California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) Contractor License

The California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) contractor license allows you to work on warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with air-conditioning unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems. This license includes warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems which utilize solar energy.

How to get the Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) 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 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) 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 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) 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 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) Contractor License Exam Prep Courses

California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) Contractor License Exam

Below are the specifications (test type, academic content, etc.) for each exam needed to get the Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) contractor's license in California.

California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
  • Testing Company: CSLB
  • Types of Questions: Multiple choice
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Evaluation, Design, and Estimation (26%)
      • HVAC system design and evaluation
      • Load and psychrometric calculations
      • Duct system design and layout
      • Job cost estimation
    • Fabrication, Installation, and Startup (27%)
      • Duct system fabrication
      • Equipment installation
      • Electrical and mechanical components
      • Plumbing and refrigeration components
      • Air distribution and duct systems
      • HVAC system startup
    • Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance (22%)
      • HVAC system diagnostic tests and evaluation
      • HVAC system maintenance or repair
    • Safety (25%)
      • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
      • Job site safety requirements (Cal/OSHA)
      • Handling hazardous materials
  • CSLB Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) 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 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) Contractor Book Set

The book set includes all source references for the California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) 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 WARM-AIR HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING (C-20) - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $3,750.66
  • CALIFORNIA WARM-AIR HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING (C-20) - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

    Sales price: $3,850.66

California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (C-20) Contractor Exam Books

California Law and Business Exam Books