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California Tile

California tile contractor license guide

California tile contractors use CSLB's C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor classification. This page separates tile work from flooring, masonry veneer, and structural partition tile.

The short answer

California tile contractors should review CSLB's C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor classification before selling wall tile, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, paver, faience, glass mosaic, stone tile, shower, bathtub, or horizontal-surface tile work. CSLB's C-54 description excludes hollow or structural partition tile.

Who this applies to

  • California contractors preparing surfaces and installing ceramic, mosaic, quarry, paver, glass mosaic, or stone tile should review C-54.
  • Tile work can overlap with flooring, masonry, waterproofing, shower remodels, countertops, slabs, and structural partition materials.
  • Homeowners and contractors should verify CSLB license status before contracting for tile installation or major tile repairs.

Requirement snapshot

Authority California Contractors State License Board
Classification CSLB lists C-54 as Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor.
Scope snapshot CSLB says a C-54 contractor prepares surfaces as necessary and installs glazed wall, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, paver, faience, glass mosaic and stone tiles, stone slabs for bathtubs/showers/horizontal surfaces, or tile units set in traditional or innovative tile methods.
Scope exclusion CSLB says C-54 excludes hollow or structural partition tile.
Experience CSLB says applicants generally need at least four full years of journey-level or higher experience in the classification, within the 10 years before filing.
Verification CSLB provides an online license check for contractor licenses and Home Improvement Salesperson registrations.

Practical application path

  1. Read CSLB's C-54 classification page before advertising tile work.
  2. Confirm whether the planned work is C-54 tile, C-15 flooring, C-29 masonry, countertop/slab work, waterproofing, or another classification.
  3. Identify the qualifying individual and gather verifiable tile experience documentation.
  4. Follow CSLB's application, exam, fingerprinting, bond, and issuance instructions.
  5. Confirm waterproofing, shower pan, substrate, permit, and local inspection requirements before starting jobs.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • Tile in showers, bathtubs, countertops, exterior surfaces, and wet areas can involve waterproofing and substrate issues beyond the classification name.
  • CSLB's C-54 description excludes hollow or structural partition tile.
  • Do not blur C-54 tile work with C-15 flooring or C-29 masonry without checking the actual scope.

Official source links

CSLB C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile classification https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C54 CSLB before applying https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/before_applying_for_license.aspx CSLB qualifying experience https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/experience_for_exam.aspx CSLB check a license https://www.cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/checklicenseII/checklicense.aspx

FAQ

What is the California tile contractor classification?

CSLB lists ceramic and mosaic tile contracting under the C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor classification.

Does C-54 cover structural partition tile?

No. CSLB's C-54 description says the classification excludes hollow or structural partition tile.