California Plumbing License Requirements
California doesn't license individual plumbers. Plumbing contractors need a state license from the Contractors State License Board. Some cities license plumbers.
Contractor only · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated
License tiers
| Apprentice | No state license |
| Journeyman | No state license |
| Master | No state license |
| Contractor | CSLB C-36 Plumbing |
Requirements
| Contractor experience | 4 years journey-level |
| Exam | Law & business + trade exams |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Renewal | 2 years |
| Continuing education | None |
| Local license | Workers may need local license |
| Board | Contractors State License Board |
Exam
| Exam provider | PSI (for CSLB) |
| Format | Closed book |
| Time | 3.5 hours per exam |
| Bulletin date | 2026-03 |
pass reports do not show a score.
Licensed in another state or the military
| Reciprocity | None |
| Military spouses | Expedited licensure and waiver of initial application and license fee for spouses/domestic partners of active-duty members (since July 1, 2022) |
CSLB also expedites applications for service members in SkillBridge. DCA rule applies to all its boards including CSLB.
- Source: dca.ca.gov · checked November 6, 2026
- Source: cslb.ca.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (no state agency) |
Programs register through the Office of Apprenticeship; use the Partner Finder for local sponsors.
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Plumbing code
| Code in force | 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) |
- Source: dgs.ca.gov · checked November 5, 2026