Trades
The CSLB considers 44 Trade Classifications, plus Limited Specialties. One trade is no more or less important than the next. It is very important that you obtain the most accurate trade, one that you specialize and do the most work in, and then add other trades later as needed. Speak with us and we will assist you in obtaining the right trade for you. There are three types of trades, one is General, another is Specialty, and a third is Limited Specialty. There are two general trades, General A Engineering, and General B Building. There are 41 Specialty Trades under the C Trades, and C61- Limited Specialties, which include the D Trade categories. For the C61, you only need to pass the Law and Business Exam, whereas for the A, B and C Trades, you have to pass the Law and Business and your Trade Exam.
General A Engineering includes fixed works, roads and bridges, and other “outside” construction public works. General B Building includes works inside, on, or under a building, for structures “built, being built, or to be built”. Rough carpentry and framing (C5) is the main trade for a Gen B, plus “two unrelated trades”. Most General B’s are hired to build structures from the ground up, to remodel kitchens and bathroom, and to add and subtract rooms. There are six major building trades: C8 Concrete, C5 Carpentry, C10 Electrical, C20 HVAC, C36 Plumbing, and C39 Roofing. These trades are prominent on the Gen B Trade Exam. One out of three licensed contractor in California is a General B. (You can find more details of “descriptions of classifications” below or call us at (888) 903-4803.
- General A – Engineering
- General B – Building
- C-2 – Insulation and Acoustical Contractor
- C-4 – Boiler, Hot Water Heating, Steam Fitting
- C-5 – Framing and Rough Carpentry
- C-6 – Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry
- C-7 – Low Voltage Systems Contractor
- C-8 – Concrete Contractor
- C-9 – Drywall Contractor
- C10 – Electrical Contractor
- C11 – Elevator Contractor
- C12 – Earthwork and Paving Contractors
- C13 – Fencing Contractor
- C15 – Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors
- C16 – Fire Protection Contractor
- C17 – Glazing Contractor
- C20 – Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, AC
- C21 – Building Moving/Demolition
- C23 – Ornamental Metal Contractor
- C27 – Landscaping Contractor
- C28 – Lock and Security Equipment
- C29 – Masonry Contractor
- C31 – Construction Zone Traffic Control
- C32 – Parking and Highway Improvement
- C33 – Painting and Decorating Contractor
- C34 – Pipeline Contractor
- C35 – Lathing and Plastering Contractor
- C36 – Plumbing Contractor
- C38 – Refrigeration Contractor
- C39 – Roofing Contractor
- C42 – Sanitation System Contractor
- C43 – Sheet Metal Contractor
- C45 – Sign Contractor
- C46 – Solar Contractor
- C47 – General Manufactured Housing
- C50 – Reinforcing Steel Contractor
- C51 – Structural Steel Contractor
- C53 – Swimming Pool Contractor
- C54 – Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor
- C55 – Water Conditioning Contractor
- C57 – Water Well Drilling Contractor
- C60 – Welding Contractor
- C61 – Limited Specialty
- ASB – Asbestos Certification
- HAZ – Hazardous Substance Removal
- C61- Limited Specialty Trades: (Law Exam Only)
- D03 – Awnings
- D04 – Central Vacuum Systems
- D06 – Concrete Related Services
- D09 – Drilling, Blasting, Oil Field
- D10 – Elevated Floors
- D12 – Synthetic Products
- D16 – Hardware, Locks and Safes
- D21 – Machinery and Pumps
- D24 – Metal Products
- D28 – Doors, Gates, Activating Devices
- D29 – Paperhanging
- D30 – Pile Driving, Pres. Foun. Jack
- D31 – Pole Installation and Maintenance
- D34 – Prefabricated Equipment
- D35 – Pool and Spa Maintenance
- D38 – Sand and Water Blasting
- D39 – Scaffolding
- D40 – Service Station Equip/Maint.
- D41 – Siding and Decking
- D42 – Non-Electrical Sign Installations
- D49 – Tree Service
- D50 – Suspended Ceilings
- D52 – Window Coverings
- D53 – Wood Tanks
- D56 – Trenching Only
- D59 – Hydroseed Spraying
- D62 – Air and Water Balancing
- D63 – Construction Clean-up
- D64 – Non-specialized
- D65 – Weatherization and Energy Conservation