Complete guide to hvac contractor requirements in California. C-20 covers warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning including solar-assisted systems. Four years of journey-level experience required; up to three years can be substituted with vocational training but at least one year must be field experience.
Insurance minimum: Workers' comp required; C-20 cannot self-exempt as of 1/1/2023 (AB 2105).
Last verified: 2026-04-18.
C-20 covers warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning including solar-assisted systems. Four years of journey-level experience required; up to three years can be substituted with vocational training but at least one year must be field experience. Issued by: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A licensing exam is required. Minimum 4 years of experience required.
Visit official licensing websiteLicense Type
Hvac Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
Register your LLC or corporation with the California Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
California requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 4 years.
California requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
California requires a surety bond of $25,000 contractor surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
File your application with California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for California sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
Minimum: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (varies by jurisdiction)
Required in most states when you have 1+ employees
$5,000 - $25,000 bond required in some states and cities
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with California's official licensing board and consult a local attorney for legal questions. Last updated: April 2026.