Licensed roofing contractor installing a tile roof system

Become a Licensed C-39 Roofing Contractor

The C-39 Roofing classification is a high-demand California specialty covering every roofing and roof-waterproofing system, shingles, tile, single-ply membranes, foam, and metal, for residential and commercial structures.

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Requirements

Minimum age: 18+ is CSLB's normal applicant path. A minor may qualify only after a court appoints a guardian (BPC §7065.5)
Experience required: 4 full-time-equivalent years of journey-level experience within the past 10 years; CSLB prorates part-time work
Contractor bond: $25,000

About the Exam

Exam format: 2 parts (Law & Business + Trade)
Law & Business exam: 115 questions
School-observed scores: 65% Law / 69% Trade; not published as fixed by CSLB
Application fee: $450

License renews every 2 years. Governing code: CCR §832.39

About this classification

What does a C-39 Roofing contractor do?

Under the California Code of Regulations (Title 16, §832.39), a C-39 Roofing Contractor installs products and systems that seal, waterproof, and weatherproof structures, "asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, glass fabric, urethane foam, metal roofing systems, flax, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate or any other roofing, waterproofing, weatherproofing or membrane material(s)," including the examination and preparation of the surface to be covered. This means a C-39 contractor can install, repair, and waterproof any roof type.

Roofing is one of the most consistently in-demand trades in California because every roof has a finite service life and every structure needs one. Licensed C-39 contractors handle composition shingle reroofs, low-slope commercial TPO and modified-bitumen membranes, concrete and clay tile, spray polyurethane foam, standing-seam metal, and below-grade deck waterproofing.

Official source: CSLB C-39 classification · CSLB fee schedule Last reviewed: March 2026

Scope of work

Composition (asphalt) shingle roofing, install and reroof
Concrete and clay tile roofing systems
Low-slope commercial membranes, TPO, PVC, EPDM, modified bitumen
Built-up (asphalt and felt) roofing
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing
Standing-seam and pre-formed metal roofing systems
Wood shake and slate roofing
Roof and deck waterproofing membranes
Surface examination, preparation, and underlayment
Flashing and weatherproofing at roof penetrations

High-demand specialties

Commercial Single-Ply, TPO, PVC, and EPDM membrane systems for flat and low-slope roofs
Tile Reroofing, Concrete and clay tile, a California staple in residential markets
Spray Foam (SPF), Seamless insulating roof systems with strong energy-efficiency demand
Reroof & Storm Repair, Recurring replacement work driven by roof service-life cycles

Important notes

A C-39 contractor can install pre-formed metal roofing systems and the sheet-metal flashing necessary to weatherproof a roof, as part of the roofing scope.
Both CCR §832.39 and §832.43 list "metal roofing systems" with identical, unqualified wording; the regulations themselves don't draw a pre-formed-vs-custom line. In practice, C-39 typically installs manufactured panel systems while C-43 handles on-site custom sheet-metal fabrication, but this is trade practice/CSLB guidance, not a distinction stated in the regulation text.
A C-39 contractor cannot waterproof exterior walls, wall coatings and elastomeric waterproofing on vertical surfaces belong to the C-33 (Painting and Decorating) classification. The C-39 covers the roof and roof deck.
Projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined) require a contractor license. A $25,000 contractor bond and workers' compensation coverage are required to activate the license.

The CSLB exam

What's on the C-39 Roofing exam?

California requires you to pass a two-part CSLB exam: the Law & Business exam (the same for every classification) and the C-39 Roofing trade exam. CSLS has observed scores of 65% for Law & Business and 69% for the C-39 trade exam. CSLB does not publish fixed passing scores and may vary them by exam version.

Law & Business

Same for all classifications

115 questions, multiple choice, computer-based
3.5 hours allotted
Topics: California contractor law, business management, safety, estimating, project management

C-39 Trade Exam

Roofing-specific

about 100 questions, multiple choice, computer-based
3.5 hours allotted
Topics: roofing systems and materials, surface preparation, waterproofing, flashing and weatherproofing, safety, estimating, blueprint reading

How to Get Your C-39 Roofing License

Step 1

Qualify

18+ is CSLB's normal applicant path. A minor may qualify only after a court appoints a guardian (BPC §7065.5). You also need a valid SSN/ITIN and 4 full-time-equivalent years of journey-level roofing experience within the past 10 years; CSLB prorates part-time work. Up to 3 years may be substituted with approved education or apprenticeship.

