100+ Free CA Landscape Practice Questions
Pass your California C-27 Landscape Contractor License exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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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
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
California Law & CSLB Regulations
Contractor licensing law, B&P Code 7159 contracts, down payment limits, right of rescission, mechanics' liens, and CSLB enforcement
MWELO & Water Conservation
Water budgets (MAWA/ETWU), soil analysis requirements, hydrozoning, smart controllers, turf limitations, and landscape documentation
Trade Skills & Installation
Planning/design, hardscape construction, irrigation systems, plant installation, and drainage for California conditions
Safety & Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA IIPP, heat illness prevention (Section 3395), excavation safety, hazard communication, and worker protection
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
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.