Required Certification for a C-38 Contractors License

Refrigeration Experience

To become eligible for a C-38 license, candidates must show that they have four years of journeyman-level work experience in the refrigeration trade. A journeyman, in general, has full competency in all aspects of his trade. Because refrigeration journeymen do not require a license in California, a candidate must obtain affidavits from former employers and other contractors attesting to his competence and experience as a refrigeration journeyman.

To achieve journeyman-level skill, many refrigeration tradesmen began as apprentices. Refrigeration apprentices spend 8,000 hours over five years working and learning under the supervision of a refrigeration contractor. The California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association (CACA) administers refrigeration apprenticeships across California. The CACA website has information on how to contact your local office. Alternatively, contact your city's California employment office for information about other opportunities in your area.

After accumulating the required experience, license candidates must submit a licensing and examination application. Visit the Contractors State License Board website to download the application and associated materials. Those persons attesting to the candidates work experience must complete and sign Certification of Work Experience forms. Upon approval of the application, an exam authorization notice and a fingerprint request will be issued to the candidate. Complete the fingerprint request as instructed.

The authorization notice includes detailed information on exam scheduling, regulations and content. Candidates are required to pass both a law and business exam and a refrigerator contractor exam. Information on obtaining relevant study materials is included in the authorization notice.

After successfully passing the examinations, license candidates are issued instructions for submitting a $12,500 surety bond and proof of workers' compensation insurance. Purchase an appropriate bond from any California-licensed surety company. The original bond must be submitted to the Contractors State License Board within 90 days of the bond's effective date. Purchase workers' compensation insurance from any California-licensed insurance agency and submit a copy of the policy to the Board as instructed. After processing, a C-38 refrigeration contractor license will be issued.