Security contractor installing a card-access control system on a commercial door

Become a Licensed C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor

The C-28 Lock and Security Equipment license covers doors, locks, access control, and security hardware, the physical-security trade for commercial and residential buildings.

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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 / 70% Trade; not published as fixed by CSLB
Application fee: $450

License renews every 2 years. Governing code: CCR §832.28

About this classification

What does a C-28 Lock and Security Equipment contractor do?

A C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor installs, maintains, and repairs doors and door assemblies, gates, locks and locking devices, panic and fire-rated exit hardware, gate and door operators, master-key systems, and electronic access control. This is the physical-security hardware trade.

Per California Code of Regulations (Title 16, §832.28), a C-28 contractor works on manual and automatic gate and door closures, security doors, window guards, card-activated and electronic access control, motion detectors, and audit systems. Fire alarm is excluded from this license.

The C-28 sits at the intersection of hardware and security. As card-access systems, electronic locks, and automated entries become standard in commercial buildings, the classification has grown well beyond traditional locksmithing.

Official source: CSLB C-28 classification · CSLB fee schedule Last reviewed: March 2026

Scope of work

Locks, locking devices, and master-key systems
Doors and door assemblies, security doors
Panic and fire-rated exit hardware
Automatic and manual gate and door operators
Card-activated and electronic access control
Motion detectors and audit systems
Window guards and security bars
Roll-up security doors
Permanently installed/built-in safes and vaults

High-demand specialties

Access Control, Card and electronic entry systems with audit trails
Master-Key Systems, Commercial keying and rekeying
Automatic Entries, Gate and door operators
Security Hardware, Panic devices, security doors, and window guards

Important notes

The C-28 covers security hardware and devices, the low-voltage wiring that connects a larger security or camera system typically falls under the C-7.
Fire alarm is excluded from the C-28, that work belongs to the C-10.
Automatic gate operators fall under the C-28, while the fence or gate structure itself is C-13 (Fencing) work.
Projects over $1,000 (labor + materials) require a license, and 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-28 Lock and Security Equipment exam?

California requires you to pass a two-part CSLB exam: the Law & Business exam (the same for every classification) and the C-28 Lock and Security Equipment trade exam. CSLS has observed scores of 65% for Law & Business and 70% for the C-28 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-28 Trade Exam

Lock and Security Equipment-specific

about 100 questions, multiple choice, computer-based
3.5 hours allotted
Topics: locking hardware, master keying, access-control systems, exit and panic devices, gate and door operators, door assemblies, codes and safety

How to Get Your C-28 Lock and Security Equipment 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 lock and security equipment 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-28 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 70% C-28 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-28 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-28 license. You're officially in business.

Career outlook

Why get your C-28 Lock and Security Equipment license?

$45K–$75K

Typical CA Tech Range

$60K–$120K+

Owner / Contractor Range

99%

First-Time Pass Rate

Rising security demand

Commercial buildings increasingly rely on card-access, electronic locks, and automated entries, expanding the C-28 well beyond traditional locksmithing. Security technicians in California typically earn in the $45,000–$75,000 range as employees, with steady demand from offices, retail, and multifamily properties.

Service plus installation

The C-28 supports both project work and recurring service, rekeys, hardware repairs, and access-control maintenance. That blend of installation and ongoing service contracts makes it a resilient specialty to build a business around.

Premium earning potential

Licensed C-28 contractors running their own businesses commonly earn $60,000–$120,000 or more, depending on the mix of access-control, hardware, and service work. The license is legally required for projects over $1,000 and opens commercial access-control contracts.

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

Exam Prep Programs

Compare C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Exam Prep Programs

Every program prepares you for the required CSLB exam for C-28 Lock and Security Equipment. 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-28 Lock and Security Equipment $1,195.00 Value: $2,500	Live Online C-28 Lock and Security Equipment $695.00 Value: $995	Crash Course C-28 Lock and Security Equipment $495.00 Value: $695	Home Study C-28 Lock and Security Equipment $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-28 Lock and Security Equipment license FAQ

The C-28 (Lock and Security Equipment) installs the physical security hardware, locks, doors, exit devices, gate operators, and access-control hardware. The C-7 (Low Voltage) installs the energy-limited wiring that connects larger security and camera systems. For a card-access door, the C-28 covers the lock and operator hardware while the C-7 may run the low-voltage cabling. The trades overlap on access control and often work together.

The C-28 covers access-control devices, motion detectors, and audit systems tied to its security hardware, but the low-voltage cabling for a full CCTV or security-camera network generally falls under the C-7. Fire alarm is excluded from the C-28 entirely and requires a C-10.

The C-28 covers the automatic gate operators, locking devices, and access hardware that control a gate. The C-13 (Fencing) covers the gate and fence structure itself. If you build the fence and gate, that's C-13 work; if you automate and secure it, that's the C-28.

Plan on about $885 in state and processing costs before exam prep: roughly $450 for the application (both exams bundled), $200 for license issuance, around $150 for the first-year premium on your $25,000 bond, and about $85 for fingerprinting. Renewals and business insurance are separate.

Typically 2–4 months from application to license-in-hand, including CSLB processing (2–4 weeks), scheduling and passing both exams, and posting your $25,000 bond. With CSLS exam prep, most security professionals are exam-ready in 4–6 weeks.

4 full-time-equivalent years of journey-level lock and security equipment 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 years can be satisfied with approved technical training, apprenticeship, or education.

The C-28 trade exam is multiple-choice and covers locking hardware, master keying, access-control systems, exit and panic devices, and gate and door operators. You need the current version-specific CSLB passing score to pass. With CSLS exam prep, 99% of students pass on their first attempt, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

California has reciprocity with Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and North Carolina that may waive the C-28 trade exam if you hold a comparable license in good standing. You still must pass the California Law and Business exam and meet all application requirements. CSLS can help you confirm whether your license qualifies.

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200,000+

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99% Pass Rate

First-Time

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Tuition Refund

Become a Licensed C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor

What does a C-28 Lock and Security Equipment contractor do?

Scope of work

High-demand specialties

Important notes

What's on the C-28 Lock and Security Equipment exam?

Law & Business

C-28 Trade Exam

How to Get Your C-28 Lock and Security Equipment 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-28 Lock and Security Equipment license?

Rising security demand

Service plus installation

Premium earning potential

Compare C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Exam Prep Programs

Labor Day Promo 2026

What our Lock and Security Equipment students say

Try a free C-28 Lock and Security Equipment practice exam

C-28 Lock and Security Equipment license FAQ

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