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The C-61 Limited Specialty is California's umbrella classification, the catch-all for skilled trades that don't fit any of the defined C classifications, issued as a specific D-subclassification the Registrar endorses.
Requirements
About the Exam
License renews every 2 years. Governing code: CCR §832.61
About this classification
A C-61 Limited Specialty Contractor performs specialty work for which the applicant is qualified that falls outside any of the defined specialty (C) classifications. Each C-61 license is confined to a specific field, a D-subclassification, that the CSLB Registrar endorses.
Under the California Code of Regulations (Title 16, §832.61), the C-61 covers specialty contracting "for which an applicant is qualified other than any of the specialty…classifications listed and defined in this article." Rather than one broad scope, the C-61 is a family of narrow D-subclassifications, each limited to a single field of work. Other specialty contractors may perform C-61 work when it is consistent with their own classification.
Official source: CSLB C-61 classification · CSLB fee schedule Last reviewed: March 2026
The CSLB exam
C-61 is the exception to CSLB's normal two-part exam process. C-61 applicants take the Law & Business exam only; CSLB does not require a C-61 trade exam.
Same for all classifications
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 your specific limited-specialty trade 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 the Law & Business exam. C-61 applicants do not take a trade exam.
Compare programsPass the Law & Business exam (115q, 3.5 hrs). CSLS has observed a 65% score, but CSLB does not publish a fixed passing score and may vary it by exam version.
Post your $25,000 contractor bond, pay the $200 license fee, and receive your C-61 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 your specific limited-specialty trade 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 the Law & Business exam. C-61 applicants do not take a trade exam.
Compare programsPass the Law & Business exam (115q, 3.5 hrs). CSLS has observed a 65% score, but CSLB does not publish a fixed passing score and may vary it by exam version.
Post your $25,000 contractor bond, pay the $200 license fee, and receive your C-61 license. You're officially in business.
Exam Prep Programs
Every program prepares you for the required CSLB exam for C-61 Limited Specialty. Our 99% first-time pass rate is backed by the 100% Money-Back Guarantee on eligible programs.
| Features | Most Popular All-Inclusive C-61 Limited Specialty $1,195.00 Value: $2,500 | Live Online C-61 Limited Specialty $695.00 Value: $995 | Crash Course C-61 Limited Specialty $495.00 Value: $695 | Home Study C-61 Limited Specialty $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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
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