California Carpentry License Requirements (2026)

California issues two carpentry classifications through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) under Business and Professions Code §7000 et seq. The C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry classification covers structural framing, rough carpentry, sheathing, decking and stair rough-in. The C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry classification covers finish carpentry, casework, trim, cabinetry and architectural millwork. Every California contractor whose work exceeds $500 in combined labor and materials must hold the matching CSLB classification, post a $25,000 contractor bond, and pass the CSLB Law and Business and trade exams.

Federal requirement: EPA Lead RRP Rule

Pre-1978 housing triggers the federal EPA Lead RRP Rule for any paint-disturbing renovation, repair, or painting work — a requirement that stands apart from whatever California does or does not license. See our complete EPA RRP Lead Certification guide for who needs firm and renovator certification, what it costs, and how renewal works.

Regulatory Oversight

This license is issued and enforced by Contractors State License Board (CSLB) pursuant to California Business & Professions Code §7000 et seq. (Contractors State License Law). The CSLB licenses and regulates contractors in 44 license classifications, investigates consumer complaints, enforces contractor license law, and prosecutes unlicensed activity through administrative, civil, and criminal action.

Official portal: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
Address: 9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95827 (mailing: P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826)
Phone: (800) 321-CSLB (2752) — in California; (916) 255-3900 — outside California

Who May Apply

An applicant qualifies only after meeting the age floor of 18 and producing a valid Social Security Number. No California residency requirement.

Good moral character

Criminal history is reviewed case-by-case by the licensing authority.

Background investigation

Criminal history disclosure required on the application.

Required Experience and Education

Plan to substantiate Four years of journey-level, foreman, supervising employee, contractor or owner-builder experience in the C-5 or C-6 trade within the last ten years (Business and Professions Code §7068). with hard records. Payroll, tax, project logs, and supervisor verification are what the board relies on when it reviews the claim.

Accepted proof of experience or eligibility

Notarized experience affidavits from licensed supervising contractors
W-2s, 1099s, or payroll records covering the qualifying period
Apprenticeship completion certificate where applicable

Education substitution

Approved carpentry apprenticeship or accredited trade school coursework may substitute for part of the experience requirement.

Examination Requirements

The licensing examination is delivered by CSLB administers the Law and Business and the C-5 or C-6 trade exam at PSI test centers. All of the following parts must be cleared prior to issuance:

CSLB Law and Business — 115 questions, 210 minutes, passing score 72%
C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry trade exam — 100 questions, 210 minutes, passing score 72%
C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry trade exam — 100 questions, 210 minutes, passing score 72%

Examination fee: $450 application fee plus $100 initial license fee. Re-exams are $100 each.

Retake policy: Failed parts may be retaken after paying a new exam fee. Applications remain valid for one year.

Insurance and Financial Requirements

A contractor license surety bond of $25,000, on the CSLB's prescribed form, is a precondition to issuance.

General liability

CSLB does not require general liability insurance, but most public works and private owners require $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate.

Workers' compensation

Workers compensation is mandatory under Labor Code §3700 for any contractor with employees. C-5 framing contractors must carry workers compensation even with no employees per SB 216 effective January 1 2026.

Additional financial requirements

No financial statement required for individual contractors.

Licensing Fees

Fee	Amount
Application (non-refundable)	$450
Examination	$100
Initial license	$200
Renewal (every 2 years)	$450

Keeping the License Current

Renewal of the California C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry / C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry comes due every 2 years. As cited, the renewal fee stands at $450. Biennial renewal. Late renewal within 60 days incurs a 50 percent penalty; after five years the license is canceled.

Continuing education: No statutory continuing education. CSLB may impose remedial education after disciplinary action.

Downloadable Asset

2026 California Carpentry License Roadmap (PDF) — a printable step-by-step checklist for the application process.

Download the PDF roadmap →

Reciprocity and License Transfer

The NASCLA Accredited Examination is not accepted by California for this classification.

