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The C-11 Elevator license covers the full vertical-transportation trade, fabricate, install, and repair traction and hydraulic elevators, from high-rise systems to residential lifts.
Requirements
About the Exam
License renews every 2 years. Governing code: CCR §832.11
About this classification
A C-11 Elevator Contractor fabricates, erects, installs, and repairs elevators, including sheave beams, motors, cables, guides, cabs, counterweights, doors, and the automatic and manual controls and signal systems that run them. This covers electrical, hydraulic, and manual elevators.
Per California Code of Regulations (Title 16, §832.11), a C-11 contractor installs the complete elevator system: the machine and sheaves, the wire rope, the car and counterweights, the hoistway doors (including sidewalk elevators), and the control and signaling systems. The license covers the elevator's own electrical work.
Elevator work is also governed by Title 8 Cal/OSHA elevator safety orders, making it one of the most regulated and specialized building trades. The C-11 spans high-rise traction systems, hydraulic elevators, modernizations, and residential home elevators.
Official source: CSLB C-11 classification · CSLB fee schedule Last reviewed: March 2026
The CSLB exam
California requires you to pass a two-part CSLB exam: the Law & Business exam (the same for every classification) and the C-11 Elevator trade exam. CSLS has observed scores of 65% for Law & Business and 69% for the C-11 trade exam. CSLB does not publish fixed passing scores and may vary them by exam version.
Same for all classifications
Elevator-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 elevator installation and repair 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-11 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 69% C-11 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-11 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 elevator installation and repair 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-11 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 69% C-11 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-11 license. You're officially in business.
Career outlook
$90K–$130K
Typical CA Mechanic Range
$100K–$200K+
Owner / Contractor Range
99%
First-Time Pass Rate
Elevator work is among the highest-paid building trades. California elevator mechanics typically earn in the $90,000–$130,000 range as employees, reflecting the specialized skills, code knowledge, and safety certification the work demands.
California's aging building stock keeps modernization demand high, replacing old controls, machines, and cabs in existing towers. Combined with new construction and mandatory ongoing inspections, the C-11 offers a durable, service-rich business.
Licensed C-11 contractors running their own businesses can earn $100,000–$200,000 or more, driven by new high-rise construction, modernization of aging systems, and recurring service contracts. The license is legally required for projects over $1,000 and the specialized scope limits competition.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES) and California EDD.
Exam Prep Programs
Every program prepares you for the required CSLB exam for C-11 Elevator. Our 99% first-time pass rate is backed by the 100% Money-Back Guarantee on eligible programs.
| Features | Most Popular All-Inclusive C-11 Elevator $1,195.00 Value: $2,500 | Live Online C-11 Elevator $695.00 Value: $995 | Crash Course C-11 Elevator $495.00 Value: $695 | Home Study C-11 Elevator $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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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.
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