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California Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Contractor License

The California Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) contractor license allows you to work on form work, frame work, rough carpentry, sub-flooring, siding, exterior staircases and railings, overhead doors, roof decking, truss members, and sheathing.

How to get the Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) 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 Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) 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 Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) 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 Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Contractor License Exam Prep Courses

California Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Contractor License Exam

Below are the specifications (test type, academic content, etc.) for each exam needed to get the Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) contractor's license in California.

California Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
  • Testing Company: CSLB
  • Types of Questions: Multiple choice
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Planning and Estimating (20%)
      • Project planning
      • Blueprints, specifications, and shop/field drawings
      • Estimating
      • Calculations
    • Structural Framing (37%)
      • Formwork
      • Load and span
      • Bracing
      • Shear and diaphragm
      • Structural hardware
      • Wood and metal framing
    • General Framing (21%)
      • Flashing and weatherproofing
      • Siding, roofing, and flooring
      • Doors, windows, and stairs
      • Fences, decks, porches, and gazebos
      • Squaring and leveling
      • Access and ventilation
    • Safety (22%)
      • Cal/OSHA requirements
      • EPA and AQMD regulations
      • Asbestos and environmental hazards
      • Transportation and traffic control
  • CSLB Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) 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 Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Contractor Book Set

The book set includes all source references for the California Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) 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 FRAMING AND ROUGH CARPENTRY (C-5) - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $1,371.50

  • CALIFORNIA FRAMING AND ROUGH CARPENTRY (C-5) - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $1,471.50

California Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Contractor Exam Books

California Law and Business Exam Books

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