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Elevator Mechanic — CEI/QEI
Total cost: $650+ (C-11 contractor); CCCM mechanic certification fees vary
Governing Authority
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
4 yrs
Apprenticeship
Required
Journeyman Exam
California Elevator Safety Orders (Cal/OSHA Title 8) based on ASME A17.1
Elevator Code
Contact Cal/OSHA for current CCCM renewal CE requirements hrs
CE Hours
$650+ (C-11 contractor); CCCM mechanic certification fees vary
Total Initial Fees
Training & Apprenticeship
VerifiedApprenticeship Required
Yes
IUEC Training
IUEC/NEIEP training and NAEC CET certification recognized as qualifying credentials
Apprenticeship Program
Requires at least 4 years of relevant experience working specifically on elevators within the last 10 years; a college degree may substitute for up to 3 years of experience for the C-11 contractor license
Technical School
College degree in relevant field can substitute for up to 3 years of experience for C-11 license
Elevator mechanics typically complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship through the IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors) or an equivalent state-approved program. Training includes classroom instruction in electrical systems, hydraulics, mechanical systems, and elevator codes, combined with extensive on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman elevator mechanic.
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Certification Requirements
VerifiedNAEC Certification Not Required
National Association of Elevator Contractors
Elevator Code Adopted
California Elevator Safety Orders (Cal/OSHA Title 8) based on ASME A17.1
Journeyman Exam
Cal/OSHA Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM) certification required for individual mechanics; C-11 trade exam required for contractors (70% passing score)
NAEC CET certification and NEIEP completion recognized; QEI certification through NAESA International for inspection work
Additional Certifications
Elevator mechanics must comply with ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) as adopted by their state, which may include state-specific amendments. NAEC (National Association of Elevator Contractors) certification and QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector) certification through NAESA International are widely recognized industry credentials. A journeyman examination is required in most licensing states.
Apprenticeship & OJT Experience
Verified4 yrs
Apprenticeship Years
Minimum 4 years of relevant experience working specifically on elevators within the last 10 years
OJT Hours
Experience in installation, maintenance, repair, and modernization of elevator systems including traction, hydraulic, escalators, and moving walkways
Qualifying Experience
Most states require a 4-5 year apprenticeship with a minimum of 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman elevator mechanic. Qualifying experience includes installation, maintenance, repair, and modernization of elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and other vertical transportation equipment.
State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedState License Required
State License Title
Cal/OSHA Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM) for mechanics; C-11 Elevator Contractor License for contractors
Additional Notes
California has a dual licensing system: CSLB C-11 for elevator contractors and Cal/OSHA CCCM for individual mechanics.
Approximately 35 states require licensure for elevator mechanics. States that do not require statewide licensure include Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Even in non-licensing states, IUEC journeyman status and NAEC certification may be required by employers or for government contracts.
Practice Scope & Specialties
VerifiedInstallation
Authorized
Repair
Authorized
Maintenance
Preventive maintenance, servicing, testing, and repair of all elevator components
Modernization
Installation, maintenance, repair, and modernization of elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar devices
Inspection
Cal/OSHA conducts inspections; private inspectors must hold appropriate certification
Elevator mechanics work on the installation, maintenance, repair, modernization, and inspection of elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and other vertical transportation equipment. QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector) certification is typically required for performing acceptance and periodic inspections. Some mechanics specialize in specific equipment types such as traction elevators, hydraulic elevators, or escalators.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $450 (C-11 contractor license application) |
License Fee | $200 (initial license fee for C-11) |
Renewal Fee | $450 (C-11 renewal) |
Total Initial Fees C-11 requires $25,000 contractor bond plus workers comp and general liability insurance | $650+ (C-11 contractor); CCCM mechanic certification fees vary |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial) for CCCM and CQCC (confirmed); C-11 renewal period via CSLB: unverifiable from official page as rendered
Renewal Period
Contact Cal/OSHA for current CCCM renewal CE requirements hrs
CE Hours Required
$450 (C-11 renewal)
Renewal Fee
CE Details
Continuing education requirements vary by credential type
Regulatory Board
Elevator mechanic licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing authority. Most states require continuing education hours covering elevator code updates, safety procedures, new technology, and ASME A17.1 compliance. Requirements typically range from 4-16 hours per renewal cycle.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
Comity Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states that license elevator mechanics offer reciprocity or endorsement for mechanics licensed in other states. Requirements typically include verification of current license, completion of an approved apprenticeship program, documented work experience, and completing a background check. Some states may require passing their journeyman examination.
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California has a dual regulatory system for elevator work. The CSLB issues C-11 Elevator Contractor licenses, while Cal/OSHA administers the Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM) program for individual mechanics. California uses its own Elevator Safety Orders based on ASME A17.1 rather than directly adopting the national code. The C-11 license allows a college degree to substitute for up to 3 years of the required 4 years of experience.
California has a dual licensing system: CSLB C-11 for elevator contractors and Cal/OSHA CCCM for individual mechanics.
Cal/OSHA administers the Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM) program for individual mechanics.
The C-11 contractor license requires 4 years of experience, two exams, a $25,000 bond, and insurance.
California uses its own Elevator Safety Orders (Title 8) based on ASME A17.1.
A college degree can substitute for up to 3 years of the 4-year experience requirement for C-11.
There is no interstate compact for elevator mechanics.
Elevator Mechanic requirements in nearby states
See how California compares: Elevator Mechanic License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Elevator Mechanic licensing requirements nationwide →
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Elevator Mechanic Schools in California
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Study guides for the elevator mechanic licensing exam.
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Official Sources
Elevator Mechanic requirements in California verified against California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit, March 2026.
Moving to California? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Elevator Mechanic license to California →
California requires a license for elevator mechanics. A 4-year apprenticeship is required. A journeyman examination must be passed. All licensing is managed through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.