California

License classifications

The license types relevant to low-voltage work in California.

• C-7 - Low Voltage Systems

  ~$250 fee

  Communication and low-voltage systems under 91 volts: data, fiber, sound, intercom, audio/video, access control, nurse call.

  Exam required4+ years experience

• C-10 - Electrical

  ~$250 fee

  General electrical including all low-voltage work. Broader scope but with higher exam difficulty.

  Exam required4+ years experience

State-wide requirements

General liability minimum

$1,000,000

Workers' compensation

Required

Contractor bond

$25,000

Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

Common pitfalls

Mistakes we see installers make when navigating California licensing.

• California requires a $25,000 contractor's bond AND, if you have employees, a separate Bond of Qualifying Individual.
• Workers' compensation is mandatory even with one employee. The CSLB will not issue or renew without proof of coverage.
• Alarm Company Operator (ACO) license is a separate process through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services - the CSLB license doesn't cover monitored security work.
• Each individual employee who installs alarms must also hold an Alarm Agent registration.

Reciprocity

California has reciprocity for the trade portion of the exam with Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and Utah, but applicants must still pass the California-specific Law and Business exam.