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In California, an HVAC Contractor license is primarily handled by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This is a comprehensive license that allows you to operate an HVAC contracting business and perform work valued over $500 (including labor and materials). The specific classification for HVAC is C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.
Every contracting business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation) must have a Qualifying Individual who meets the experience and examination requirements. This can be the owner, a partner, an officer, or an employee.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Experience: A minimum of four (4) full years of journeyman-level experience in the HVAC trade within the last ten years immediately preceding the application date.
Examinations: The Qualifying Individual must pass two examinations administered by the CSLB:
Criminal Background Check: All applicants must submit fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check (Live Scan).
Financial Solvency: The applicant must show working capital of at least $2,500.
Business Registration: If operating as a corporation, LLC, or partnership, you must register your business name with the California Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships using a fictitious business name must file a fictitious business name statement with their county clerk.
Contractor's Bond: All licensed contractors must file a $25,000 contractor's bond with the CSLB.
This bond must be issued by a surety company licensed by the California Department of Insurance.
It protects consumers, employees, and suppliers from financial harm due to license law violations.
Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI): If the Qualifying Individual is not the owner (sole proprietor) or owns less than 10% of the voting stock of the corporation, an additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual is required.
LLC Employee/Worker Bond: If operating as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), an additional $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond is required.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have any employees (even if only one, or even if you're an LLC with no employees as of January 1, 2023). A certificate of insurance must be filed with the CSLB.
General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for LLCs (minimum $1,000,000, potentially up to $5,000,000 depending on the number of personnel). Highly recommended for all other business structures, though not required by the CSLB for license issuance (unless you're an LLC).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for payroll taxes, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for sales tax (if applicable).
Meet Experience Requirements: Ensure the designated Qualifying Individual has the required four years of journeyman-level HVAC experience within the last 10 years.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Any individual performing work on refrigerant-containing equipment must hold this federal certification. Know more
Prepare Application Documents: Gather all necessary documentation, including detailed descriptions of work experience and notarized verification from qualified individuals.
Complete and Submit Application:
Fill out the "Application for Original Contractor License" form from the CSLB.
Submit the application with the non-refundable application fee (currently $450).
Mail the complete package to the CSLB.
Undergo Background Check: After the CSLB accepts your application, you will receive instructions for fingerprinting via Live Scan.
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once approved by the CSLB, you will receive a "Notification to Appear for Examination." Schedule and pass both the Law & Business Exam and the C-20 Trade Exam. You must also complete the open-book asbestos exam.
Secure Bonds and Insurance: Obtain the required contractor's bond, any necessary additional bonds (BQI, LLC Employee/Worker), and workers' compensation insurance.
Pay Initial License Fee: Once you've passed the exams and fulfilled all bond/insurance requirements, pay the initial license fee (currently $200 for sole ownership, $350 for non-sole ownership entities).
Receive Your License: The CSLB will issue your C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license.
Project Value Limit: The CSLB license is required for any HVAC work valued at $500 or more (labor and materials combined). Work under $500 is generally considered "minor work" and may not require a contractor license, but local permits might still apply.
No Journeyman Licensing: California does not have a separate state-level "journeyman HVAC technician" license. Technicians typically work under a licensed contractor.
Continuing Education: The CSLB generally does not require continuing education for license renewal for most classifications, including C-20. However, staying current with codes and best practices is essential for professional competency.
License Renewal: Contractor licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed before their expiration date (currently $450 renewal fee).
Reciprocity: California has reciprocity agreements for some contractor classifications with certain states (e.g., Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, Utah) if the applicant has held a license in good standing for at least five years. However, you will still need to pass the California Law & Business exam.
Local Business Licenses & Permits: In addition to the state contractor license, you will likely need a local business license in the city or county where you operate. Most cities and counties also require permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and significant repairs. Always check with the local building department.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2, 3
In California, an HVAC Contractor license is primarily handled by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This is a comprehensive license that allows you to operate an HVAC contracting business and perform work valued over $500 (including labor and materials). The specific classification for HVAC is C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.
