United States · Licensing examCalifornia's C-27 landscaping contractor
CSLB describes a C-27 contractor as one who builds, maintains, repairs or installs landscape systems and facilities for gardens and other grounds, to improve them in looks or use. That includes preparing and grading the land for planting and decorative work.
You get it like any CSLB classification: 4 years of journey-level experience in the last 10, then the Law and Business exam and the C-27 trade exam. Jobs under $1,000 that need no permit and use no employees are exempt.
Who needs a landscape contractor license in North Carolina?
North Carolina law says no one may practice landscape construction or contracting without a license from the NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. You must be 18 or older and of good moral character.
The board gives the exam itself. It has three sections, and one asks you to identify plants and pests from photographs. You pay the exam fee before you sit it, and you also file a signed $10,000 NC Landscape Contractor's Surety Compliance Bond. The board's site has study manuals and a licensee search.
Sources: CSLB · NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board and 2 more. Checked October 2026.
- CSLB: C-27 Landscaping Contractor ↗
- CSLB: Before applying for a license ↗
- NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board: Home ↗
- NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board: How to become licensed ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
Explore
Everything else, in one place
Trades