California General Engineering Contractor License (A)

Requirements to Obtaining your License.

• A General Engineering Contractors License in California is required for projects that exceed $500.
• To become a licensed contractor, candidates will have to sit for two exams: business and law and their trade.
• In order to sit for the examinations, the board must first approve your application.
• Pre-approval from the state is required to sit for the examination.
• Applicants are required to have 4 years experience to qualify to take the exam. Experience must be at the journeyman, foreman or supervisor, contractor, or as an owner-builder.
• All applicants must have a working capital of at least $2,500. In addition, all applicants must also file a bond with the Registrar in the amount of $10,000.

Work that can be Done Under this License

An general engineering contractor in California is principally involved with projects that require specialized engineering knowledge and skill. Some examples of these projects include, but are not limited to, bridges, water power, flood control, harbors, airports, highways, parks, power plants, and refineries.

Applying to get your License

The exam fee is included with the $300 application fee. The initial license fee for two years is an additional $180. An application for licensure can be obtained from the California Contractors State License Board by calling 1-800-321-2752. or by Clicking Here

Reciprocity Agreements

Continuing Education

Exam Details

• The California General Engineering Contractor exam has approximately 100 questions and a time limit of 2 1/2 hours.
• A 67% is required to pass.
• Topics on the exam include estimation, plans and specifications; principles of structures; safety; earthwork and surveying; subsurface work; foundation and formwork; buildings and related work; and surface work and paving.
• The exam fee is included with the $250 application fee.
• After the board has approved your application, they will inform you of the testing date.

Books and References for the Exam

All exams in California are closed book.

Exam Review, Training, Education

Home Study: $149