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California Landscaping (C-27) Contractor License

The California Landscaping (C-27) contractor license allows you to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.

How to get the Landscaping (C-27) 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 Landscaping (C-27) 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 Landscaping (C-27) 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 Landscaping (C-27) Contractor License Exam Prep Courses

California Landscaping (C-27) Contractor License Exam

Below are the specifications (test type, academic content, etc.) for each exam needed to get the Landscaping (C-27) contractor's license in California.

California Landscaping (C-27) Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
  • Testing Company: CSLB
  • Types of Questions: Multiple choice
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Planning and Estimating (26%)
      • Project planning
      • Botanical names of plants
      • Project estimating
    • Construction Preparation (14%)
      • Pre-construction site planning
      • Pre-construction site demolition and preparation
      • Trenching and grading
    • Hardscape Installation (16%)
      • Flatwork
      • Masonry
      • Structures
      • Water features
    • Drainage, Irrigation, Lighting, and Plant Installation (24%)
      • Drainage
      • Irrigation
      • Lighting
      • Plant installation
    • Maintenance and Repair (10%)
      • Landscape maintenance
      • Landscape repair
    • Safety (10%)
      • Employee safety
      • Job site safety
  • CSLB Landscaping (C-27) 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 Landscaping (C-27) Contractor Book Set

The book set includes all source references for the California Landscaping (C-27) 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 LANDSCAPING (C-27) - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $2,140.10

  • CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPING (C-27) - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $2,240.10

California Landscaping (C-27) Contractor Exam Books

California Law and Business Exam Books

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