Licensing Guides
California Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in California
Plumbing, CA
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in California
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in California?
How to Get a Plumbing Class C Specialty License in California
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in California?
Does My California Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in California?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in California?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that impacts the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and California employs 45,460 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In California, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is higher at 8% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in California in July 2025 totaled 895,800, a decrease of 18,200 (-2.0%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 14,400 or -2% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. California has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in California
Is a license required for plumbers in California? Yes, but not right away.
To legally perform plumbing work on projects valuing more than $500 in labor and materials in the state of California, you must be a licensed plumber. However, California does not require you to have a license to begin working and learning as long as you are directly supervised by a registered contractor. The state does not offer an apprentice plumber or journeyman level license.
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues the licenses.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in California
What are the different types of plumbers licenses in California?
A Plumbers License is a classification of an Original Contractors License in California. It is a Class C Specialty Contractor License, specifically C-36 – Plumbing Contractor.
As defined in the California Code of Regulations, a C-36 Plumbing Contractor “provides a means for a supply of safe water, ample in volume and of suitable temperature for the purpose intended and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in all structures and fixed works. This classification includes, but is not limited, to:
Complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction and connection of on-site waste disposal systems;
Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply of gases and liquids for any purpose, including vacuum, compressed air and gases for medical, dental, commercial and industrial uses;
All gas appliances, flues and gas connections for all systems including suspended space heating units. This does not include forced warm air units;
Water and gas piping from the property owner's side of the utility meter to the structure or fixed works;
Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids, to a temperature suitable for the purposes listed in this section, including the installation of solar equipment for this purpose; and
The maintenance and replacement of all items described above and all health and safety devices such as, but not limited to, gas earthquake valves, gas control valves, back flow preventers, water conditioning equipment and regulating valves.”
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Requirements for a C-36 Plumbing Contractor license include:
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED diploma.
Obtain four years of relevant work experience.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Submit fingerprints as part of a mandatory criminal background check.
Must pass a Law and Business and Trade exam.
Must obtain workers' compensation insurance or an exemption and a contractor’s surety bond.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in California
The licensing process includes:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Have either a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Get work experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor or four years of documented journeyman experience on jobs valuing $500 or less.
Apply for Original Contractors License C-36 specialty.
Take and pass all parts of the licensing exam.
Pay all fees.
Pass criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
File evidence of workers' compensation insurance or an exemption from the requirements.
Secure contractor’s surety bond.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in California
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your California plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in California to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work on your own.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in California?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in California is $78,350, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In California, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $59,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $76,600
Senior (4-7 years): $83,000
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in California?
The application fee for an Original Contractors License is $450. Once you have passed the certification exam, you will need to pay an additional $200 for the license fee if you’re the sole owner of a plumbing company or $350 if you aren’t the sole owner.
In addition, there is a cost for the fingerprinting scan. Those fees vary by site. For a list of all fees, click here.
If you choose to do a formal apprenticeship program or obtain technical training, there are fees associated with that. ABC of Southern California’s Plumbing Certification Training Program costs $1,800 a semester, plus a $50 enrollment fee and the cost for books. ABC members receive a discount.
According to Community College Review, average tuition at California community colleges is $1,516 per year for in-state students.
How to Get a Plumbing Class C Specialty License in California
Becoming a plumbing professional in California isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
WORK EXPERIENCE: California requires anyone applying to take the licensing exam to be a Plumbing Contractor to demonstrate four years of journeyman-level experience in the field. That experience can be entirely hands-on or up to three years in an approved college or vocational training program, but at least one year must be in the field. The CSLB explains:
A journeyman is a person who is a fully qualified, experienced worker (as opposed to a trainee, helper, laborer, assistant, apprentice, etc.) and is able to perform the trade without supervision, or a person who has completed a plumbing apprenticeship program.