In California, an HVAC Contractor license is primarily handled by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This is a comprehensive license that allows you to operate an HVAC contracting business and perform work valued over $500 (including labor and materials). The specific classification for HVAC is C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.
Every contracting business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation) must have a Qualifying Individual who meets the experience and examination requirements. This can be the owner, a partner, an officer, or an employee.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Experience: A minimum of four (4) full years of journeyman-level experience in the HVAC trade within the last ten years immediately preceding the application date.
Examinations: The Qualifying Individual must pass two examinations administered by the CSLB:
Criminal Background Check: All applicants must submit fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check (Live Scan).
Financial Solvency: The applicant must show working capital of at least $2,500.
Business Registration: If operating as a corporation, LLC, or partnership, you must register your business name with the California Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships using a fictitious business name must file a fictitious business name statement with their county clerk.
Contractor's Bond: All licensed contractors must file a $25,000 contractor's bond with the CSLB.
This bond must be issued by a surety company licensed by the California Department of Insurance.
It protects consumers, employees, and suppliers from financial harm due to license law violations.
Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI): If the Qualifying Individual is not the owner (sole proprietor) or owns less than 10% of the voting stock of the corporation, an additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual is required.
LLC Employee/Worker Bond: If operating as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), an additional $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond is required.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have any employees (even if only one, or even if you're an LLC with no employees as of January 1, 2023). A certificate of insurance must be filed with the CSLB.
General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for LLCs (minimum $1,000,000, potentially up to $5,000,000 depending on the number of personnel). Highly recommended for all other business structures, though not required by the CSLB for license issuance (unless you're an LLC).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for payroll taxes, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for sales tax (if applicable).
Meet Experience Requirements: Ensure the designated Qualifying Individual has the required four years of journeyman-level HVAC experience within the last 10 years.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Any individual performing work on refrigerant-containing equipment must hold this federal certification. Know more
Prepare Application Documents: Gather all necessary documentation, including detailed descriptions of work experience and notarized verification from qualified individuals.
Complete and Submit Application:
Fill out the "Application for Original Contractor License" form from the CSLB.
Submit the application with the non-refundable application fee (currently $450).
Mail the complete package to the CSLB.
Undergo Background Check: After the CSLB accepts your application, you will receive instructions for fingerprinting via Live Scan.
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once approved by the CSLB, you will receive a "Notification to Appear for Examination." Schedule and pass both the Law & Business Exam and the C-20 Trade Exam. You must also complete the open-book asbestos exam.
Secure Bonds and Insurance: Obtain the required contractor's bond, any necessary additional bonds (BQI, LLC Employee/Worker), and workers' compensation insurance.
Pay Initial License Fee: Once you've passed the exams and fulfilled all bond/insurance requirements, pay the initial license fee (currently $200 for sole ownership, $350 for non-sole ownership entities).
Receive Your License: The CSLB will issue your C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license.
Project Value Limit: The CSLB license is required for any HVAC work valued at $500 or more (labor and materials combined). Work under $500 is generally considered "minor work" and may not require a contractor license, but local permits might still apply.
No Journeyman Licensing: California does not have a separate state-level "journeyman HVAC technician" license. Technicians typically work under a licensed contractor.
Continuing Education: The CSLB generally does not require continuing education for license renewal for most classifications, including C-20. However, staying current with codes and best practices is essential for professional competency.
License Renewal: Contractor licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed before their expiration date (currently $450 renewal fee).
Reciprocity: California has reciprocity agreements for some contractor classifications with certain states (e.g., Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, Utah) if the applicant has held a license in good standing for at least five years. However, you will still need to pass the California Law & Business exam.
