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The C-10 Electrical classification is one of California's most in-demand contractor licenses. Wire commercial buildings, install solar systems, upgrade residential panels - and earn top-tier income doing it.
About This Classification
A C-10 Electrical Contractor installs, alters, and repairs electrical systems and equipment. This includes power, lighting, signaling, communications, and low-voltage systems (essentially anything that carries electricity in a building or structure).
The C-10 is one of the most versatile and in-demand contractor classifications in California. Licensed C-10 contractors work on everything from residential panel upgrades to commercial tenant improvements, solar installations, EV charging stations, industrial motor controls, and data center infrastructure.
Per California Code of Regulations (Title 16, Division 8, Article 3), a C-10 contractor "places, installs, erects or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform or utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose." Note that solar PV is explicitly named in the regulation.
The CSLB Exam
Same for all classifications
Electrical-specific
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 electrical experience within the past 10 years; CSLB prorates part-time work. Up to 3 years may be substituted with approved education or apprenticeship.
Submit your application, get fingerprinted, and pay the $450 application fee. Processing times vary; check the CSLB's current processing times.
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 programsTwo parts: Law & Business (115q, 3.5 hrs) + C-10 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 69% C-10 Trade; CSLB does not publish fixed passing scores and may vary them by exam version.
Post your $25,000 contractor bond, pay the $200 license fee, and receive your C-10 license. You're officially in business.
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 electrical experience within the past 10 years; CSLB prorates part-time work. Up to 3 years may be substituted with approved education or apprenticeship.
Submit your application, get fingerprinted, and pay the $450 application fee. Processing times vary; check the CSLB's current processing times.
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 programsTwo parts: Law & Business (115q, 3.5 hrs) + C-10 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 69% C-10 Trade; CSLB does not publish fixed passing scores and may vary them by exam version.
Post your $25,000 contractor bond, pay the $200 license fee, and receive your C-10 license. You're officially in business.
Career Outlook
$76,540
Median CA Salary (BLS)
11%
Job Growth (2023–2033)
73,000+
Electricians in CA
$97K+
Avg. Contractor Income
California employs over 73,000 electricians, the most of any state. The BLS projects 11% national job growth through 2033 (faster than average), with ~73,500 annual openings. The state's EV mandate (35% zero-emission by 2026), solar requirements on new construction, and all-electric building codes are creating a massive installation pipeline.
With a C-10 license, you can specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial work. High-growth niches include solar PV (explicitly named in the C-10 regulation), EV charging infrastructure (California needs ~1.2 million chargers by 2030), battery storage systems, and data center construction.
California electricians earn a 23% premium over the national median, $76,540 vs. $62,350 (BLS). The top 25% earn over $103,720. Licensed C-10 contractors running their own businesses average $97,775/year, with top earners in SF and San Jose exceeding $120,000. The license is legally required for projects over $1,000, a competitive moat that opens the door to larger commercial contracts.
The C-10 covers all voltage levels (high and low). C-10 holders can legally perform all C-7 (Low Voltage) work, but the reverse is not permitted. C-7 is limited to energy-limited systems that do not exceed 91 volts (CCR §832.07). If you want the broadest electrical scope, the C-10 is the license to get.
Exam Prep Programs
Every program prepares you for the required CSLB exam for C-10 Electrical. Our 99% first-time pass rate is backed by the 100% Money-Back Guarantee on eligible programs.
| Features | Most Popular All-Inclusive C-10 Electrical $1,195.00 Value: $2,500 | Live Online C-10 Electrical $695.00 Value: $995 | Crash Course C-10 Electrical $495.00 Value: $695 | Home Study C-10 Electrical $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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99% of our students pass on the first try, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee. Your electrical contractor license is closer than you think.
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Compare Programs
| Feature | Most Popular All-Inclusive $1,195.00 | Live Online $695.00 | Crash Course $495.00 | Home Study $295.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Study Materials | Full Online Suite | Online Materials + Audio/Video | Online + Audio/Video | Online + Audio |
| Law & Business Practice Exams | 6 Months | 2 Months | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Application Assistance | Preparation & Review | Review Only | Review Only | Not included |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Included | Included | Included | Not included |
| View program details | View | View | View | View |
All study materials are online. A physical binder is available as an optional add-on at checkout.
99% first-time pass rate, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee.
Not sure which? Call 800-809-6463
