How to Become a General Contractor in California

Introduction: Your Blueprint for a Licensed Future in California Construction

Embarking on the path to becoming a licensed general contractor in California is a significant step toward professional legitimacy, greater earning potential, and the ability to take on substantial construction projects. This is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it is the foundational requirement for a legal and successful career in the state's dynamic construction industry. In California, any construction project with a total value of $1,000 or more—combining both labor and materials—legally mandates that the work be performed by a licensed contractor. Operating without this credential is not a simple infraction; it is a criminal misdemeanor that can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and even jail time. This guide serves as your essential roadmap, designed to navigate every facet of this complex but achievable process.  

The entire licensing system is governed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a regulatory body established in 1929 with the mission of protecting California consumers by setting and enforcing professional standards. Today, the CSLB oversees nearly 290,000 licensed contractors across approximately 45 different classifications. For those aspiring to manage comprehensive building projects, the key credential is the "Class B" General Building Contractor license. This license is specifically for contractors whose principal business involves structures built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of people, animals, or property, and which require the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts. In essence, the Class B license is the gateway to becoming the primary manager of significant residential and commercial construction.  

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire multi-part journey, from the initial step of verifying your eligibility to the final stages of securing bonds and insurance, and ultimately, to maintaining your license for a long and prosperous career. Each section is meticulously detailed to provide the clarity and confidence needed to transform your professional experience into a state-recognized credential.

Part 1: Foundational Requirements - Verifying Your Eligibility

Before a single form is filled out, the first and most critical step is to determine if you meet the CSLB's stringent eligibility criteria. The board's primary function is consumer protection, which it achieves by ensuring that only individuals with proven, hands-on experience and knowledge are granted a license. The application process is, therefore, less about paperwork and more about building a verifiable case for your professional qualifications.

The Qualifying Individual (QI): The Heart of the License

Every contractor's license in California must be connected to a "Qualifying Individual" or QI. This is the person who meets the CSLB's experience and examination requirements and is legally responsible for exercising direct supervision and control over the company's construction operations. The QI is not a passive role; they are the designated expert whose credentials underpin the entire licensed entity. The QI can be the business owner themselves or a designated employee, depending on the business structure :  

• Sole Proprietorship: The owner or a Responsible Managing Employee (RME).
• Partnership: A general partner or an RME.
• Corporation: A Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) or an RME.
• LLC: A responsible managing member, manager, officer, or an RME.

Core Eligibility Criteria: The Non-Negotiables

To be considered for a license, every applicant must first meet two fundamental requirements:

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.  
2. Identification: You must possess a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).  

Deep Dive: The 4-Year Journey-Level Experience Mandate

This requirement is the cornerstone of the entire application and the area that receives the most scrutiny from the CSLB. An applicant's success or failure often hinges on the ability to adequately document and verify their professional history. The rule is specific: the Qualifying Individual must have a minimum of four full years of experience within the last ten years working as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the specific classification for which they are applying.  

Defining Journey-Level

The CSLB has a precise definition of "journey-level" experience. It refers to a person who is a fully qualified and experienced worker, capable of performing the trade without supervision. This is a critical distinction that separates a qualified professional from a trainee, helper, laborer, or apprentice. For the Class B General Building license, this experience must meet an additional standard: it must include hands-on work in framing or rough carpentry, plus at least two other unrelated core trades. Examples of these core trades include plumbing, electrical work, concrete, roofing, and HVAC. This requirement ensures that a General Building contractor has a broad, practical understanding of the key systems involved in a structure, not just a single specialty.  

Documenting and Certifying Your Experience

Experience cannot simply be self-attested; it must be proven. This is accomplished through the "Certification of Work Experience" form, which must be completed and signed by a third party who has direct, firsthand knowledge of your work. This certifier can be a current or former employer, a fellow journeyman, a licensed contractor, a union representative, a building inspector, an architect, or an engineer. The certifier is attesting to the specifics of your experience, including the time frame and the nature of the duties performed.  

