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    All States/California/CA-A
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    California CA-A — General Engineering General Engineering Contractor (A)

    Engineering & heavy civil infrastructure statewide. Statutory scope, exam prerequisites, height limits, and qualifying agent placement for your construction enterprise in California.

    California CA-A Classification At A Glance

    Height Limitation
    Unlimited
    Sector Authority
    Commercial & Residential
    Financial / Bond
    $25,000 CSLB bond (additional bonds for certain projects).
    Governing Law
    Bus. & Prof. Code § 7056
    Statutory Scope of Work

    What Can a California CA-A (General Engineering Contractor (A)) Do?

    A general engineering contractor performs work requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill — highways, bridges, earthwork, paving, excavation, sewer and water systems, power plants, pipelines, and similar fixed works statewide.

    Subcontracting & Trade Scope

    Prime contractor on engineering projects; may subcontract specialty trades.

    Immediate Market Entry

    Need a California CA-A Qualifier Immediately?

    Obtaining a California CA-A license by testing can take 9 to 18 months between application review, study time, exam dates, and board hearings.

    IQS places pre-vetted, licensed California CA-A Qualifiers with your entity as a qualifying agent, allowing your company to pull permits and sign contracts immediately.

    Fast Turnaround

    We handle qualifier agreements, board background reviews, and paperwork.

    California CA-A License Requirements & Exam Prerequisites

    Verifiable Experience Required

    • 4 years verifiable experience at journeyman or foreman level within past 10 years.
    • Pass the A trade exam and Law & Business exam.

    Required Examinations

    • CA A Trade Exam
    • CA Law & Business Exam
    Financial Stability

    $25,000 contractor bond.

    How California CA-A Compares to Other Licenses

    CA-A vs. CA-B (General Building Contractor (B))

    • A is engineering/infrastructure; B is building construction.

    Frequently Asked Questions: California CA-A License

    What does a California CA-A license allow?

    A general engineering contractor performs work requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill — highways, bridges, earthwork, paving, excavation, sewer and water systems, power plants, pipelines, and similar fixed works statewide.

    Can my business hire a California CA-A qualifying agent?

    Yes. IQS places pre-vetted General Engineering Contractor (A) qualifying agents with your entity. The qualifying agent provides the license credentials necessary for your company to pull permits legally in California.

    How much does a California CA-A qualifier cost?

    Compensation typically consists of a monthly retainer plus a project/permit fee structure under a compliant qualifying agreement. Contact IQS for current market rates tailored to your volume.

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    Related California License Classifications

    Closely related California classifications for cross-licensing and qualifier placement.

    All California Classifications
    CA-B

    General Building Contractor (B)

    General building construction (2+ trades) statewide.

    CA-B2

    Residential Remodeling Contractor (B-2)

    Residential remodeling & repair statewide.

    CA-C-2

    Insulation and Acoustical Contractor (C-2)

    C-2 insulation and acoustical contractors install insulating materials and acoustical tile, including weatherproofing, s

    CA-C-4

    Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor (C-4)

    Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor — CA licensed specialty.

    CA-C-5

    Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor (C-5)

    Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor — CA licensed specialty.

    CA-C-6

    Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor (C-6)

    Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor — CA licensed specialty.

    Explore Other California License Classifications
    A
    General Engineering Contractor (A)
    B
    General Building Contractor (B)
    B2
    Residential Remodeling Contractor (B-2)
    2
    Insulation and Acoustical Contractor (C-2)
    4
    Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor (C-4)
    5
    Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor (C-5)
    6
    Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor (C-6)
    7
    Low Voltage Systems Contractor (C-7)
    8
    Concrete Contractor (C-8)
    9
    Drywall Contractor (C-9)
    10
    Electrical Contractor (C-10)
    11
    Elevator Contractor (C-11)
    12
    Earthwork and Paving Contractor (C-12)
    13
    Fencing Contractor (C-13)
    15
    Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor (C-15)
    16
    Fire Protection Contractor (C-16)
    17
    Glazing Contractor (C-17)
    20
    Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor (C-20)
    21
    Building Moving/Demolition Contractor (C-21)
    22
    Asbestos Abatement Contractor (C-22)
    23
    Ornamental Metal Contractor (C-23)
    27
    Landscaping Contractor (C-27)
    28
    Lock and Security Equipment Contractor (C-28)
    29
    Masonry Contractor (C-29)
    31
    Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor (C-31)
    32
    Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor (C-32)
    33
    Painting and Decorating Contractor (C-33)
    34
    Pipeline Contractor (C-34)
    35
    Lathing and Plastering Contractor (C-35)
    36
    Plumbing Contractor (C-36)
    38
    Refrigeration Contractor (C-38)
    39
    Roofing Contractor (C-39)
    42
    Sanitation System Contractor (C-42)
    43
    Sheet Metal Contractor (C-43)
    45
    Sign Contractor (C-45)
    46
    Solar Contractor (C-46)
    47
    General Manufactured Housing Contractor (C-47)
    49
    Tree and Palm Contractor (C-49)
    50
    Reinforcing Steel Contractor (C-50)
    51
    Structural Steel Contractor (C-51)
    53
    Swimming Pool Contractor (C-53)
    54
    Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor (C-54)
    55
    Water Conditioning Contractor (C-55)
    57
    Well Drilling Contractor (C-57)
    60
    Welding Contractor (C-60)
    61
    Limited Specialty Contractor (C-61)

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