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The C-7 Low Voltage Systems license is the way into California's booming smart-building and connectivity market, structured cabling, security cameras, sound, and data, all under one classification.
Requirements
About the Exam
License renews every 2 years. Governing code: CCR §832.07
About this classification
A C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor installs and services communication and low-voltage systems that are energy-limited and do not exceed 91 volts, phone, data, video, sound, and signaling. This license cannot perform line-voltage (high-voltage) electrical work.
Per California Code of Regulations (Title 16, §832.07), a C-7 contractor installs, services, and maintains telephone, sound, intercom, CATV, video, satellite, instrumentation, temperature-control, and low-voltage landscape-lighting systems. The defining boundary is the 91-volt energy-limited ceiling.
The C-7 is the standard entry point for technicians moving into the connected-building trades. It absorbed the former D-5 Communication Equipment classification, and demand is climbing with structured wiring, building automation, and access-control work across commercial and residential projects.
Official source: CSLB C-7 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-7 Low Voltage Systems trade exam. CSLS has observed scores of 65% for Law & Business and 67% for the C-7 trade exam. CSLB does not publish fixed passing scores and may vary them by exam version.
Same for all classifications
Low Voltage Systems-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 low-voltage systems 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-7 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 67% C-7 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-7 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 low-voltage systems 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-7 Trade. Multiple choice, computer-based. CSLS has observed scores of 65% Law & Business / 67% C-7 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-7 license. You're officially in business.
Career outlook
$55K–$85K
Typical CA Tech Range
$60K–$130K+
Owner / Contractor Range
99%
First-Time Pass Rate
Low-voltage technicians in California typically earn in the $55,000–$85,000 range as employees. Smart buildings, EV-charger data monitoring, and solar-system communications are pushing demand for structured cabling and signaling work across commercial and residential construction.
The C-7 is the most common starting license for technicians entering the connected-building trades. Many holders later add a C-10 to take on line-voltage work, while others specialize in security, audio/video, or building automation.
Licensed C-7 contractors running their own businesses commonly earn $60,000–$130,000 or more, depending on niche and region. The license is legally required for projects over $1,000, a competitive moat that opens larger commercial security and cabling contracts.
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-7 Low Voltage Systems. Our 99% first-time pass rate is backed by the 100% Money-Back Guarantee on eligible programs.
| Features | Most Popular All-Inclusive C-7 Low Voltage Systems $1,195.00 Value: $2,500 | Live Online C-7 Low Voltage Systems $695.00 Value: $995 | Crash Course C-7 Low Voltage Systems $495.00 Value: $695 | Home Study C-7 Low Voltage Systems $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 low voltage systems 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