Step 2

Apply to CSLB

Submit your application, get fingerprinted, and pay the $450 application fee. Processing times vary; check the CSLB's current processing times.

Step 3

Study & Prepare

Prepare for both exam parts, on your own or with a CSLS exam prep program. 99% of CSLS students pass on their first try, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

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Step 4

Pass the Exam

Two parts: Law & Business (115q, 3.5 hrs) + C-39 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 69% C-39 Trade; CSLB does not publish fixed passing scores and may vary them by exam version.

Step 5

Get Licensed

Post your $25,000 contractor bond, pay the $200 license fee, and receive your C-39 license. You're officially in business.

Step 1

Qualify

Step 2

Apply to CSLB

Submit your application, get fingerprinted, and pay the $450 application fee. Processing times vary; check the CSLB's current processing times.

Step 3

Study & Prepare

Prepare for both exam parts, on your own or with a CSLS exam prep program. 99% of CSLS students pass on their first try, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

Compare programs

Step 4

Pass the Exam

Step 5

Get Licensed

Post your $25,000 contractor bond, pay the $200 license fee, and receive your C-39 license. You're officially in business.

Career outlook

Why get your C-39 Roofing license?

$63,040

CA Mean Wage, Roofers (BLS/EDD)

99%

CSLS First-Time Pass Rate

Steady, recurring demand

Every roof in California has a finite service life, which makes reroofing a recurring need rather than a one-time job. Combined with new construction and storm-driven repair, that keeps licensed C-39 contractors consistently busy across both residential and commercial markets.

Broad system range

The C-39 covers every roof type, shingle, tile, single-ply membrane, foam, and metal, so you can serve homeowners and commercial property owners alike. Specializing in commercial single-ply or spray foam opens larger contracts and energy-efficiency-driven work.

Premium earning potential

California roofers earn a mean wage of $63,040 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics / California EDD), among the higher means in the building trades, with the top tier earning $95,080 or more. Licensed C-39 contractors who bid and run their own crews capture the margin on materials and labor, well above an hourly roofer's wage.

C-39 vs. C-43: overlapping scope for metal roofing

The C-39 installs the full range of roofing materials, including metal panels and flashing. The C-43 (Sheet Metal) also names metal roofing systems in its scope, with a practical emphasis on custom on-site fabrication. If your business is installing roofs generally, the C-39 fits; if it is fabricating custom sheet metal, the C-43 is the closer match.

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES) and California EDD.

Exam Prep Programs

Compare C-39 Roofing Exam Prep Programs

Every program prepares you for the required CSLB exam for C-39 Roofing. Our 99% first-time pass rate is backed by the 100% Money-Back Guarantee on eligible programs.

Feature-by-feature comparison of all four CSLS exam prep programs
Features	Most Popular All-Inclusive C-39 Roofing $1,195.00 Value: $2,500	Live Online C-39 Roofing $695.00 Value: $995	Crash Course C-39 Roofing $495.00 Value: $695	Home Study C-39 Roofing $295.00 Value: $395
Best For	Comprehensive prep with maximum support	Remote learners wanting live instruction	Experienced pros with an exam date soon	Self-directed independent learners
Law & Business Classes	4 Classes + Full-Day Review	4 Live Online + Review	Full-Day Review Only	Not included
Trade Math Training	30-Day Interactive + Review	Online Video Review	14-Day Crash Course	Not included
Test-Taking Skills Seminar	1-Day In-Person	1-Day Online	Not included	Not included
Law & Business Materials	Online; binder add-on available	Online; binder add-on available	Online; binder add-on available	Online; binder add-on available
Trade-Specific Materials	Online; binder add-on available	Online; binder add-on available	Online; binder add-on available	Online; binder add-on available
Study Materials	Full Online Suite	Online Materials + Audio/Video	Online + Audio/Video	Online + Audio
Online Videos	Full Suite: L&B, Trade, H&S, Math	Audio + H&S + Math Videos	Audio + H&S + Math Videos	L&B Audio + H&S Video
Law & Business Practice Exams	6 Months	2 Months	30 Days	30 Days
Trade Practice Exams	6 Months	2 Months	30 Days	30 Days
School Location Access	25+ Locations	25+ Locations	25+ Locations	Self-Study Only
Application Assistance	Preparation & Review	Review Only	Review Only	Not included
Money-Back Guarantee	Included	Included	Included	Not included
Bond Fee Discount	50% off first-year bond, up to $120	Not included	Not included	Not included
Retail Value	$2,500	$995	$695	$395
Choose a program	Get All-Inclusive	Get Live Online	Get Crash Course	Get Home Study