Local Business Licenses & Permits: In addition to the state contractor license, you will likely need a local business license in the city or county where you operate. Most cities and counties also require permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and significant repairs. Always check with the local building department.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2, 3
In California, an HVAC Contractor license is primarily handled by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This is a comprehensive license that allows you to operate an HVAC contracting business and perform work valued over $500 (including labor and materials). The specific classification for HVAC is C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.
In California, an HVAC Contractor license is primarily handled by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This is a comprehensive license that allows you to operate an HVAC contracting business and perform work valued over $500 (including labor and materials). The specific classification for HVAC is C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.
Every contracting business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation) must have a Qualifying Individual who meets the experience and examination requirements. This can be the owner, a partner, an officer, or an employee.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Experience: A minimum of four (4) full years of journeyman-level experience in the HVAC trade within the last ten years immediately preceding the application date.
Examinations: The Qualifying Individual must pass two examinations administered by the CSLB:
Criminal Background Check: All applicants must submit fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check (Live Scan).
Financial Solvency: The applicant must show working capital of at least $2,500.
Business Registration: If operating as a corporation, LLC, or partnership, you must register your business name with the California Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships using a fictitious business name must file a fictitious business name statement with their county clerk.
Contractor's Bond: All licensed contractors must file a $25,000 contractor's bond with the CSLB.
This bond must be issued by a surety company licensed by the California Department of Insurance.
It protects consumers, employees, and suppliers from financial harm due to license law violations.
Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI): If the Qualifying Individual is not the owner (sole proprietor) or owns less than 10% of the voting stock of the corporation, an additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual is required.
LLC Employee/Worker Bond: If operating as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), an additional $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond is required.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have any employees (even if only one, or even if you're an LLC with no employees as of January 1, 2023). A certificate of insurance must be filed with the CSLB.
General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for LLCs (minimum $1,000,000, potentially up to $5,000,000 depending on the number of personnel). Highly recommended for all other business structures, though not required by the CSLB for license issuance (unless you're an LLC).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for payroll taxes, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for sales tax (if applicable).
Meet Experience Requirements: Ensure the designated Qualifying Individual has the required four years of journeyman-level HVAC experience within the last 10 years.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Any individual performing work on refrigerant-containing equipment must hold this federal certification. Know more
Prepare Application Documents: Gather all necessary documentation, including detailed descriptions of work experience and notarized verification from qualified individuals.
Complete and Submit Application:
Fill out the "Application for Original Contractor License" form from the CSLB.
Submit the application with the non-refundable application fee (currently $450).
Mail the complete package to the CSLB.
Undergo Background Check: After the CSLB accepts your application, you will receive instructions for fingerprinting via Live Scan.
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once approved by the CSLB, you will receive a "Notification to Appear for Examination." Schedule and pass both the Law & Business Exam and the C-20 Trade Exam. You must also complete the open-book asbestos exam.
Secure Bonds and Insurance: Obtain the required contractor's bond, any necessary additional bonds (BQI, LLC Employee/Worker), and workers' compensation insurance.
Pay Initial License Fee: Once you've passed the exams and fulfilled all bond/insurance requirements, pay the initial license fee (currently $200 for sole ownership, $350 for non-sole ownership entities).
Receive Your License: The CSLB will issue your C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license.
Project Value Limit: The CSLB license is required for any HVAC work valued at $500 or more (labor and materials combined). Work under $500 is generally considered "minor work" and may not require a contractor license, but local permits might still apply.
No Journeyman Licensing: California does not have a separate state-level "journeyman HVAC technician" license. Technicians typically work under a licensed contractor.
Continuing Education: The CSLB generally does not require continuing education for license renewal for most classifications, including C-20. However, staying current with codes and best practices is essential for professional competency.
License Renewal: Contractor licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed before their expiration date (currently $450 renewal fee).
Reciprocity: California has reciprocity agreements for some contractor classifications with certain states (e.g., Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, Utah) if the applicant has held a license in good standing for at least five years. However, you will still need to pass the California Law & Business exam.
