Can I Use My Foreign Degree to Apply for a California Contractor License?

You need an evaluation if you plan to submit a degree earned outside the United States for CSLB education credit. Non-English credentials also need an English translation. CSLB specifies an accredited evaluation service operating in the United States.

This does not mean every contractor applicant needs a degree or an evaluation. First establish whether you intend to claim education credit. See CSLB’s application instructions, Question 16.

It may. CSLB allows up to three years of credit for qualifying education or training toward its four-year experience requirement, with at least one year of practical experience still required.

The amount depends on your education and its relevance to the license classification. A degree does not automatically receive the maximum credit. Review CSLB’s education-credit categories for your degree and intended trade.

An evaluation explains your education; CSLB decides the credit and licensing outcome. AET’s inquiry here concerns academic credentials, not converting work experience into a degree.

For an initial conversation with AET, have the following information available. The final evaluation checklist depends on your documents and the receiving agency’s instructions.

• Degree or diploma: institution, country of study, qualification, and major.
• Academic transcript: courses, grades, and dates of study.
• Document language: whether you already have English translations or need translation services.
• Application details: intended CSLB classification and any written instructions you received.

Do I still need an official transcript from my school?

Yes. Question 16 calls for a certified official transcript from your institution, sealed and included with the application. Copies you provide to an evaluator do not replace this submission. Follow CSLB’s transcript instructions and any directions issued for your case.

Confirm the provider and report type with CSLB before paying. Do not choose a document-by-document or course-by-course report solely because its name sounds appropriate.

Ask CSLB whether American Education and Translation Services, CORP (AET) and the proposed report meet your application’s requirements. Share the written response and any reporting or delivery instructions with AET.

You can review AET’s evaluation services to understand the available options. A preliminary assessment should not be assumed to satisfy a licensing requirement.

Ask for a quote once the required report is confirmed. The report type, translation needs, and delivery method affect the total cost and timing.

See current general evaluation fees and turnaround, and translation services if your documents are not in English. These are general service details, not a CSLB package. CSLB’s application review is a separate process.

1. Identify your intended classification. Note the license you are applying for and the education you want reviewed.
2. Confirm acceptance and report requirements with CSLB. Keep its instructions so you can share them with AET.
3. Discuss your documents with AET. Confirm the evaluation, translation, price, timing, and delivery before ordering.

Contact AET about my documents.

Can I apply without a college degree?

Yes. CSLB does not require a degree for a contractor license. You still need to meet the applicable experience and other application requirements. See CSLB’s qualifying-experience guidance.

Will an AET evaluation guarantee approval?

No. Confirm AET’s eligibility and the required report type with CSLB before ordering. Acceptance, education credit, and licensing decisions belong to CSLB.