The CSLB takes this verification process very seriously. By law, the board must randomly select a percentage of applications for an in-depth review of the claimed experience. If your application is chosen, you will be required to provide additional documentation to substantiate your claims, such as payroll records, W-2s, project contracts, or invoices. The rigor of this verification system underscores a fundamental truth about the licensing process: the CSLB's primary function is to act as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only demonstrably qualified individuals are permitted to contract with the public. The burden of proof lies entirely with the applicant.  

Special Case: Owner-Builder Experience

It is possible to use experience gained while working on your own property as an "owner-builder" to qualify for a Class B license. However, this path requires an even higher level of documentation. In addition to the standard Certification of Work Experience form, owner-builder applicants must complete and submit a "Construction Project Experience" form for each project they are claiming. This form requires detailed information about the project, including building permit numbers, the total cost, the scope of work, and the square footage. This meticulous record-keeping is necessary for the CSLB to validate that the work was substantial, performed to code, and equivalent to journey-level experience.  

Strategic Advantage: Substituting Education for Experience

While there are no mandatory educational degrees required to obtain a contractor license, the CSLB recognizes the value of formal training and allows applicants to substitute it for a portion of the four-year experience requirement. This can be a significant advantage for applicants with relevant academic or apprenticeship backgrounds.  

Up to three years of the four-year requirement can be met through education or training, but a minimum of one year must be practical, hands-on field experience. The amount of credit awarded depends on the level and type of education. To receive credit, applicants must arrange for their educational institution to send official, sealed transcripts directly to the CSLB for evaluation. The credits are typically granted as follows :  

• Up to 3 Years of Credit:
  • A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Construction Management from an accredited four-year university.
  • A Certificate of Completion from an accredited apprenticeship program in the relevant classification.
• Up to 2 Years of Credit:
  • A four-year degree from an accredited university in a related field, such as architecture (for the Class B license), business, or economics.
• Up to 1.5 Years of Credit:
  • An Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in building or construction management from an accredited school or college.

Part 2: Structuring Your Business for Success

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, the next phase involves making critical decisions about the legal and financial structure of your future business. This is not merely an administrative step; the choices made here will have long-term implications for your personal liability, tax obligations, and, most importantly, your CSLB bonding and insurance requirements.

Choosing Your Business Entity: A Critical Strategic Decision

The CSLB issues licenses to six distinct types of business entities: Sole Owner, Partnership, Corporation, Joint Venture, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Tribal Business. For most new contractors, the choice will be among the following common structures :  

• Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest structure to establish. The business is legally indistinct from the individual owner. While easy to manage, it offers no protection for personal assets; if the business incurs debt or is sued, the owner's personal property is at risk.
• Partnership: This structure involves two or more individuals co-owning the business. A formal partnership agreement is highly recommended to define roles, responsibilities, and profit distribution. In a general partnership, all partners typically have unlimited personal liability for the business's debts.
• Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp): A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders). This structure provides a strong liability shield, protecting personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. However, it comes with more complex administrative and tax filing requirements.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC offers a hybrid approach, combining the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility and simpler management of a partnership or sole proprietorship. While this is an attractive option for many small businesses, it triggers specific and substantial financial requirements from the CSLB.

The LLC Nuance: Higher Costs for Higher Protection

The decision to form an LLC must be made with a full understanding of the associated costs mandated by the CSLB. The board's regulations for LLCs are a direct response to the liability shield that this structure provides. To ensure that employees and consumers are protected, the CSLB requires LLCs to secure significantly more financial backing than other entity types. This translates into two major additional requirements:  

1. A $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond: This is a separate surety bond required in addition to the standard $25,000 contractor bond that all licensees must carry. It is specifically for the benefit of any employee or worker who is harmed by the LLC's failure to pay wages or related benefits.  
2. Mandatory General Liability Insurance: All LLC licensees must carry general liability insurance with a cumulative limit of at least $1 million for businesses with five or fewer personnel. An additional $100,000 in coverage is required for each additional member of the personnel of record, up to a maximum of $5 million.  

This means that the choice of an LLC is not just a legal or tax decision; it is a fundamental financial one. The upfront and ongoing costs for bonding and insurance are substantially higher for an LLC compared to a sole proprietorship or corporation. Aspiring contractors must carefully weigh the benefit of enhanced liability protection against this significant increase in mandated operating costs.

