California Contractors State License Board · checked 2026-10-20
California Plumber License Requirements
The CSLB licenses the plumbing contracting business under the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification. The CSLB sources read set no separate state license for individual journeyman plumbers. C-36 Plumbing Contractor: 4 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1C-36 · C-36 Plumbing Contractor 4 years
License levels in California
California has one credential on this path: the C-36 Plumbing Contractor. The source states the time in years.
| Level | Experience | Classroom | Time from start | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-36 C-36 Plumbing Contractor | 4 years | — | 4 years | Yes | Application $450; Initial license (sole owner) $200 |
C-36 Plumbing Contractor (C-36)
The qualifying individual needs at least four years of journeyman-level experience in the classification within the last ten years and must pass written law and trade examinations. Source: CSLB, Steps to become a licensed contractor.
Exam
1 of the 1 level listed here requires an exam: C-36 Plumbing Contractor. The source does not print a pass mark. Renewal of an active license is $450 for a sole owner or $700 for other entities.
Fees, insurance and bond
- C-36 Plumbing Contractor: application $450, initial license (sole owner) $200 ($650 together).
Fee source: CSLB Fees.
Bond: Contractor bond of $25,000 (effective January 1, 2023), plus proof of workers' compensation or an exemption. (CSLB, Bond Requirements)
Reciprocity
The California sources read for this trade name no reciprocity agreement and no route for out-of-state licensees.
How California compares
Among the 11 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top plumber credential, California ranks 2 of 11 from shortest (3 years) to longest (6 years). Florida and Illinois set the same 4 years.
Same trade elsewhere: Texas · Florida · Illinois · Ohio · Georgia. All states side by side: Plumber license requirements by state.
Other trades in California
- Electrician: C-10 Electrical Contractor (CSLB): 4 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- HVAC: C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor: 4 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- General contractor: B General Building Contractor: 4 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
All covered trades on one page: California trade licenses.
Background reading: From apprentice to master: how long each state takes · What the license fees add up to.
Questions
Who issues the plumber license in California?
California Contractors State License Board. The CSLB licenses the plumbing contracting business under the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification. The CSLB sources read set no separate state license for individual journeyman plumbers.
How long does it take to qualify for the C-36 Plumbing Contractor in California?
4 years by this site's count. The qualifying individual needs at least four years of journeyman-level experience in the classification within the last ten years and must pass written law and trade examinations.
Does California have plumber license reciprocity?
The California sources read name no reciprocity agreement for this trade.
What are the California plumber license fees?
C-36 Plumbing Contractor: application $450, initial license (sole owner) $200.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | California Contractors State License Board | 2026-10-20 |
| C-36 requirements | CSLB, Steps to become a licensed contractor | 2026-10-20 |
| Law cited | CSLB C-36 classification | 2026-10-20 |
This page summarises what the California source said on 2026-10-20. It is general information, not legal advice; the board's own page and the statute are the authority and can change. Confirm with California Contractors State License Board before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.