100+ Free CA Landscape Practice Questions

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Which California state agency administers the C-27 Landscape Contractor license?

California Department of Consumer Affairs

Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

California Department of Food and Agriculture

California Board of Landscape Architects

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CA Landscape Exam

215 Q

Total Exam Questions (115 + 100)

CSLB

4 Years

Experience Required

CSLB

$25,000

Required Contractor Bond

CSLB

$1,000

Licensing Threshold (AB 2622)

California B&P Code

6 Sections

Trade Exam Content Areas

CSLB C-27 Study Guide

MWELO

Water Conservation Ordinance

California Water Code

Sample CA Landscape Practice Questions

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1Which California state agency administers the C-27 Landscape Contractor license?

A.California Department of Consumer Affairs

B.Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

C.California Department of Food and Agriculture

D.California Board of Landscape Architects

Explanation: The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) administers all contractor licenses including the C-27 Landscape Contractor classification. The CSLB is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs and oversees examination, licensing, enforcement, and consumer complaint resolution.

2How many years of journeyman-level experience are required to qualify for the California C-27 license examination?

A.1 year

B.2 years

C.4 years

D.6 years

Explanation: California requires a minimum of 4 years of journey-level experience in the C-27 landscape classification to qualify for the examination. Credit is given for experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder.

3What two exams must a California C-27 landscape contractor applicant pass?

A.Only one comprehensive trade exam

B.Law & Business exam (115 questions) and C-27 Trade exam (100 questions)

C.A federal licensing exam and a state exam

D.An oral interview and a practical skills test

Explanation: California C-27 applicants must pass two written exams: the Law & Business exam (115 multiple-choice questions) covering California contractor law, business practices, and safety; and the C-27 Trade exam (100 multiple-choice questions) covering landscape-specific knowledge.

4What is the required contractor bond amount for all California CSLB-licensed contractors?

A.$10,000

B.$15,000

C.$25,000

D.$50,000

Explanation: All California contractors must file a $25,000 contractor's license bond with the CSLB. This bond protects consumers from contractor fraud, negligence, and failure to complete work. The bond premium (annual payment) typically ranges from $100-500 depending on the contractor's credit.

5As of January 1, 2025 (Assembly Bill 2622), what is the minimum project value that requires a contractor license in California?

A.$500

B.$1,000

C.$5,000

D.$10,000

Explanation: As of January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2622 increased the contractor licensing threshold from $500 to $1,000. Projects valued at $1,000 or more (labor and materials combined) now require a valid CSLB contractor license. This is the first increase since 1962.

6How many questions are on the California C-27 Trade exam?

A.50 questions

B.75 questions

C.100 questions

D.150 questions

Explanation: The California C-27 Landscape Contractor Trade exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers six content areas: Planning & Design, Construction Preparation, Hardscape Installation, Drainage/Irrigation/Lighting/Plant Installation, Maintenance & Repair, and Safety.

7What percentage of the C-27 Trade exam covers Planning & Design?

A.10%

B.23%

C.35%

D.50%

Explanation: Planning & Design accounts for 23% of the C-27 Trade exam. This section covers landscape design principles, site analysis, grading plans, plant selection, hardscape layout, and irrigation design. It is one of the two largest weighted sections on the exam.

8What percentage of the C-27 Trade exam covers Safety?

A.5%

B.9%

C.16%

D.25%

Explanation: Safety accounts for 16% of the C-27 Trade exam. Topics include OSHA requirements, Cal/OSHA regulations, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, excavation safety, fall protection, and heat illness prevention.

9What is the CSLB application fee for an original contractor license in California?

A.$100

B.$250

C.$450

D.$750

Explanation: The CSLB application fee for an original contractor license is $450. Additional costs include the initial license fee ($200), fingerprinting/background check ($49-59), the $25,000 bond premium, and any exam preparation materials.

10Under California law, what is the scope of work permitted under a C-27 Landscape Contractor license?