Registering with the California Secretary of State (SOS)

For those choosing to form a Corporation, LLC, Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), there is a crucial preliminary step: you must formally register your business entity with the California Secretary of State before submitting your application to the CSLB. This is a separate legal process.  

The business name you register with the SOS must be the exact same name used on your CSLB license application; any discrepancy will cause delays. The process involves filing the appropriate formation documents, such as the Articles of Incorporation for a corporation or the Articles of Organization for an LLC. Within 90 days of this initial filing, you must also submit a "Statement of Information," which lists key details about the business, such as its officers and address.  

Business Name and "Doing Business As" (DBA)

The name you choose for your construction business is also subject to CSLB rules. It cannot be misleading or falsely imply that you are qualified to perform work in a classification for which you do not hold a license. If you plan to operate under a name different from your legal business name (e.g., "John Smith Construction" as a DBA for your sole proprietorship under your personal name), you must register this fictitious business name with the appropriate county clerk's office and use it consistently in all advertising, proposals, and contracts.  

Part 3: The CSLB Application Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

With your eligibility confirmed and business structure chosen, you are ready to tackle the formal application. This stage requires precision and attention to detail. Errors or omissions can lead to significant delays, so a methodical approach is essential.

Securing and Completing the "Application for Original Contractor License"

The primary application form can be obtained from the CSLB website in one of three ways :  

1. Easy-Fill: An online version that allows you to type your information directly into the form before printing it.
2. PDF: A blank, printable PDF that you can fill out by hand.
3. Order: A paper copy that can be ordered and mailed to you.

To prevent your application from being returned for corrections, adhere to the following checklist :  

• Use only blue or black ink. Applications completed in pencil will be returned.
• Ensure every required person signs and dates the application. This includes the applicant, the qualifying individual, and all partners or corporate officers listed.
• Thoroughly proofread the entire application to ensure all sections are complete and all questions are answered.
• Attach all required supporting documents, most importantly the "Certification of Work Experience" form(s) and the "Owner-Builder Construction Project Experience" form if applicable.

Fees and Submission: Getting It Right the First Time

Understanding the fee structure and submission process is crucial to avoid delays. A non-refundable $450 application processing fee must be included with your application packet. This fee is the same for all applicants, regardless of business structure.  

The initial license fee, which is paid only after you have passed the required examinations, varies by business type: $200 for a sole owner and $350 for a non-sole owner (e.g., a corporation or LLC).  

Crucially, do not send your contractor bond(s) or the initial license fee with your application. These are submitted only after you have successfully passed the exams and receive instructions from the CSLB.  

Mail the completed application and the $450 fee via check or money order to the CSLB's designated P.O. Box in Sacramento : Contractors State License Board P.O. Box 26000 Sacramento, CA 95826-0026  

The table below summarizes the core fees associated with obtaining and maintaining a California contractor license.

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Table 1: Summary of CSLB Licensing Costs

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The Waiting Game: CSLB Processing Times and Tracking Your Application

Once your application is mailed, the waiting period begins. The CSLB provides a valuable tool on its website: the "Processing Times" page. This page is updated weekly and shows the receipt date of the applications that are currently being processed by each specific CSLB unit (e.g., Original Applications, Criminal Background). This allows you to estimate when your application will be reviewed.  

Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after submission, you will receive a letter of acknowledgment from the CSLB. This letter is important as it contains two key pieces of information: your nine-digit Application Fee Number and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will use these two numbers to check the specific status of your application on the CSLB's online portal.  

The Background Check: Fingerprinting and Live Scan

After your application is reviewed and accepted (or "posted"), you will receive instructions to complete a mandatory fingerprinting process via Live Scan for a criminal background check. It is important to be completely honest about any past convictions on your application. A criminal record is not an automatic bar to licensure. The CSLB evaluates each case individually, considering factors such as the nature of the crime, its relation to the duties of a contractor, and evidence of rehabilitation. Failure to disclose a conviction is considered a serious offense and is more likely to result in denial than the conviction itself.  

