ASB Asbestos Certification in California

Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list

• 790licenses hold ASB
• 97.5%Clear (CA addresses)
• 27.4%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
• 100%contractor's bond on file
• 24.1 yrsmedian time licensed
• 72%businesses, not sole owners

The ASB Asbestos Certification is not a standalone license. It is added to an existing license once the qualifier passes CSLB's asbestos certification exam. Under BPC §7058.5, a contractor needs either this certification or a C-22 classification for asbestos work involving 100 square feet or more of asbestos-containing material.

The open-book asbestos exam every new applicant completes is different. It does not certify anyone for asbestos work. Contractors doing asbestos work must also register with Cal/OSHA's DOSH. Installing asbestos cement pipe or sheets, vinyl asbestos flooring and some bituminous materials doesn't require the certification exam.

Typical work under ASB

• Asbestos-related work incidental to the licensed trade
• Removing asbestos materials of 100 square feet or more within that trade
• Disturbing asbestos pipe wrap during plumbing or HVAC work
• Handling asbestos roofing or flooring during a trade job

Work that needs a different license

• Stand-alone asbestos abatement as the main job: C-22 Asbestos Abatement
• Removal at a listed hazardous-waste site: a license with the HAZ certification
• Rebuilding after asbestos removal: the trade license for that work, such as B or C-9

Tips before hiring

• Look for "ASB" listed with the classifications on the license record. A note on a business card isn't proof.
• Ask whether the company is registered with DOSH for asbestos work.
• Have suspect material tested before the job starts, so the bid reflects what is really there.

Where ASB contractors are

The cities with the most ASB license holders in CSLB's current file:

1. San Francisco: 22
2. Los Angeles: 21
3. Fresno: 19
4. Sacramento: 19
5. Anaheim: 18
6. San Diego: 17
7. Orange: 14
8. Bakersfield: 12
9. Oakland: 12
10. Riverside: 12

How to verify a ASB license

1. Search the business or license number here and confirm ASB is listed on the profile as a certification.
2. Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
3. Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.

Related license types

• C-22 Asbestos Abatement Contractor
• HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal Certification
• C-21 Building Moving/Demolition Contractor
• B General Building Contractor

Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.

More license types: ← C-61 Limited Specialty · HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal Certification →