A “general contractor” license is not an unlimited construction license. California's classification controls what a business can contract for and self-perform. Pick the classification from the work and contract structure you intend to sell, not from the broadest-sounding label.
Start with CSLB's official classification directory and its Description of Classifications.
A General Engineering
Class A covers fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill. CSLB's scope includes infrastructure such as irrigation and drainage systems, water supply and flood-control works, highways and streets, sewers and sewage systems, pipelines, bridges, tunnels, airports, utilities, industrial plants, land leveling, earthmoving, grading, trenching, paving, and related concrete work.
B General Building
Class B centers on structures for the support, shelter, and enclosure of people, animals, or property and generally requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts. A B contractor may take framing or carpentry work directly. For a prime contract involving other trades, the official scope requires the multi-trade condition unless the B contractor holds the appropriate specialty classification or subcontracts to an appropriately licensed contractor.
B-2 Residential Remodeling
B-2 applies to improvements on existing residential wood-frame structures when one contract uses at least three unrelated trades. CSLB lists possible trades such as drywall, finish carpentry, flooring, insulation, painting, plastering, roof repair, siding, tile, and certain fixture work.
The scope excludes structural changes to load-bearing parts and limits electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system work. A B-2 contractor needs the appropriate classification or an appropriately licensed subcontractor for work outside the permitted fixture-level and minor-alteration scope.
C Specialty classifications
California has defined specialty classifications for work requiring a special skill and involving specialized trades or crafts. The CSLB directory includes C-10 Electrical, C-20 HVAC, C-27 Landscaping, C-33 Painting, C-36 Plumbing, C-39 Roofing, C-53 Swimming Pool, and many others. A specialty contractor should advertise, contract, and perform work within the held classification.
C-61 Limited Specialty
C-61 is for a qualified specialty field and scope not covered by another classification. CSLB endorses the accepted field and scope on the license certificate. The holder must confine contracting activity to that approved scope.
CSLB uses D subcategories to track C-61 work, including awnings, central vacuum systems, machinery and pumps, doors and gates, pool and spa maintenance, scaffolding, construction cleanup, and other limited fields. Some older D categories have been converted into or moved under defined classifications, so an old list should not be treated as current authority.
How to choose
- Write the actual scopes you plan to advertise and contract.
- Separate prime-contract management from self-performed trades.
- Match each scope against CSLB's current classification text.
- Check multi-trade minimums and prohibited work for B and B-2.
- Use C-61 only when the field is not already governed by a defined classification.
- Confirm the choice with CSLB before investing in experience verification and exams.
California classification FAQ
Is B the broadest license?
It is broad for qualifying building projects, but its multi-trade rules matter. It does not automatically authorize every stand-alone specialty job.
How many C classifications are there?
CSLB's current classification guide describes 42 separate C classifications, plus the C-61 limited-specialty structure.
Can I add classifications later?
CSLB says licensed contractors may add classifications for which they qualify through application and examination.
This page is general operational information, not legal advice. Classification boundaries can decide whether a bid or contract is lawful. Confirm the current scope with CSLB before advertising, bidding, or performing work.