All experience claims must be verified by a qualified and responsible person, such as an employer, contractor, foreman/supervisor, fellow employee, other journeyman, union representative, building inspector, architect, engineer, or homeowner. The person verifying your claim must have firsthand knowledge of your experience—that is, he or she must have observed the work that you have done—and must complete the experience certification portion of the application.
One way to get the experience you need is through an apprenticeship program like those offered through the California Apprenticeship Coordinators Associations. Also, California’s Department of Industrial Relations has resources online to help you find an apprenticeship program near you through a local union or Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JACT).
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Once you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, journeyman plumbers may apply for a Contractors License. You are essentially applying to sit for the exam. There are currently three ways to complete the license application:
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $450 fee.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $450 fee.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $450 fee.
PAY APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: The fee for the Original Application (plumbing exam for one classification) is $450. You must submit this payment and all required documents along with your application, mailed to CSLB headquarters in Sacramento. You can find the step-by-step guide here, along with the mailing address for all of the forms.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The test will consist of both a trade examination as well as a Law & Business examination. All new applicants for a license must also complete the asbestos open-book examination if it has not been done previously. The purpose of the guide and the examination is to make contractors aware of the risks of dealing with asbestos and to provide the knowledge base necessary to respond appropriately to construction situations where asbestos is or may be present. The booklet contains general information about asbestos abatement standards. The examination and verification form must be completed and submitted to the CSLB prior to licensure.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: All applicants must complete a criminal background check and disclose any criminal pleas or convictions. You must also submit to fingerprinting in accordance with California law. If you have ever been convicted of a crime, including DUI or other Vehicle Code violations, the CSLB will be informed. This does not mean you’ll automatically be denied licensure—the CSLB reviews each application and considers factors such as the nature and severity of the crimes, the amount of time that has passed since the convictions, and any evidence of rehabilitation submitted by the applicant.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must file evidence of workers' compensation insurance or exemption from the requirements. The Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance is provided by the workers' compensation insurer.
PROVIDE PROOF OF CONTRACTOR BOND: A contractor's bond of $15,000 is required for a license to be issued or renewed. The bond is filed for the benefit of consumers who may have sustained damage as a result of defective construction or other license violations, and for the benefit of employees who have not been paid wages that are due to them. The bond must be written on a form approved by CSLB, by a surety company licensed and authorized to write surety bonds through the California Department of Insurance. Only authorized surety companies may order the approved Contractor's Bond form.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in California?
It will take a minimum of four years to qualify to take the Original Contractors License Exam in California. However, you will be working and accumulating the necessary journeyman experience—and can be earning money—the whole time. As an apprentice you begin earning a wage and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed. As a licensed contractor you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. The sky's the limit!
California Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses. There are many programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional in California. You’ll need to find a contractor or company with an opening for an apprentice. You can do that independently or enroll in a trade school or local union apprenticeship program. Those programs can often help connect you with a licensed plumbing contractor to oversee your apprenticeship.
You can also choose to earn a degree in plumbing and heating at a college or university. It will take about four years to get the classroom and hands-on training you need to prepare for the licensing exam. California Community Colleges offer associate's degrees in plumbing technology. It’s not unusual for community colleges to offer plumbing degree programs in combination with a closely related field like gas technology or heating.
You’ll learn about plumbing systems including:
Underground water supply
Stormwater
Sewer drainage
Fixture installation
Waste and vent piping both inside and outside of buildings
Residential and service plumbing
Any program should also cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Here's a list of the best plumbing colleges and universities in California:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with Plumbing Degrees in California
Los Angeles Trade Technical College appears on the list and offers several plumbing programs for either a certificate or an .associate degree.
Trade schools and certificate programs are plentiful and can be found by doing a simple computer search. Among them are: Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association of California, United Association: Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs, and Foothill College.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose and varies widely. The good news is in many programs you’ll be earning while you’re learning. Tuition for a trade school can be as little as $1,250 to $3,000 for a certificate program to $3,000 to $23,000 for an associate’s degree, depending on the school, according to education.costhelper.com.
