California Contractors State License Board

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) was established in 1929 as the Contractors License Bureau under the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards. Today it is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

The CSLB licenses and regulates contractors in 44 classifications that constitute the construction industry.

As of January 2, 2016, there were 287,394 "Active" licenses registered under the 44 different classifications of the CSLB licensing system. The CSLB also registers Home Improvement Salespersons (HIS). As of January 2, 2016, there were 14,001 active HIS.

The top 10 licensing classifications, in order of licenses issued by CSLB on January 2, 2016, are:

A 15-member board appoints CSLB's executive officer, or registrar of contractors, and directs administrative policy for the agency's operations. This Board includes five contractors, one member of a labor organization representing building trades, one active local building official, and eight public members, one who must be from a statewide senior citizen organization. Appointments to the board are made by the Governor of California and the California State Legislature.

The registrar oversees approximately 400 employees, who are distributed among the headquarters office in Sacramento and field offices throughout the state.

CSLB's headquarters office receives and processes applications for new licenses, additional classifications, changes of license records, and license renewals. Headquarters staff reviews and maintains records of disciplinary actions initiated by the regional offices and provides other support services. This office also provides the verified certificates of licensure used in court or other actions. The status of licensure also is made available. Headquarters directs the activities of its field offices and initiates all disciplinary actions resulting from their investigations. Field office staff investigates consumer complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors. In fiscal year 2011-12, CSLB obtained more than $36 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) focuses on the underground economy and on unlicensed contractors. This unit conducts sting operationss and sweeps to help reduce illegal contracting by citing those who are not licensed or insured for workers' compensation. SWIFT averages one undercover sting or sweep operation per week somewhere in California.

CSLB holds regularly scheduled, quarterly public meetings throughout the state. These meetings provide the public an opportunity to testify on agenda items and other issues.