Part 4: Conquering the CSLB Examinations

Passing the CSLB examinations is a major milestone on the path to licensure. The exams are designed to verify that the Qualifying Individual possesses both the practical trade knowledge and the business acumen necessary to operate a construction company legally and competently in California.

Overview of the Two-Part Exam Structure

Every Qualifying Individual must pass two separate examinations :  

1. The Law and Business Examination: This exam is the same for all license classifications.
2. A Trade-Specific Examination: This exam covers the practical aspects of the specific license classification being sought (e.g., Class B General Building).

Both exams are closed-book, multiple-choice, and administered on a computer at a designated PSI testing center. Each exam typically has a time limit of 3.5 hours.  

Dissecting the Law & Business Examination

This examination is designed to ensure that all licensed contractors, regardless of their trade, understand the fundamental legal and financial principles of running a business in California. The CSLB's primary study resource for this exam is the California Contractors License Law & Reference Book, which can be purchased from the publisher, LexisNexis. The board also sends a helpful study guide to applicants along with their notice to appear for the exam. The exam covers a wide range of topics, with questions distributed approximately as shown in the table below. Understanding this breakdown allows for a more strategic approach to studying, focusing effort on the most heavily weighted sections.  

Table 2a: Law & Business Examination Content Outline

Mastering the Class B General Building Trade Examination

This exam assesses your practical knowledge of building practices, materials, and codes. It is a comprehensive test designed to confirm your competency as a general contractor. A significant portion of the questions will require you to interpret a set of blueprints and plans that are provided to you at the testing center, making plan-reading a critical skill for success. The CSLB provides an official study guide for the Class B exam on its website, which outlines the key knowledge areas. The exam's content is broken down into five major sections, with a focus on the core trades that a general contractor must manage and supervise.

Table 2b: Class B General Building Trade Examination Content Outline

Exam Logistics and Strategy

Once your application is accepted, you will receive a "Notice to Appear for Examination." You must then schedule your exam appointments directly with the CSLB's testing vendor, PSI. This can be done online through their website or by phone. PSI has numerous testing centers throughout California and a few in other states.  

On the day of the exam, you must arrive on time with a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. No personal items, including phones, notes, or reference books, are allowed in the testing room. The exam is entirely closed-book, but a digital calculator will be provided on the computer for any questions requiring mathematical calculations.  

You will receive your pass or fail results immediately upon completing the exam. The passing score is typically around 70% to 72%. There is no penalty for guessing, so it is always better to answer every question. If you fail an exam, you will need to pay a re-examination fee and wait for a period before you can reschedule.

Part 5: The Final Hurdles - Bonds and Insurance

After successfully passing both examinations, you enter the final phase before your license can be issued. This stage involves securing the necessary financial guarantees—in the form of surety bonds and insurance—that are required to protect the public and your employees.

Securing Your Mandatory Contractor Bonds

A surety bond is a three-party agreement between the contractor (the principal), the CSLB (the obligee), and a surety company. The surety company guarantees to the CSLB that the contractor will comply with state laws. If the contractor fails to do so and causes financial harm, a claim can be made against the bond. It is important to understand that the contractor must repay the surety company for any amount paid out on a claim. The cost of a bond is not its full face value, but rather an annual premium that is determined by the surety company based on the contractor's personal credit score and business history.

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There are several types of bonds that may be required:

• The $25,000 Contractor License Bond: This is a universal requirement for every active contractor license in California. It serves as a primary source of financial protection for consumers, suppliers, and employees who may be damaged by a contractor's unlawful actions.  
• The $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI): An additional bond in this amount is required if the license's Qualifying Individual is a Responsible Managing Employee (RME). For corporations and LLCs, this bond is also required if the Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) or Responsible Managing Member/Manager (RMM) owns less than 10% of the company's voting stock or equity.  
• The $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond: As detailed previously, this substantial additional bond is mandatory for all businesses licensed as an LLC.  

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Meeting Critical Insurance Requirements

In addition to bonds, contractors must carry specific types of insurance to maintain an active license.

