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Exam Review

Key Facts: CA General Contractor Exam

2 exams

Law and Business + B trade

CSLB

3.5 hrs

Time per Exam

CSLB

$450

Application Fee

CSLB

B waiver

NASCLA (5-year licensees)

CSLB

4 years

Journey-level Experience

CSLB

California's general building (B) qualifier must pass two closed-book, multiple-choice CSLB exams at PSI: Law and Business and the B General Building trade exam, with 3 1/2 hours for each. CSLB does not publish question counts or a passing percentage.

Sample CA General Contractor Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CA General Contractor exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 212+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which agency manages contractor licensing in California?
A.California Department of Consumer Affairs
B.Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
C.California Building Standards Commission
D.California Division of Labor Standards
Explanation: The Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, manages all contractor licensing in California. The CSLB issues licenses, investigates complaints, and enforces the Contractors State License Law.
2What is the minimum project cost that requires a contractor license in California?
A.$500
B.$750
C.$1,000
D.$2,500
Explanation: As of January 1, 2025, California requires a contractor license for projects where the total cost (labor and materials combined) is $1,000 or more. This threshold was raised from the previous $500 limit by AB 2622. Operating without a license above this threshold is a misdemeanor.
3What license classification is a 'General Building Contractor' in California?
A.Class A
B.Class B
C.Class C
D.Class D
Explanation: A General Building Contractor holds a Class B license in California. Class B license holders may manage projects involving two or more unrelated building trades or crafts. Class A is for General Engineering, and Class C covers specialty contractors.
4How many exams must a California contractor applicant pass?
A.One — the Law and Business exam only
B.Two — the Law and Business exam and the Trade exam
C.Three — Law, Business, and Safety exams
D.Four — Law, Business, Trade, and Ethics exams
Explanation: California contractor applicants must pass two proctored, multiple-choice exams: the Law and Business exam (covering contractor licensing law, business management, and employment requirements) and the Trade exam specific to their classification (such as Class B General Building).
5How many questions are on the California Law and Business exam?
A.75 questions
B.100 questions
C.115 questions
D.150 questions
Explanation: The California Law and Business exam consists of approximately 115 multiple-choice questions administered by PSI. Candidates are given several hours to complete the exam (commonly about 3 hours; the exact timing is stated on the Notice to Appear / Candidate Information Bulletin). Per the official CSLB Law and Business Study Guide, major weights include Contract Requirements and Execution (21%), Employment Requirements (20%), and Business Finances (15%).
6What is the application fee for an original California contractor license?
A.$200
B.$300
C.$450
D.$600
Explanation: The application fee for an original California contractor license is $450, which is non-refundable. This fee covers one classification. Exam fees are paid separately directly to PSI, the exam vendor, at $51.43 per exam ($102.86 total for both exams).
7What is the minimum experience required to qualify for a California contractor license?
A.2 years
B.3 years
C.4 years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years
D.5 years
Explanation: California requires at least four years of journey-level experience within the last 10 years in the classification being applied for. Education from accredited programs may substitute up to 3 years, but at least 1 year of practical experience is mandatory.
8What is the required contractor bond amount in California?
A.$10,000
B.$15,000
C.$25,000
D.$50,000
Explanation: California requires all active licensed contractors to maintain a $25,000 contractor bond or equivalent cash deposit. This bond protects consumers if the contractor fails to pay obligations or perform work properly. The bond must remain active throughout the license period.
9What additional bond is required for California LLC contractors?
A.$25,000
B.$50,000
C.$100,000 LLC employee/worker bond
D.$200,000
Explanation: California LLCs holding a contractor license must maintain an additional $100,000 LLC employee/worker bond in addition to the standard $25,000 contractor bond. This additional bond provides extra protection for employees and workers of the LLC.
10How often must a California contractor license be renewed?
A.Annually
B.Every 2 years
C.Every 3 years
D.Every 5 years
Explanation: California contractor licenses must be renewed every 2 years. Active timely renewal is $450 for sole owners and $700 for non-sole owners (CSLB fee schedule); C-10 electrical renewals include a small surcharge. Contractors must maintain bond and insurance requirements throughout the license period. Late (delinquent) renewals incur additional penalty fees.

About the CA General Contractor Exam

A California B General Building license needs two CSLB exams. Law and Business covers business organization, finances, employment, insurance and liens, contracts, public works and safety; the B trade exam covers planning and estimating, framing, core trades, finish trades and safety.

Exam sponsor: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

3.5 hours per exam

Passing Score

Not published by CSLB

Exam / Certification Fees

$450 application fee + PSI exam fees

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 55%. estimated first-time pass rate This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

13%

Law and Business: Business Organization and Licensing

Company organization, licensing requirements, advertising and subcontracting

15%

Law and Business: Business Finances

Cash management, budget and planning, taxes and financial reporting

20%

Law and Business: Employment Requirements

Hiring, supervising and training, evaluation and record-keeping, payroll

12%

Law and Business: Insurance and Liens

Workers' compensation, business insurance, liens and other remedies

21%

Law and Business: Contract Requirements and Execution

Bidding, cost control, project organization, contracts and payments

5%

Law and Business: Public Works

Prevailing wage, bonding and insurance requirements

14%

Law and Business: Safety

Training and reporting requirements, general safety, hazardous and unknown materials

15%

B General Building: Planning and Estimating

Scope of work and code compliance, plans and specifications, inspections, coordination and cost estimating

20%

B General Building: Framing and Structural Components

Subfloor, wall and roof framing, seismic hardware, siding and stucco, decks and stairs

30%

B General Building: Core Trades

Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, concrete, earthwork and surveying, insulation and weatherproofing, roofing

20%

B General Building: Finish Trades

Painting, tile and stone, floor covering, cabinetry, plaster and drywall, windows and doors, landscaping

15%

B General Building: Safety

Personnel safety, transportation and traffic control, environmental safety

Preparing for the CA General Contractor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Not published by CSLB
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: 3.5 hours per exam
  • Exam / certification fees: $450 application fee + PSI exam fees Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 212 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CA General Contractor: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master California's contractor licensing laws and regulations
2Study mechanics lien law — filing deadlines and requirements are heavily tested
3Know bond types: bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds
4Review OSHA safety requirements and penalties
5Understand construction contract terms and change order procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the California general contractor exam cover?

Two exams. Law and Business covers business organization and licensing, finances, employment, insurance and liens, contracts, public works and safety. The B General Building exam covers planning and estimating, framing and structural components, core trades, finish trades and safety.

What is the passing score for the CA GC exam?

CSLB does not publish a passing percentage. You get a pass or fail report at the end of each exam; a failing report shows your overall score and the number of items answered correctly.

Does California accept the NASCLA exam?

For the trade exam only, in limited cases. Since March 2025, CSLB can waive the B General Building trade exam for applicants who passed the NASCLA Commercial General Builders exam and held a general building license in good standing for the previous five years.

What experience is needed for a California contractor license?

The qualifier needs at least four years of journey-level experience, or experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor, in the classification within the last 10 years. CSLB may credit up to three years for approved education or apprenticeship.