The California Plumber Guide

California does not issue a separate state-level journeyman plumber license. Independent plumbing work over $500 requires a C-36 Plumbing Contractor license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which requires four years of journey-level experience and passing an exam. Plumber apprenticeship programs are registered and overseen by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).

1. Plumbing contracting in California is classified under the C-36 license. (Source: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C36; verbatim: “A 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”)

2. Four years of journey-level experience is required to sit for the contractor examination. (Source: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Experience_For_Exam.aspx; verbatim: “You must have at least four (4) years of experience, in the class you are applying for, to qualify to take the examination.”)

Registered apprenticeship oversight in California runs through California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) (https://www.dir.ca.gov/das/).

The Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) is the state entity responsible for developing apprenticeship programs.