California Electrician License Requirements
Official classification: C-10 Electrical Contractor · Issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
⚡ ElectricianCA ✔ Verified 2026-06-16
License types
- C-10 Electrical Contractor — Statewide license to contract for electrical work
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | 4 years of journeyman-level (or supervisor/foreperson) electrical experience within the last 10 years. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $450 (nonrefundable) |
| License fee | $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner) |
| Renewal fee | $470 (sole owner) / $720 (non-sole owner) — C-10 electrical renews higher than other CSLB classifications |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Bond required | $25,000 contractor bond (plus $25,000 Qualifying Individual bond if applicable) |
| Liability insurance | Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Required if you have employees; exemption form filed if none. |
| Background check | Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ + FBI criminal background check. Convictions reviewed case-by-case for substantial relation to contractor duties. |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | Arizona (C-11 Electrical — trade exam may be waived); Nevada (C-2d Low Voltage) |
| Processing time | Variable; status checkable on CSLB site with fee number + PIN |
💰 Need a California Electrician surety bond?
Compare bond quotes from licensed sureties — most applicants get same-day approval.
Exams
| Law & Business | Provider: PSI (for CSLB) Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) Fee: Included in application |
| C-10 Electrical Trade | Provider: PSI (for CSLB) Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) Fee: Included in application |
🛡️ Electrician liability & workers' comp insurance —
required for most license holders. Compare quotes in minutes.
Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-16 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) before applying. This is not legal advice.
Official sources
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C10
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/fees.aspx
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_requirements.aspx
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/reciprocity/reciprocal_classifications_list.aspx
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_Us/faqs/fingerprint_q_and_a.htm