Program Prerequisites: Most programs require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree. Many require you to pass a physical and a drug test.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in California, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in California.
California Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
According to the study guide on the CSLB website, you can expect the test for a Class C-36 License to consist of multiple-choice questions and be divided into five major sections:
Planning and Estimating (21%)
Rough-in and Top Out Plumbing Systems (26%)
Finish Plumbing Installations (15%)
Service, Repair, and Remodel Plumbing Systems (20%)
Safety (18%)
The Law and Business Examination is divided into eight major sections:
Business Organization (10%)
Business Finances (15%)
Employment Requirements (12%)
Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%)
Contract Requirements and Execution (23%)
Licensing Requirements (8%)
Safety (15%)
Public Works (7%)
All applicants for a new license will also need to complete the asbestos open book examination after passing the contractors licensing exam.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in California?
The Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board issues and renews all plumbing contractor licenses in the state. They offer a free workshop on the first Friday of every month on how to get your contractor license.
Does My California Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. California has reciprocity agreements with three states, though the plumbing classification reciprocity is only valid in Arizona. That means plumbing contractors will have a streamlined process to licensure in Arizona, though they still need to pass the Arizona Statutes exam.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in California?
Again, California has a reciprocity agreement for plumbing licenses with Arizona. If an applicant is granted reciprocity, the CSLB may waive the trade portion of the exam, but the applicant still must take the business law exam.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to California
To keep your state-issued license current, California requires you to renew it before it expires every two years. The renewal fee for an active timely renewal is $450 for a sole owner, or $750 for a non-sole owner. If a completed license renewal application is received within 90 days of the license expiration date, the registrar must retroactively reinstate the expired contractor’s license.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in California?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in California. Several organizations offer financial assistance to students pursuing careers in plumbing and related trades. Those scholarship opportunities include:
California State Pipe Trades Council Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded to the children of members of Pipe Trades Local Unions affiliated with the California State Pipe Trades Council. Scholarships must be used for full-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. community college, four-year college, or university.
Fluidmaster PHCC Scholarship: This scholarship is available to high school seniors, graduates, or GED recipients who have completed the Plumbing-Heating-Coolers Contractors Association (PHCC) Ride and Decide Program and plan to enroll in full-time study in the PHCC of Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino four-year Journeyman Plumbing Training Program.
ABC NorCal Apprenticeship Tool Scholarship: This scholarship is available to graduates of a Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District High School (LVJUSD) who have been accepted into an Associated Building Contractors NorCal apprenticeship program. Recipients receive a $2,000 scholarship for required tools and equipment related to their studies.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in California can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many California community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in California?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in California through the Contractors State License Board website. One of the online services on the website is a license search tool where anyone can verify the status of a license and review any complaint disclosures. Users can search by license number, business name, and personnel name.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in California?
A suspended license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a California plumbing license can be suspended are:
Not having the required bond or insurance
Not reporting or resolving civil judgments
Contractors License Law violations
Practicing on a lapsed license
While a suspended license can be renewed, you must clear your suspension before you can contract.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about California plumbing license regulations, you can refer to the official California Code of Regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in California?
Performing plumbing work in California without a license is illegal. According to the CSLB, “Those who are caught contracting without a license likely will have to appear before a Superior Court judge to answer to misdemeanor charges that can carry a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, as well as an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000. If illegal contracting continues, the penalties become more severe. A second offense results in a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000.
Felony charges are filed against anyone who illegally uses another person ’s contractor license or who tries to mislead consumers into believing that he or she is a licensed contractor. Anyone who contracts for work in a state or federal natural disaster area without an active state contractor license also could face felony charges. If convicted of a felony, a person may have to serve time in state prison.”
Continuing Education
Though the California Contractors State Licensing Board does not require continuing education to renew your license, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology and regulations. Certain trade organizations like Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association of California (PHCC) require continuing education for you to remain active. Each PHCC chapter offers approved continuing education and requires six hours per year.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