• Workers' Compensation Insurance: California law mandates that any contractor who has employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. A valid Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be on file with the CSLB at all times. If this coverage lapses for any reason, the contractor's license will be automatically suspended. It is critical to note that contractors holding certain classifications—including C-8 Concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 Asbestos Abatement, C-39 Roofing, and C-61/D-49 Tree Service—are required to carry workers' compensation insurance even if they have no employees.  
• General Liability (GL) Insurance: While the CSLB strongly recommends GL insurance for all contractors, it is only a mandatory statewide requirement for LLCs. As noted, LLCs must maintain a minimum of $1 million in coverage. For sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations, GL insurance is not required for licensure, but it is a standard business practice and is often required by clients as a condition of awarding a contract. Many local jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles and San Jose, also have their own specific GL insurance mandates for contractors working within their city limits.  

The following table clarifies the different bonding and insurance requirements based on the most common business structures.

Table 3: California Contractor Bond & Insurance Requirements

Submitting Final Documents for License Issuance

After passing the exams, the CSLB will send you a final packet with instructions for license issuance. To officially activate your license, you must submit the following items together:

1. The original copy of your $25,000 Contractor Bond (and BQI or LLC bond, if required).
2. Your Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance (or a signed Exemption from Workers' Compensation form, if you have no employees and are not in a mandated classification).
3. Proof of General Liability Insurance (mandatory for LLCs).
4. The signed verification form for the Asbestos Open-Book Examination. This is a simple, mandatory open-book test that all new licensees must complete to ensure they are aware of the risks associated with asbestos.  
5. Payment for the initial license fee ($200 for sole owners, $350 for non-sole owners).

Once the CSLB receives and processes all these documents, your license number will be issued, and you will officially be a licensed California contractor.

Part 6: Maintaining Your Hard-Earned License

Obtaining a contractor's license is not a one-time event; it is the beginning of an ongoing commitment to professional standards and regulatory compliance. The CSLB framework is designed to ensure that licensees remain financially responsible, professionally current, and administratively compliant throughout their careers. Failure to maintain these standards can result in the suspension or revocation of your license.

Active vs. Inactive Status

Licensees have the option to maintain their license in either an active or inactive status. An active license allows you to legally contract for work and requires that you maintain all necessary bonds and insurance coverage continuously. An inactive license does not require bonds or insurance, but you are strictly prohibited from performing any contracting work or submitting bids. Inactivating a license can be a useful option for contractors who are temporarily retiring or not working, as it preserves the license number without the ongoing cost of bonds and insurance.  

License Renewal: A Cyclical Responsibility

Your license must be renewed periodically to remain valid.

• Active licenses must be renewed every two years.
• Inactive licenses must be renewed every four years.  

The CSLB will mail a renewal application to your address of record approximately 60 days before your license's expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure the renewal is submitted on time, even if the notice is not received. The renewal fees vary based on business structure and whether the renewal is submitted on time or is delinquent. For a timely active renewal, the fee is $450 for a sole owner and $700 for a non-sole owner.  

New for 2025: Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

A significant change in California's licensing landscape is the recent introduction of mandatory continuing education (CE) for license renewal. Previously, CE was not required for most contractor classifications. However, under the new regulations, active general contractors are now required to complete 5 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle.  

These CE courses must be taken from CSLB-approved providers and must focus on key areas such as business management, construction law updates, and Cal/OSHA safety standards. When submitting your renewal, you will now be required to provide proof that you have completed the mandated coursework. This policy shift reflects the CSLB's increased emphasis on ensuring that contractors remain current with evolving industry standards, laws, and safety protocols.  

Staying Compliant with the CSLB

Beyond renewal, maintaining your license requires proactive communication with the CSLB. It is your legal responsibility to notify the board within 90 days of any changes to your business information, including :  

• Change of business address or phone number.
• Change in personnel (e.g., adding or removing an officer or partner).
• Change in business entity (e.g., a sole proprietorship incorporating).

Failure to maintain continuous bond and workers' compensation coverage, or to notify the CSLB of important changes, can lead to the automatic suspension of your license.

Part 7: Special Topics and Advanced Guidance

As you progress in your career, you may encounter situations that require a deeper understanding of the CSLB's rules, such as working across state lines or expanding your business into new trades.