Local Business Licenses & Permits: In addition to the state contractor license, you will likely need a local business license in the city or county where you operate. Most cities and counties also require permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and significant repairs. Always check with the local building department.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2, 3
In California, an HVAC Contractor license is primarily handled by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This is a comprehensive license that allows you to operate an HVAC contracting business and perform work valued over $500 (including labor and materials). The specific classification for HVAC is C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.
Every contracting business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation) must have a Qualifying Individual who meets the experience and examination requirements. This can be the owner, a partner, an officer, or an employee.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Experience: A minimum of four (4) full years of journeyman-level experience in the HVAC trade within the last ten years immediately preceding the application date.
Examinations: The Qualifying Individual must pass two examinations administered by the CSLB:
Criminal Background Check: All applicants must submit fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check (Live Scan).
Financial Solvency: The applicant must show working capital of at least $2,500.
Business Registration: If operating as a corporation, LLC, or partnership, you must register your business name with the California Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships using a fictitious business name must file a fictitious business name statement with their county clerk.
Contractor's Bond: All licensed contractors must file a $25,000 contractor's bond with the CSLB.
This bond must be issued by a surety company licensed by the California Department of Insurance.
It protects consumers, employees, and suppliers from financial harm due to license law violations.
Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI): If the Qualifying Individual is not the owner (sole proprietor) or owns less than 10% of the voting stock of the corporation, an additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual is required.
LLC Employee/Worker Bond: If operating as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), an additional $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond is required.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have any employees (even if only one, or even if you're an LLC with no employees as of January 1, 2023). A certificate of insurance must be filed with the CSLB.
General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for LLCs (minimum $1,000,000, potentially up to $5,000,000 depending on the number of personnel). Highly recommended for all other business structures, though not required by the CSLB for license issuance (unless you're an LLC).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for payroll taxes, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for sales tax (if applicable).
Meet Experience Requirements: Ensure the designated Qualifying Individual has the required four years of journeyman-level HVAC experience within the last 10 years.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Any individual performing work on refrigerant-containing equipment must hold this federal certification. Know more
Prepare Application Documents: Gather all necessary documentation, including detailed descriptions of work experience and notarized verification from qualified individuals.
Complete and Submit Application:
Fill out the "Application for Original Contractor License" form from the CSLB.
Submit the application with the non-refundable application fee (currently $450).
Mail the complete package to the CSLB.
Undergo Background Check: After the CSLB accepts your application, you will receive instructions for fingerprinting via Live Scan.
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once approved by the CSLB, you will receive a "Notification to Appear for Examination." Schedule and pass both the Law & Business Exam and the C-20 Trade Exam. You must also complete the open-book asbestos exam.
Secure Bonds and Insurance: Obtain the required contractor's bond, any necessary additional bonds (BQI, LLC Employee/Worker), and workers' compensation insurance.
Pay Initial License Fee: Once you've passed the exams and fulfilled all bond/insurance requirements, pay the initial license fee (currently $200 for sole ownership, $350 for non-sole ownership entities).
Receive Your License: The CSLB will issue your C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license.
Project Value Limit: The CSLB license is required for any HVAC work valued at $500 or more (labor and materials combined). Work under $500 is generally considered "minor work" and may not require a contractor license, but local permits might still apply.
No Journeyman Licensing: California does not have a separate state-level "journeyman HVAC technician" license. Technicians typically work under a licensed contractor.
Continuing Education: The CSLB generally does not require continuing education for license renewal for most classifications, including C-20. However, staying current with codes and best practices is essential for professional competency.
License Renewal: Contractor licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed before their expiration date (currently $450 renewal fee).
Reciprocity: California has reciprocity agreements for some contractor classifications with certain states (e.g., Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, Utah) if the applicant has held a license in good standing for at least five years. However, you will still need to pass the California Law & Business exam.
Local Business Licenses & Permits: In addition to the state contractor license, you will likely need a local business license in the city or county where you operate. Most cities and counties also require permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and significant repairs. Always check with the local building department.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2, 3