Reciprocal State	Accepted Exam	Conditions
Arizona	Trade exam waived	Reciprocal agreement with ROC for C-5/C-6 holders with 5+ years.
Nevada	Trade exam waived	Reciprocal agreement with NSCB.
Utah	Trade exam waived	Reciprocal agreement with DOPL for C-5/C-6 holders.

CSLB maintains bilateral reciprocity for the C-5 and C-6 carpentry classifications with Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares Carpentry license requirements in every state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.

Application Process, Step by Step

Document four years of C-5 or C-6 experience. Collect signed certifications from licensed contractors verifying journey-level, foreman or owner-builder experience within the last ten years.
Submit CSLB application with $450 fee. File the Application for Original Contractor License with classification request.
Pass the CSLB Law and Business and the C-5 or C-6 trade exam. Score 72 percent or better on each part at a PSI test center.
Post the $25,000 contractor bond. File the surety bond and (if applicable) the bond of qualifying individual.
File workers compensation certificate. Mandatory for C-5 framing per SB 216 and for any C-6 contractor with employees.
Pay the $200 initial license fee. Submit after passing the exams to receive the license number.
Receive the CSLB license number and pocket card. CSLB mails the wallet card within 30 days of issuance.
Renew biennially with the $450 fee. Renewal cycle is two years; late renewal doubles the fee.

Document Checklist

These are the pieces to lock down before filing with CSLB:

☐ CSLB Application for Original Contractor License with $450 fee
☐ Four years of C-5 or C-6 experience certification
☐ CSLB Law and Business exam pass at 72%
☐ C-5 or C-6 trade exam pass at 72%
☐ $25,000 CSLB contractor surety bond
☐ Bond of qualifying individual (if applicable)
☐ Workers compensation certificate (mandatory for C-5)
☐ $200 initial license fee

Recommended References

These are the preparation and reference materials tied to this credential — cited by the regulator or widely used by applicants. CLR earns nothing from listing them.

CSLB Law and Business Examination Study Guide — CSLB. Free PDF on cslb.ca.gov.
CSLB C-5 / C-6 Carpentry Examination Study Guide — CSLB. Free PDF with content outlines.
California Building Code (state-adopted edition) — International Code Council. Open-book reference at PSI for the trade exams.

Frequent Application Errors

Working from the cited board instructions, here are the snags most likely to trip up a California Carpentry filing.

Working under the wrong classification

A C-6 finish contractor framing a wall, or a C-5 framer building cabinets, is unlicensed contracting and can void the bond.

Skipping workers comp on C-5

SB 216 closed the no-employees exemption for framing as of 2026. CSLB suspends C-5 licenses without an active workers comp certificate.

Lead RRP for pre-1978 trim

EPA RRP certification is federally required for any C-6 finish carpentry that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing.

Letting the qualifier leave

If the Responsible Managing Employee or Officer departs, CSLB allows 90 days to designate a replacement before suspending the license.

Mechanics lien preliminary notice

C-5 and C-6 contractors must serve a 20-day preliminary notice to preserve mechanics lien rights on private projects.

Other California Trade Licenses

CLR covers other California trades as well — the published guides below may be more relevant:

Questions Applicants Ask

What is the difference between C-5 and C-6?

C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry covers structural framing, sheathing, rough decking and stair rough-in. C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry covers finish carpentry, casework, trim and architectural millwork. Holding the wrong classification is unlicensed contracting under §7028.

What is the project threshold?

California requires a CSLB license for any project with combined labor and material cost of $500 or more.

Does C-5 require workers compensation even without employees?

Yes. SB 216 (effective 2026) makes workers compensation mandatory for all C-5 framing contractors regardless of employee count.

How much is the contractor bond?

CSLB requires a $25,000 contractor surety bond. Qualifying individuals also post a $25,000 bond of qualifying individual.

Does CSLB accept the NASCLA exam?

No. CSLB requires its own Law and Business and C-5/C-6 trade exams.

Primary Sources

Regulatory requirements on this page are drawn from the official board, statute, and exam-provider materials listed below.

Verified 2026-04-30 · Next scheduled review 2026-07-29