License Reciprocity: A Shortcut for Out-of-State Contractors

California does not allow contractors licensed in other states to work in California without a CSLB-issued license. However, the state does have formal reciprocity agreements with the licensing boards of four other states: Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and North Carolina.  

This agreement provides a significant advantage for experienced contractors from these states. If you meet the requirements, the CSLB may waive the trade-specific portion of the examination. The key requirements for reciprocity are :  

• You must have held an active license in good standing in the reciprocal state for the previous five consecutive years.
• The classification you hold in your home state must be on the CSLB's official list of reciprocal classifications.
• You must submit a "Request for Verification of License" form completed by your home state's licensing board.

Even with a trade exam waiver, all reciprocity applicants are still required to take and pass the California Law and Business examination. The following table shows which license classifications from the reciprocal states correspond to California's Class B General Building license.  

Table 4: California License Reciprocity for Class B Contractors

Data sourced from. Note: North Carolina reciprocity details should be verified directly with the CSLB for the most current information.  

The High Cost of Non-Compliance: Penalties for Unlicensed Contracting

It is worth reiterating the severe consequences of performing contracting work in California without the required license. The state's enforcement is robust, and the penalties are designed to be a powerful deterrent.

A first-time offense for unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor, carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. The CSLB can also issue administrative fines ranging from $200 to $15,000. The penalties escalate dramatically for repeat offenders. A second conviction carries a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of $5,000 or 20% of the contract price, whichever is greater. Furthermore, an unlicensed contractor has no legal standing to sue a client for non-payment, and a consumer who has paid an unlicensed contractor may be entitled to restitution.  

Expanding Your Business: Adding Classifications to Your License

Once you have obtained your initial license, you can expand the scope of your business by adding other license classifications. For example, a Class B General Building contractor may wish to add a C-10 Electrical or C-36 Plumbing license to be able to self-perform that work. This is done by submitting an "Application for Additional Classification" and passing the specific trade examination for the new classification you are seeking.  

Conclusion: Building Your Future as a Licensed California Contractor

The path to becoming a licensed general contractor in California is undeniably rigorous, demanding a proven history of experience, a thorough understanding of business and trade principles, and a commitment to financial and regulatory compliance. From verifying your journey-level experience and structuring your business entity, to navigating the detailed application, conquering the state exams, and securing the necessary bonds and insurance, each step is a critical building block in the foundation of your professional career.

While the process is complex, it is designed with a clear purpose: to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the construction industry. A CSLB license is far more than a piece of paper; it is a mark of credibility, a symbol of your expertise, and a legal requirement for building a sustainable and profitable construction business in the Golden State. By following the detailed blueprint laid out in this guide, you can confidently navigate the process and unlock the door to larger, more complex, and more rewarding projects, securing your place as a trusted professional in one of the world's most dynamic construction markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does the entire licensing process take? The entire process, from submitting the application to receiving the license, typically takes approximately 3 to 6 months. However, this timeline is highly variable and can be affected by many factors. Application review can take 4-6 weeks, scheduling and preparing for the exam may take another 2-4 weeks, and the final issuance process after passing the exams can take an additional 4-6 weeks. Delays can occur if your application requires corrections or is selected for a random experience audit.  
• Can I get a license with a criminal record? Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a license. The CSLB reviews each case individually, with a focus on convictions that are substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a contractor. The board considers evidence of rehabilitation, and full, honest disclosure on the application is mandatory. Hiding a conviction is more likely to lead to denial than the conviction itself.  
• What's the difference between a Class B and a Class B-2 license? A Class B General Building Contractor license is for projects that involve at least two unrelated building trades or crafts. It is the primary license for new construction and major remodels of residential and commercial structures. A Class B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor license is more specialized; it is for contractors whose principal work involves making improvements to existing residential wood-frame structures, and the projects must involve at least three unrelated trades or crafts.  
• Do I need a license for jobs under $1,000? No, a contractor license is not required for construction projects where the total combined cost of labor and materials is less than $1,000. This is often referred to as the "handyman exemption." However, this exemption has strict limitations: you cannot break a larger project down into smaller parts to stay under the limit, and you are not allowed to advertise yourself as a licensed contractor. The exemption also does not apply if the project requires a building permit or if you use any employee labor.