California Plumber Licensing FAQs

Getting Licensed

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in California?

A plumbing contractor provides a means for a supply of safe water, ample in volume and of suitable temperature for the purpose intended and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in all structures and fixed works. This classification includes but is not limited to:

(a)Complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction and connection of on-site waste disposal systems;

(b)Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply of gases and liquids for any purpose, including vacuum, compressed air and gases for medical, dental, commercial and industrial uses;

(c)All gas appliances, flues and gas connections for all systems including suspended space heating units. This does not include forced warm air units;

(d)Water and gas piping from the property owner’s side of the utility meter to the structure or fixed works;

(e) Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids, to a temperature suitable for the purposes listed in this section, including the installation of solar equipment for this purpose; and

(f)The maintenance and replacement of all items described above and all health and safety devices such as, but not limited to, gas earthquake valves, gas control valves, back flow preventers, water conditioning equipment and regulating valves.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in California?

• C-36 Plumbing Contractor

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in California?

• Application/Test: $50

How do I get my plumbing license in California?

First you must meet the requirements:

• Have at least 4 years of experience performing or supervising plumbing work
• Possess a Social Security number or ITIN
• Be at least 18 years old

After meeting the requirements:

1. Submit a complete application for licensure with applicable fees
2. Qualifying Party must take and pass exams

CSLB provides a detailed guide within the application to help you complete the process.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in California?

Listed below are the primary fees, see this list for full details and other fees.

• Original Application (including exam or waiver): $330
• Initial License: $200
• Re-Examination: $60
• Timely Renewal: $450
• Delinquent Renewal: $675

What can I expect from the California plumbing exam?

As a condition of licensure, an applicant must take and pass two examinations:

• Law & Business
• Trade

These are closed-book examinations. No reference materials may be used during the examinations. All materials brought to the examination site must be left in an unmonitored area at your own risk.

These are multiple-choice examinations with four choices per question. Examination questions are written to provide only one BEST answer. Some questions require mathematical computation. A calculator will be provided.

There is no penalty for guessing. If you are unsure about a particular question, it is better to try to answer the question than to leave the question blank.

Plenty of time is provided to answer all examination questions, so be sure to read each question and its four choices completely and carefully before selecting the BEST possible answer to the question.

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my California plumbing license?

• Active licenses: Every two years
• Inactive licenses: Every four years

How do I renew my plumbing license in California?

1. Approximately 60 days before your license is due to expire, CSLB will send you a renewal application.
   • If you have not received a renewal application from the CSLB within 45 days of the expiration date, you can order a renewal online or by calling the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
2. An acceptable renewal application must be received at CSLB’s Headquarters Office prior to the expiration date of the license to avoid any unlicensed time. It is your responsibility to make sure your license is renewed, even if you don’t receive a renewal form.
3. Because processing times can vary significantly, timely submission of your renewal is strongly recommended.

Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in California?

There are no active continuing education requirements for plumbers in California.