Contractors on California public works must keep and submit 'certified payroll records' that document:
Explanation
Labor Code §1776(a) requires records showing, for each individual worker, the name, address, social security number, work classification, straight-time and overtime hours worked each day and week, and the actual per diem wages paid, verified under penalty of perjury. Crew or trade totals fail because the record is per worker per day, not per crew. Contract price, change orders and retention are accounting for the contract, not payroll for the workers. The awarding body's payment dates belong to the progress-payment record, not to the certified payroll.
Law Reference: Labor Code §1776(a)This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 1632 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete CSLB Law & Business guide — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- California prevailing wage requirements generally apply to public works projects when the project cost exceeds:
- Who determines the applicable prevailing wage rates for a California public works project?
- Before bidding on or being awarded a California public works contract, a contractor generally must be:
- On many California public works projects, contractors are required to employ registered apprentices and comply with:
- The primary state officer/agency responsible for enforcing prevailing wage laws and issuing civil wage-and-penalty assessments on public works is the:
- Because public property generally cannot be subjected to a mechanics lien, unpaid subcontractors on a California public works project are protected primarily by:
Last reviewed: · editorial process