A.Only planting flowers and shrubs

B.Landscape grading, planting, irrigation systems, hardscape (patios, walls, walkways), drainage, and landscape lighting

C.Only irrigation system installation

D.Only tree removal

Explanation: The C-27 classification covers a broad scope including landscape grading, soil preparation, planting of all types, irrigation system installation, hardscape construction (patios, retaining walls, walkways), drainage systems, low-voltage landscape lighting, and fencing directly related to landscaping.

About the CA Landscape Exam

The California C-27 Landscape Contractor license requires passing the CSLB Law & Business exam (115 questions) and the C-27 Trade exam (100 questions). The trade exam covers 6 sections: Planning & Design (23%), Construction Preparation (13%), Hardscape Installation (16%), Drainage/Irrigation/Lighting/Plant Installation (23%), Maintenance & Repair (9%), and Safety (16%).

Questions

215 (115 Law & Business + 100 Trade) scored questions

Time Limit

Varies by section

Passing Score

Varies by exam section

Exam Fee

$450 application + $200 initial license (Contractors State License Board (CSLB))

CA Landscape Exam Content Outline

25%

California Law & CSLB Regulations

Contractor licensing law, B&P Code 7159 contracts, down payment limits, right of rescission, mechanics' liens, and CSLB enforcement

25%

MWELO & Water Conservation

Water budgets (MAWA/ETWU), soil analysis requirements, hydrozoning, smart controllers, turf limitations, and landscape documentation

20%

Trade Skills & Installation

Planning/design, hardscape construction, irrigation systems, plant installation, and drainage for California conditions

15%

Safety & Cal/OSHA

Cal/OSHA IIPP, heat illness prevention (Section 3395), excavation safety, hazard communication, and worker protection

15%

Business Management

Estimating, workers' comp requirements, prevailing wage, AB 5 worker classification, and tax obligations

How to Pass the CA Landscape Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Varies by exam section
Exam length: 215 (115 Law & Business + 100 Trade) questions
Time limit: Varies by section
Exam fee: $450 application + $200 initial license

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CA Landscape Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master MWELO requirements — water budget calculations (MAWA/ETWU), soil analysis, hydrozoning, and turf limitations are heavily tested

2Know the C-27 Trade exam section weights: Planning & Design (23%), Drainage/Irrigation/Lighting/Plant (23%), Safety (16%), Hardscape (16%), Construction Prep (13%), Maintenance (9%)

3Study California contract law: B&P Code 7159, 10% or $1,000 down payment limit, 3-day right of rescission, and progress payment rules

4Review Cal/OSHA Section 3395 heat illness prevention — California's standard triggers at 80°F with additional measures at 95°F

5Understand the $25,000 bond requirement, workers' comp mandate (all employers), and AB 5 worker classification rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What exams do I need to pass for the California C-27 license?

Two exams: the Law & Business exam (115 questions covering California contractor law) and the C-27 Trade exam (100 questions covering landscape construction knowledge). Both are administered by CSLB.

How much experience do I need?

4 years of journey-level experience in the C-27 landscape classification. Credit is given for journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder experience.

What is the total cost to get a C-27 license?

Approximately $1,500-3,000 including: $450 application fee, $200 initial license fee, $49-59 fingerprinting, $100-500 annual bond premium ($25,000 bond), plus workers' comp insurance.

What is the licensing threshold in California?

As of January 1, 2025 (AB 2622), projects valued at $1,000 or more (labor + materials) require a CSLB contractor license. This increased from the previous $500 threshold.

What is MWELO and how does it affect landscape contractors?

The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires water budgets, soil analysis, smart controllers, hydrozoning, and turf limitations for new landscapes over 500 sq ft. It is a major component of California landscape design compliance.

What is the maximum down payment I can collect?

10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, per B&P Code Section 7159.5. Progress payments must be proportional to work completed.