How to Get Your General A (General Engineering) Contractor License in California
If you build roads, bridges, pipelines, or other large infrastructure, the General A license lets you take jobs of any size legally. You need to pass two exams, and you can study for both online.
What the General A license covers
The General A (General Engineering) license is for contractors whose principal work is fixed works that require specialized engineering knowledge and skill. Building construction falls under the General B license instead.
- Roads, highways, bridges, and tunnels
- Water, sewer, and drainage systems
- Dams, flood control, and irrigation works
- Pipelines and large utility infrastructure
General A license requirements
- At least four years of journey-level experience in general engineering work within the last ten years
- Pass the General Engineering (A) trade exam
- Pass the CSLB Law and Business exam
- A $25,000 contractor license bond
- Workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees
- Fingerprinting and a background check
How to get your General A license, step by step
- Confirm your experience. Make sure you have four years of general engineering experience and someone who can verify it.
- Submit your CSLB application. We help you fill it out correctly so it isn’t sent back.
- Study for both exams online. Work through the trade and Law and Business material and practice tests at your own pace.
- Pass your exams. Pass our practice tests first, and if you don’t pass the CSLB exam the first time, we pay your retest fee.
- Get your bond and insurance, and receive your license.
Get your General A license online
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Online prep for the General Engineering (A) trade exam and the Law and Business exam, with practice tests and help with your application.
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Related guides: General B license · All B and C licenses · All D licenses · Free practice test
General A license questions
How many exams do I need to pass for the General A?
Two: the General Engineering (A) trade exam and the CSLB Law and Business exam. Our online course prepares you for both.
How much experience do I need?
CSLB asks for at least four years of journey-level experience (or as a foreman, supervisor, or owner) in general engineering work within the last ten years. Someone who knows your work signs off on it.
Can I study for the General A online?
Yes. Our online course covers both exams, with practice tests and help with your CSLB application, on your own schedule, in English or Spanish.
When do I need a license?
In California, you need a contractor license for jobs worth $1,000 or more, including labor and materials. Working without one on jobs above that amount can lead to fines.
Ready to get your General A license?
Study online, pass both exams, and start bidding bigger jobs legally.
Get licensed online