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Compiled from official state licensing boards · Updated May 2026
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California C-36 Plumbing Contractor

A California C-36 Plumbing Contractor has no continuing-education requirement, a $450 state renewal fee, and a $25,000 license bond. California currently enforces the 2021 UPC. Requirements, approved courses, bond and renewal steps for 2026.

CE Hours
None
none required
Renewal Fee
$450
state filing
Bond
$25,000
required
UPC
2021
edition in force

Informational only — not legal advice, and not an official government resource. Licensing rules change; always confirm against the official board source linked on this page before you renew, apply, or make a business decision. Trade Cert Hub is independent and not affiliated with any state licensing board.

Continuing education

California does not have a confirmed continuing education requirement for this license (0 hours). You still need to renew on time and pay the filing fee — see “How to renew” below.

Bond & insurance

Contractor bond
$25,000

Bond required. Annual premiums typically run $100–$2,000 depending on credit and bond amount.

Get a bond quote
Insurance
WC required

Workers’ compensation insurance is required.

These limits often apply to the licensed contractor/business, not an individual contractor working as an employee — confirm which applies to your situation with CSLB.

Compare GL & workers’-comp quotes

Reciprocity

California may offer reciprocity or an endorsement path involving the following states for this license. Reciprocity is often one-directional and tier-specific — and an exam, application, or fee may still be required — so confirm the exact path with the board before relying on it.

ArizonaNevadaUtah

Need the reverse direction? Try the reciprocity lookup tool.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Check your renewal deadline

    Log in to the CSLB portal and confirm your expiration date and license number before doing anything else.

  2. 2

    Complete continuing education

    California does not require continuing education for this license, so there are no CE hours to complete — but confirm on the board portal in case the rule changed.

  3. 3

    Gather bond & insurance proof

    Have current proof of your license bond and workers’ compensation coverage ready to upload.

  4. 4

    Submit and pay

    Submit the renewal through the CSLB portal and pay the $450 fee. Renewing online is faster than mailing a paper form.

  5. 5

    Save your confirmation

    Download the confirmation and your updated license. If you missed the deadline, look for the late/reinstatement path rather than re-applying from scratch.

Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need for California C-36 Plumbing Contractor renewal?
California does not require continuing education for this license, or specific hours have not been confirmed by the board.
What does California C-36 Plumbing Contractor renewal cost?
The state filing fee is $450.
Does California accept reciprocity for this license?
California may offer reciprocity or an endorsement path involving: AZ, NV, UT. Reciprocity is often one-directional and tier-specific, and an exam or application may still be required — confirm the exact path with the board.
Which code is California currently enforcing?
California is currently on the 2021 UPC. Make sure your CE courses cover the current code year.
Does California require a bond for this license?
Yes. California requires a $25,000 license bond at this tier. Annual premiums typically run a few percent of the bond amount depending on your credit.

Don’t lose your license to a missed deadline

California C-36 Plumbing Contractors renew every 2 years. Set a reminder so you have time to finish your requirements before you’re due.

Used to set your reminder. With the email option we’ll time it 90, 30 and 7 days before.

Add it to your calendar

Download a calendar file with alerts 90, 30 and 7 days before. Works with Apple, Google and Outlook. Nothing leaves your device.

…or have us email you

No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We’ll send the year’s code & CE-rule changes for plumbers too.

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