How to Get Your Journeyman Plumber License in California
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for California. Last verified: February 2026.
Important Note
California does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license. Journeyman plumbers work under a licensed C-36 Plumbing Contractor without needing a personal state journeyman card. Some local jurisdictions (e.g., Los Angeles City) issue their own plumber licenses. The information below covers the CSLB C-36 plumbing contractor path.
Major Local Licensing Jurisdictions
What You Still Need — Regardless of Jurisdiction
- ✓CSLB C-36 Plumbing Contractor License (required to operate a plumbing business and pull permits in California)
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training (required on most commercial and union job sites)
- ✓Backflow Prevention Tester Certification (required for testing and repair of backflow preventers in CA)
Quick Facts
Hours Required
N/A — no statewide JM license
Exam
CSLB C-36 Trade Exam
Fee Range
$330 contractor app [VERIFY]
Governing Body
CSLB (C-36 Contractor)
Requirements
California issues plumbing contractor licenses (C-36) through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). To qualify, applicants must have at least 4 years of journey-level plumbing experience in the past 10 years. There is no state journeyman plumber certificate. Some cities and counties issue local plumber licenses — check with your local building department for requirements in your jurisdiction.
Steps to Apply
- 1
Accumulate at least 4 years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years.
- 2
Check your local jurisdiction (city/county) to determine if a local plumber license is required for journeyman work in your area.
- 3
Submit a CSLB C-36 contractor application with proof of experience, fingerprint card, and the application fee.
- 4
Pass the CSLB C-36 trade examination and law/business examination administered by PSI.
- 5
Obtain a contractor bond and provide proof of workers' compensation insurance.
- 6
Receive your CSLB C-36 Plumbing Contractor license; renew every 2 years.
Exam Details
The CSLB C-36 requires passing both a trade examination and a law/business examination, both administered by PSI. The trade exam covers California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), installation practices, and safety. [VERIFY current exam format and content]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: $330 contractor app [VERIFY]
The CSLB C-36 application fee is approximately $330 [VERIFY current fee at cslb.ca.gov]. Fingerprinting and background check fees also apply. There is no journeyman license fee because no statewide journeyman license exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California have a journeyman plumber license?
No. California does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license. Journeyman plumbers work under a licensed C-36 Plumbing Contractor. Some local jurisdictions issue their own licenses — check with your city or county building department.
What plumbing code does California use?
California uses the California Plumbing Code (CPC), which is Title 24, Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations. It is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with California amendments.
Does Los Angeles require a separate plumber license?
Yes. The City of Los Angeles requires its own plumber registration/license issued by the LA Department of Building and Safety. Requirements and fees are separate from the state CSLB system. [VERIFY current LA DBS requirements]
Why doesn't California have a statewide journeyman plumber license?
California's licensing model regulates plumbing at the contractor (business) level through the CSLB C-36 license rather than issuing individual journeyman cards. The state's philosophy is that licensed C-36 contractors are responsible for work performed under their license. Some California cities fill the gap by issuing their own journeyman or apprentice registration requirements.
How do I find my local plumber license requirements in California?
Check whether your city or county requires a local plumber registration beyond the state CSLB system. Los Angeles City: ladbs.org (LADBS). San Francisco: SF Department of Building Inspection (sfdbi.org). San Diego: City of San Diego Development Services (sandiego.gov). For the statewide contractor path, visit cslb.ca.gov.
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Also Available
Journeyman Plumber License in other states
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