California Drywall (C-9) Contractor License

The California Drywall (C-9) contractor license allows you to lay out and install gypsum wall board and gypsum wall board assemblies including nonstructural metal framing members, and performs the taping and texturing operations including the application of compounds that adhere to wall board to produce a continuous smooth or textured surface.

How to get the Drywall (C-9) contractor's license in California?

  1. Determine Eligibility: Each license requires a qualifier who directly supervises and controls the construction operations conducted under the license. Must be at least 18 years old and have four years minimum journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, or contractor work experience, in the last 10 years, in the Drywall (C-9) trade.
  2. Verifying Work Experience: After meeting the basic eligibility requirements, the qualifier could be randomly selected to provide documentation that they meet the minimum work experience requirements. Having this documentation ready beforehand can make this process easier if your application is selected for review. The experience listed on the application must be verifiable, and people with firsthand knowledge of that experience must certify the accuracy of the information provided to CSLB on the Certification of Work Experience form.
  3. Complete Application: Must fill out the Original Contractor, Additional Classification, or Replacing the Qualifying Individual application form.
  4. Submit Application and Required Fees: For the current list of fees visit the California CSLB Fees page .
  5. Fingerprint Requirement after CSLB Review of Application: For information on fingerprinting, visit the CSLB Fingerprinting Requirement page.
  6. Schedule the Exams: Once the application is submitted the CSLB will send you a 'Notice to Appear for Examination." Upon receipt, the business exam and a Drywall (C-9) exams must be scheduled and passed.
  7. Contractor Bond: All applicants must submit to CSLB a contractor bond or cash deposit payable to CSLB in the amount of $15,000. CSLB does not issue bonds.

The CSLB will either issue your license or contact you if they need further information.

California Drywall (C-9) Contractor License Exam Prep Courses

  • Login credentials emailed upon enrollment

    Unlimited access (no time limits)

    Lecture videos

    Practice questions

    Key concepts

    Step-by-step solutions to math problems

    Live review

    classes
    $525.00
    $525.00
  • Login credentials emailed upon enrollment

    Unlimited access (no time limits)

    Lecture videos

    Practice questions

    Key concepts

    Step-by-step solutions to math problems

    Live review

    classes
    $340.00
    $340.00

California Drywall (C-9) Contractor License Exam

Below are the specifications (test type, academic content, etc.) for each exam needed to get the Drywall (C-9) contractor's license in California.

California Drywall (C-9) Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
  • Testing Company: CSLB
  • Types of Questions: Multiple choice
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Planning and Estimating (20%)
      • Evaluate plans and specifications
      • Estimate and perform mathematical calculations
      • Evaluate material specifications
    • Preparing for Installation (14%)
      • Evaluate job site readiness
      • Manage materials on the job site
      • Lay out various assembly types
      • Install metal framing systems
      • Install backing
    • Install Drywall, Ceilings, and Related Materials (28%)
      • Install various ceiling assemblies
      • Install standard wallboard assemblies
      • Install fire-rated wallboard assemblies
      • Install specialty wallboard assemblies
      • Install trims
      • Repair damaged drywall systems
      • Follow EPA and CALGreen requirements for waste disposal/recycling
    • Finishing (22%)
      • Select and mix various compounds
      • Prepare and tape surfaces
      • Finish and coat surfaces
      • Sand and/or sponge wallboard
      • Select level of finish
      • Texture surfaces
    • Safety (16%)
      • Apply personal safety procedures
      • Apply job site safety procedures
      • Operate tools and equipment safely
      • Handle and dispose of products safely
      • Work safely at elevated heights
  • CSLB Drywall (C-9) Study Guide

California Law and Business Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
  • Testing Company: CSLB
  • Types of Questions: Multiple choice
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Business Organization (10%)
      • Company organization
      • Project organization
    • Business Finances (15%)
      • Cash management
      • Budget and planning
      • Taxes
      • Financial reporting
    • Employment Requirements (12%)
      • Employment regulations
      • Evaluation and record-keeping
      • Payroll
    • Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%)
      • Bonds
      • Workers’ compensation insurance
      • Liens and other remedies
      • Other insurance
    • Contract Requirements and Execution (23%)
      • Bidding
      • Cost control
      • Contracts
      • Payments
    • Licensing Requirements (8%)
      • Business license
      • Contractor’s license
      • Activity regulation
    • Safety (15%)
      • Training and reporting requirements
      • General safety
      • Hazardous/unknown materials
    • Public Works (7%)
      • Prevailing wage requirements
      • Bonding requirements
      • Insurance requirements
  • CSLB Law and Business Study Guide

California Drywall (C-9) Contractor Book Set

The book set includes all source references for the California Drywall (C-9) Contractor exams. You can use these books to study for the exams but you are not allowed to bring these books in with you to the testing center. These tests will be closed-book. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.

  • CALIFORNIA DRYWALL (C-9) - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $1,613.99
  • CALIFORNIA DRYWALL (C-9) - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $1,713.99

California Drywall (C-9) Contractor Exam Books

California Law and Business Exam Books