Electrician license requirements in California.
California splits electrical licensing in two, and you generally need both. The business holds a C-10 Electrical contractor license from the Contractors State License Board, while the individual doing the work holds an electrician certification from the Department of Industrial Relations.
What California requires.
C-10 — Electrical Contractor (CSLB)
The business license. Authorizes bidding and performing electrical work of $500 or more — wiring, lighting, power distribution, equipment, battery storage, and solar PV.
General Electrician Certification (DIR)
The individual credential certifying a journey-level electrician to perform the work. Separate from the contractor license and issued by a different agency.
Getting the C-10 — Electrical Contractor
- C-10: at least four years of journey-level electrical experience within the past ten years — journey level means working independently, not as a helper or apprentice
- A qualifying college degree or apprenticeship can substitute for up to three of those four years
- Pass two CSLB exams — Law & Business and the C-10 trade exam. You have 18 months to pass both once the application is approved
- File a contractor license surety bond with CSLB ($25,000) and carry workers’ compensation if you have employees
- Electricians working for the contractor need their own DIR electrician certification
Renewal: CSLB licenses renew every two years. DIR electrician certification renews on its own schedule.
- · A common mistake is assuming the C-10 alone is enough — the contractor license lets the business take the job, while DIR certification is what qualifies the person doing the work.
The official board
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — C-10 licensing; electrician certification is issued by the Department of Industrial Relations
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
California electrical licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do electrical work in California?
Yes, and usually two credentials. The business needs a C-10 Electrical contractor license from the Contractors State License Board to contract work of $500 or more, and the individual performing the work needs electrician certification from the Department of Industrial Relations.
What is a C-10 license in California?
C-10 is the CSLB classification for electrical contracting. It covers wiring, lighting, power distribution, electrical equipment, battery energy storage, and solar photovoltaic work on residential, commercial, industrial, and public projects.
How much experience do you need for a C-10 electrical license?
Four years of journey-level electrical experience within the last ten years. A qualifying college degree or apprenticeship can substitute for up to three of those years, but the experience must be journey level — not helper or apprentice work.
What is the difference between a C-10 license and California electrician certification?
The C-10 is the contractor license held by the business, issued by CSLB, and it authorizes bidding and contracting electrical work. Electrician certification is issued by the Department of Industrial Relations and certifies the individual journeyman to perform the work. Most electrical businesses need both.
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