Not sure which fits? Call 800-809-6463. Prices and inclusions are subject to change.

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Common Questions

C-39 Roofing license FAQ

The C-39 (Roofing) covers installing the full range of roofing systems, shingles, tile, membranes, foam, and pre-formed metal panels, and the waterproofing and flashing that go with them. The C-43 (Sheet Metal) covers fabricating custom sheet metal on-site, including custom-formed metal roofing, gutters, and flashing. A C-39 installs pre-formed metal roofs; a C-43 fabricates custom sheet metal. If you do both, you may need both classifications.

The C-39 (Roofing) waterproofs the roof and roof deck, membranes, shingles, foam, and the weatherproofing that seals the top of the structure. The C-33 (Painting and Decorating) waterproofs walls and vertical surfaces with coatings like elastomeric paint. The boundary is the surface: the roof is C-39, the walls are C-33.

Yes, any roofing project over $1,000 (labor and materials combined) requires a licensed contractor. Roofing is also one of the trades the state watches closely for unlicensed activity. Under Business and Professions Code §7031, an unlicensed contractor cannot sue to collect payment, so the C-39 protects both your legality and your ability to get paid.

Plan on roughly $885 in mandatory costs before exam prep: a $450 application fee (covers both exams), $200 initial license issuance, about $150 for the first-year premium on your $25,000 contractor bond, and about $85 for fingerprinting. Workers' compensation coverage is required for roofing operations.

From application to license-in-hand, typically 2–4 months. That includes CSLB processing (2–4 weeks), scheduling and passing both exams, and posting your $25,000 bond. With CSLS exam prep, most roofing students are exam-ready in 4–6 weeks.

4 full-time-equivalent years of journey-level roofing experience within the past 10 years; CSLB prorates part-time work. Qualifying work may be as a journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder. Up to three of those years can be satisfied with approved technical training, apprenticeship, or education in the trade.

The C-39 trade exam is a multiple-choice test covering roofing systems and materials, surface preparation, waterproofing, flashing, estimating, and safety. You need the current version-specific CSLB passing score to pass, plus the separate Law and Business exam. With CSLS exam prep, 99% of students pass on their first attempt, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

Yes. The C-39 scope specifically names metal roofing systems, so a roofing contractor can install standing-seam and panel metal roofs along with the flashing needed to weatherproof them. Custom on-site sheet-metal fabrication is the C-43's practical focus, though CCR §832.39 and §832.43 both name metal roofing systems without drawing a bright line between the two.

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Become a Licensed C-39 Roofing Contractor

What does a C-39 Roofing contractor do?

Scope of work

High-demand specialties

Important notes

What's on the C-39 Roofing exam?

Law & Business

C-39 Trade Exam

How to Get Your C-39 Roofing License

Qualify

Apply to CSLB

Study & Prepare

Pass the Exam

Get Licensed

Qualify

Apply to CSLB

Study & Prepare

Pass the Exam

Get Licensed

Why get your C-39 Roofing license?

Steady, recurring demand

Broad system range

Premium earning potential

C-39 vs. C-43: overlapping scope for metal roofing

Compare C-39 Roofing Exam Prep Programs

Labor Day Promo 2026

What our Roofing students say

Try a free C-39 Roofing practice exam

C-39 Roofing license FAQ

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