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level position for those learning the trade under supervision.
Key Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Enroll in approved plumbing program
- Work under licensed contractor
Journeyman Plumber
Mid-level license after completing apprenticeship requirements.
Key Requirements
- 2-3 years academic experience
- 1-2 years as apprentice plumber
- Complete trade school program
C-36 Plumbing Contractor License
Master plumber license required to start your own plumbing business in California.
Key Requirements
- 4 years experience as journeyman
- Pass business & law exam
- Pass trade exam
When it comes to plumbing licenses in California based on rank, you will find two types: journeyman and master. Both journeyman and master plumber receive a C-36 plumbing contractor's license from the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Though you get the credentials to get licensed as a plumber, you must meet some requirements to become a licensed plumber.
Requirements for California Plumbing License
CSLB Requirements
C-36 Plumbing Contractor License Requirements
1Work Experience
Required experience and training
Work Experience
Required experience and training
- Complete 4 years as a registered journeyman plumber
- Graduate from an approved plumbing trade school (2-year program)
- Obtain high school diploma or GED before enrolling in trade school
- Complete apprenticeship program (1-2 years)
- Complete journeyman experience (1-5 years)
2Criminal Background Check
Background verification
Criminal Background Check
Background verification
- Every applicant must get a criminal background check
- Serious offenses within the last seven years may affect eligibility
- Minor offenses typically will not prevent licensing
3Documentation
Required supporting documents
Documentation
Required supporting documents
- Copies of W-2 forms from previous employment
- Certifications from your apprenticeship program
- Diploma from your trade school
- Work certification from former employer
4Financial Requirements
Capital and bonding
Financial Requirements
Capital and bonding
- Prove working capital of at least $2,500
- File a surety bond of up to $10,000
- With good credit, bond costs $100-$250 per year
5Examinations
Required exams
Examinations
Required exams
- Pass the Business and Law examination
- Pass the Trade examination
- Schedule exams through CSLB website
- Appear before CSLB proctor for final review
California Plumbing License Costs
California License Fees
CSLB License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Application Fee | — | $330 | |
| Initial License Fee (after passing exam) | — | $200 | |
| Total Initial Cost | — | $530 | |
| License Renewal (every 2 years) | — | $400 | |
| Surety Bond (annual, with good credit) | — | $100-250 |
Source: California Contractors State License Board
Don't forget to renew your contractor's license in California every two years. The renewal fee costs $400.
Best Plumbing Trade Schools in California
Plumbing schools in California offer a two-year classwork and on-the-job training program. These programs typically cost range between $1,000 to $3,000. Plumbing schools teach you basic plumbing operations, such as repairing leaky pipes and installing boilers, furnaces, etc.
The best plumbing trade schools in California are:
- Bakersfield College
- East Los Angeles Occupational Center
- Central County ROP
- College of San Mateo
- City College of San Francisco
- Central County Occupational College
- PHCC Vocational School
- San Diego City College
- National Institute of Technology
- North Orange County ROP
To join a plumbing trade school, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
Steps to Get Your California Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Obtain High School Diploma or GED
Complete your high school education or obtain a GED certificate before enrolling in a plumbing trade school.
Enroll in Plumbing Trade School
Join an approved plumbing trade school for a 2-year program that combines classwork and on-the-job training.
Work as an Apprentice Plumber
Gain 1-2 years of experience working under a registered California plumbing contractor as an apprentice.
Become a Journeyman Plumber
After completing your apprenticeship and academic requirements, work as a journeyman plumber for 1-5 years to gain the required experience.
Complete 4 Years as Journeyman
Accumulate a total of 4 years of experience as a registered journeyman plumber before applying for your contractor's license.
Gather Required Documentation
Collect all necessary documents including W-2 forms, apprenticeship certifications, trade school diploma, and work certification from your former employer.
Apply for C-36 Contractor License
Submit your application for a California plumbing contractor's license (C-36 classification) to the Contractors State License Board.
CSLB License ApplicationPass Criminal Background Check
Complete the required criminal background check as part of your application process.
Schedule and Pass Examinations
Schedule your Business and Law exam and Trade exam through the CSLB website and pass both tests.
Schedule Your ExamAppear Before CSLB Proctor
After passing your exams, appear before a CSLB proctor for final review of your application.
Prove Financial Responsibility
Demonstrate working capital of at least $2,500 and file a surety bond of up to $10,000 with the CSLB.
Congratulations! You're Licensed!
You are now a licensed C-36 plumbing contractor in California and can legally start your own plumbing business.
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Start Your FREE TrialBenefits of Plumbing License in California
By securing your California plumbing contractor's license, you can enjoy benefits such as the following:
- The law requires it: A trade license will be proof of your experience and skill. However, only when you are a licensed plumbing contractor are you legally allowed to do plumbing work across the state. Without one, it is considered an offence and can lead to 6 months in jail. Licensed plumbing contractors can start a plumbing business, advertise their services, get commercial insurance, get building permits and inspections, and even bid on public and government projects.
- High earning potential: Customers who look for plumbing services might look for a licensed professional. So, without a license, you may miss potential customers.
- An advantage over your competitors: You get authority in the job market when you have your license.
- Enter markets in a different region: You can use your licensee's distribution network and easily enter new geographical regions and foreign markets.
Be it any business, a license and insurance protect the company and its customers.
After successfully getting a license, California contractors can easily start a business. To get better at their work, they can get some advanced tools and software such as field management software, invoicing and estimating software such as InvoiceOwl. This software can ease your invoicing work and make the payments happen quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When plumbing technicians who contract without a license get caught while on a plumbing license lookup, they are made to appear before the superior court judge to answer an offence that can lead to up to six months in jail or a $5,000 fine and an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000.
People often assume that a plumbing permit and a plumbing license are the same. Permits are issued by licensed plumbers to carry out plumber jobs such as installing, altering, repairing, or replacing a piping system. You can get a work permit through the city's public works department. Whereas you need a license to become a plumber first.
There are different types of plumbing insurance required in California, such as:
- General liability insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Tools and equipment insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Commercial property insurance
Plumbers in California get an average pay of $31 on an hourly basis, and on a yearly basis, they can make at least $72,000. Though the salary can differ based on different factors, this salary is higher than in any other state's.
Only plumbing work projects that cost less than $500 in labor and materials can be done without a license. For any project costing more than $500, you must be a licensed contractor. You can also work as an unlicensed apprentice or journeyman if you are working directly under a registered California plumbing contractor.
The typical path takes about 6-10 years total:
- 2 years in plumbing trade school
- 1-2 years as an apprentice plumber
- 1-5 years as a journeyman plumber
- Total of 4 years as journeyman required before applying for contractor license
Conclusion
Plumbers in California must get licensed properly to get started. However, plumbers in California get an average pay of $31 on an hourly basis, and on a yearly basis, they can make at least $72,000. Though the salary can differ based on different factors, this salary is higher than in any other state's.
California employs more than 40,000 plumbing professionals, which is the highest among other states. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting a 5% growth from 2020 to 2030, now is a great time to start your plumbing career in California.
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