CALIFORNIA · welder
C-60 Welding Contractor
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)Scope of Work
A California C-60 Welding Contractor causes metals to become permanently attached, joined and fabricated by the use of gases and electrical energy, which creates temperatures of sufficient heat to perform this work. The classification is required by CSLB for any business performing welding work on a single project (labor + materials) valued at $1,000 or more in California. Source: CSLB C-60 classification (https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C60), citing California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3, with statutory authority at California Business and Professions Code §7008 and §7059.
Not a Welder Credential
The C-60 is a contractor / business license. It authorizes a business entity to bid, contract, and supervise welding work. It is not an individual welder performance qualification — welders performing the work under a C-60 contractor still must meet AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5 (bridge), or ASME Section IX (pressure piping / vessel) qualification under each project's controlling code.
Experience and Training
At least 4 years of journey-level or higher experience (foreman, supervisor, contractor, or owner-builder) within the past 10 years is required. Up to 3 of those 4 years may be substituted with directly related college coursework, vocational training, apprenticeship, or military experience. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Source: CSLB Application Information.
Military Crosswalk
CSLB accepts verified military welding experience and military-conducted apprenticeship records toward the 4-year requirement, up to 3 years substitutable. Documentation: DD-214 plus Joint Services Transcript or equivalent.
Exam
Two written examinations administered by PSI on behalf of CSLB: (1) Law and Business, covering labor law, Cal/OSHA safety, contracts, mechanics liens, and bookkeeping; (2) C-60 Trade Exam, covering welding processes, joint design, metallurgy basics, code references (AWS D1.1 / ASME B31), and California-specific safety practice. Closed-book; 73% passing score (verify current cut score in the C-60 Candidate Information Bulletin).
Reciprocity
California maintains limited statutory reciprocity in the contractor space (BPC §7065.4) primarily for Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and Utah on selected classifications; the C-60 specialty is not on the standard reciprocal list as of the most recent CSLB publication. Out-of-state welding contractors typically must take the Trade exam, though the Law and Business exam may be waived for active license holders meeting the cross-state criteria. Editor verification required.
Post-Approval Requirements
After passing both exams, the applicant has 90 days to: pay the initial license fee, complete livescan fingerprinting, post a Contractor's Bond ($25,000 as of 2026; verify current amount), and obtain Workers' Compensation Insurance if hiring employees.
Renewal
2-year renewal cycle. CSLB does not impose statewide continuing education on the C-60 license; renewal is fee-based with standard CSLB renewal application. Source: CSLB Renewal (https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Renew_License/).
Scope Limitations
C-60 covers welding as the primary trade. Welding incidental and supplemental to another classification (e.g., a structural steel contractor's own welding) may be performed under that primary classification without a separate C-60. Pressure piping / boiler welding still requires individual welder qualification under ASME Section IX, layered on top of the C-60 contractor authorization.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) before acting