Licensed fencing contractor installing an ornamental iron fence

Become a Licensed C-13 Fencing Contractor

The C-13 Fencing classification covers all types of fences, gates, railings, and barriers, chain-link, wood, wrought iron, and more, for residential, commercial, and recreational properties in California.

View Exam Prep Programs

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 / 65% Trade; not published as fixed by CSLB
Application fee: $450

License renews every 2 years. Governing code: CCR §832.13

About this classification

What does a C-13 Fencing contractor do?

Under the California Code of Regulations (Title 16, §832.13), a C-13 Fencing Contractor constructs, erects, alters, or repairs all types of fences, corrals, runs, railings, cribs, game-court enclosures, guard rails and barriers, playground game equipment, backstops, posts, flagpoles, and gates, excluding masonry walls. This means a C-13 contractor handles the full range of fencing and barrier work other than masonry.

Fencing is a steady specialty driven by property security, privacy, livestock, and recreational needs across California. Licensed C-13 contractors install chain-link security fencing, wood privacy fences, wrought-iron and ornamental fencing, sport-court enclosures, guard rails, flagpoles, and access gates.

Official source: CSLB C-13 classification · CSLB fee schedule Last reviewed: March 2026

Scope of work

Chain-link security and perimeter fencing
Wood privacy and decorative fencing
Wrought-iron and ornamental metal fencing and gates
Vinyl and composite fencing systems
Sport-court and game-court enclosures
Guard rails, barriers, and backstops
Corrals, runs, and agricultural fencing
Flagpoles and post installation
Vehicle access and swing/slide gates
Fence repair, alteration, and replacement

High-demand specialties

Security & Perimeter, Commercial chain-link and anti-climb fencing for industrial sites
Ornamental Iron, Wrought-iron fences and decorative gates for residential markets
Access Gates, Manual and automated vehicle gates for driveways and facilities
Sport & Recreation, Game-court enclosures, backstops, and playground barriers

Important notes

A C-13 contractor can install fences, railings, barriers, flagpoles, and access gates of all types, wood, metal, chain-link, and vinyl.
A C-13 contractor cannot build masonry walls, block, brick, and stone walls are explicitly excluded from the C-13 and belong to the C-29 (Masonry) classification. A fence contractor who also builds masonry walls needs the C-29.
A C-13 contractor installs the gate, but the low-voltage wiring and electronic access control for automated gates may require the C-7 (Low Voltage) or C-28 (Lock and Security Equipment) classification depending on the system.
Projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined) require a contractor license. A $25,000 contractor bond is required to activate the license; workers' compensation coverage is required once you have employees (sole owners with no employees may file an exemption, BPC §7125(b)).

The CSLB exam

What's on the C-13 Fencing exam?

California requires you to pass a two-part CSLB exam: the Law & Business exam (the same for every classification) and the C-13 Fencing trade exam. CSLS has observed scores of 65% for Law & Business and 65% for the C-13 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-13 Trade Exam

Fencing-specific

about 100 questions, multiple choice, computer-based
3.5 hours allotted
Topics: fence types and materials, post setting and footings, gates and hardware, layout, estimating, safety, blueprint reading

How to Get Your C-13 Fencing 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 fencing 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.

Compare programs

Step 4

Pass the Exam

Two parts: Law & Business (115q, 3.5 hrs) + C-13 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 65% C-13 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-13 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-13 license. You're officially in business.

Exam Prep Programs

Compare C-13 Fencing Exam Prep Programs

Every program prepares you for the required CSLB exam for C-13 Fencing. 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-13 Fencing $1,195.00 Value: $2,500	Live Online C-13 Fencing $695.00 Value: $995	Crash Course C-13 Fencing $495.00 Value: $695	Home Study C-13 Fencing $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.

Labor Day

Labor Day Promo 2026

$1,449.00 $795.00

Offer ends in

Days

Hours

Min

Sec

This offer has ended.

Valid through 12:00 am PDT, October 1, 2026.

Get this bundle View offer details

What our Fencing students say

Free Resources

Try a free C-13 Fencing practice exam

Test your knowledge with a free 40-question practice exam and get 14 days of online access.
No credit card required.

Common Questions

C-13 Fencing license FAQ

The C-13 (Fencing) covers fences, gates, railings, and barriers of all types, except masonry walls, which are specifically excluded. The C-29 (Masonry) covers block, brick, and stone walls and fences. If you build a chain-link, wood, vinyl, or iron fence, that is the C-13; if you lay up a block or stone wall, that is the C-29. A contractor who does both needs both classifications.

No. Masonry walls are explicitly excluded from the C-13 classification. Block, brick, and stone walls require the C-29 (Masonry) classification. The C-13 covers fencing built from wood, metal, chain-link, and vinyl, plus railings, barriers, and gates, but not masonry construction.

Yes, any fencing project over $1,000 (labor and materials combined) requires a licensed contractor. Under Business and Professions Code §7031, an unlicensed contractor cannot sue to collect payment for the work. The C-13 lets you legally take on commercial perimeter, access-gate, and larger residential fencing contracts.

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 also required once you employ a crew.

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 fencing students are exam-ready in 4–6 weeks.

4 full-time-equivalent years of journey-level fencing 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.

A C-13 contractor installs the gate itself, the leaf, posts, track, and hardware. The low-voltage wiring and electronic access-control system that automate the gate may require the C-7 (Low Voltage Systems) or C-28 (Lock and Security Equipment) classification, depending on the operator and controls. Many fence contractors hold one of those alongside the C-13 to offer complete automated-gate installs.

The C-13 trade exam is a multiple-choice test covering fence types and materials, post setting and footings, gates and hardware, layout, 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.

Since 1985

40+ Years

200,000+

Students Licensed

99% Pass Rate

First-Time

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Tuition Refund

Become a Licensed C-13 Fencing Contractor

What does a C-13 Fencing contractor do?

Scope of work

High-demand specialties

Important notes

What's on the C-13 Fencing exam?

Law & Business

C-13 Trade Exam

How to Get Your C-13 Fencing License

Qualify

Apply to CSLB

Study & Prepare

Pass the Exam

Get Licensed

Qualify

Apply to CSLB

Study & Prepare

Pass the Exam

Get Licensed

Compare C-13 Fencing Exam Prep Programs

Labor Day Promo 2026

What our Fencing students say

Try a free C-13 Fencing practice exam

C-13 Fencing license FAQ

Ready to get your C-13 Fencing license?

Select Your Trade Classification

Exam Prep Programs, Side by Side