Roofer license requirements in California.
California licenses roofing at the state level through the Contractors State License Board under the C-39 Roofing classification. You need it to contract roofing work of $500 or more in combined labor and materials, and roofing applicants also deal with the board’s asbestos requirement.
What California requires.
C-39 — Roofing Contractor
The roofing trade classification. Required to bid and contract roofing work of $500 or more (labor plus materials) statewide.
Getting the C-39 — Roofing Contractor
- At least four years of journey-level roofing experience within the past ten years — as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder
- Pass two exams: Law & Business and the C-39 roofing trade exam covering materials, installation methods, safety, and code
- Complete the board’s asbestos open-book exam
- Live Scan fingerprinting and a criminal background check
- File a contractor license surety bond with CSLB ($25,000); licenses held by an LLC also require an additional $100,000 worker bond
- Carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees
Renewal: CSLB licenses renew every two years.
Verified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
California roofing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do roofing work in California?
Yes. California requires a C-39 Roofing contractor license from the Contractors State License Board to bid or contract roofing work where labor and materials total $500 or more.
What is a C-39 license in California?
C-39 is the CSLB classification for roofing. It authorizes you to contract roofing work statewide, and the trade exam covers roofing materials, installation methods, safety, and building codes.
How much experience do you need for a C-39 roofing license?
Four years of journey-level roofing experience within the last ten years — meaning work as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder, not as a helper.
Do California roofing contractors need an asbestos exam?
Yes — roofing applicants complete the board’s open-book asbestos exam as part of the licensing process, on top of the Law & Business and C-39 trade exams.
What bond do California roofing contractors need?
A $25,000 contractor license bond on file with CSLB. If the license is held by an LLC, you also need an additional $100,000 worker bond for the benefit of the LLC’s employees.
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