“B” contractors cannot legally do a job if it only involves one trade. A “B” contractors may contract for specialty work, but only if they also hold a “C” specialty license for that work or hire a licensed specialty contractor do that work. “B” contractors are typically responsible for construction of buildings, housing, commercial properties, offices, etc. “A” contractors undertake construction of infrastructure and other projects that require specialized engineering knowledge and skills. “A” General Engineering Contractors and “B” General Building Contractors usually oversee projects and coordinate the specific licensed subcontractors for a job. In general, what’s the difference between a General Engineering, General Building, Specialty, and Limited Specialty Contractors? The limited specialty classifications include “C-61/D-28” Doors, Gates and Activating Device Contractors, “C-61/D-35” Pool and Spa Maintenance Contractors, and “C-61/D-49” Tree Service Contractors.Ĭlick here to see a list of all CSLB license classifications, as well as a description of each. In addition to the General Engineering and General Building categories, there are 42 specialty contractor license classifications, and more than 30 limited specialty classifications, which fall under the C-61 classification.Įxamples of specialty contractors are “C-10” Electrical Contractors, “C-27” Landscape Contractors, “C-33” Painting Contractors, “C-36” Plumbing Contractors, and “C-53” Swimming Pool Contractors. How are licensed contractors broken down into categories?ĬSLB licenses contractors in four different categories: