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Free Practice Questions for CA C-39 Roofing Contractor

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ArticleFree Roofing Contractor Practice Test by State 2026: 1,900+ Questions22 min read
Exam Review

Key Facts: CA C-39 Roofing Contractor Exam

72%

Passing Score

CSLB

100 Q

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

3.5 hrs

Exam Time

CSLB

C-39

License Class

CSLB

4 years

Experience Required

CSLB

California requires C-39 roofing contractors to pass both a Trade exam (~100 questions) and a Law & Business exam (~115 questions). Topics include roofing materials, installation, safety, building codes, CA contractor law, lien rights, and business management.

Sample CA C-39 Roofing Contractor Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CA C-39 Roofing Contractor exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 202+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which agency manages contractor licensing for roofing contractors in California?
A.California Department of Consumer Affairs
B.Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
C.California Building Standards Commission
D.California Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Explanation: The Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, manages all contractor licensing in California including the C-39 Roofing Contractor classification. The CSLB administers exams, issues licenses, and enforces the Contractors State License Law.
2What license classification does a California roofing contractor hold?
A.C-17
B.C-33
C.C-39
D.C-43
Explanation: The C-39 classification is specifically designated for Roofing Contractors in California. C-39 contractors are authorized to install, repair, and maintain all types of roofing systems. C-17 is Glazing, C-33 is Painting and Decorating, and C-43 is Sheet Metal.
3What is the minimum passing score required on each section of the California C-39 roofing contractor exam?
A.65%
B.70%
C.72%
D.75%
Explanation: California requires a minimum passing score of 72% on both the Trade exam and the Law & Business exam for the C-39 Roofing Contractor license. Both exams must be passed independently; scores cannot be combined or averaged.
4How many years of journey-level experience are required to apply for a California C-39 roofing contractor license?
A.2 years
B.3 years
C.4 years
D.5 years
Explanation: California requires at least 4 years of journey-level experience in roofing work to qualify for a C-39 Roofing Contractor license. This experience must be verifiable and documented. A combination of education and experience may also satisfy this requirement.
5What is the minimum contractor bond amount required for a California C-39 roofing contractor?
A.$15,000
B.$20,000
C.$25,000
D.$50,000
Explanation: California requires all licensed contractors, including C-39 roofing contractors, to maintain a contractor bond of at least $25,000. This bond protects consumers against financial loss due to the contractor's failure to perform work or pay for materials, labor, or permits.
6What is the minimum project cost that requires a contractor license in California as of 2025?
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.
7Under California mechanics lien law, what is the deadline for a general contractor to record a mechanics lien after completion of the project?
A.30 days
B.60 days
C.90 days
D.120 days
Explanation: Under California Civil Code Section 8412, a direct (general) contractor must record a mechanics lien within 90 days after completion of the work of improvement. For subcontractors and material suppliers, the deadline is also 90 days but they must first serve a preliminary notice within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials.
8A subcontractor on a California roofing project must serve a preliminary notice within how many days of first furnishing labor or materials?
A.10 days
B.15 days
C.20 days
D.30 days
Explanation: Under California Civil Code Section 8200, subcontractors, material suppliers, and others who are not in direct contract with the property owner must serve a preliminary 20-day notice within 20 days of first furnishing labor, services, equipment, or materials to preserve their mechanics lien rights.
9What penalty can a person face for contracting without a license in California?
A.Civil fine only
B.Misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000
C.Felony charge
D.Automatic 1-year prison sentence
Explanation: Under California Business and Professions Code Section 7028, contracting without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $5,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenses carry higher penalties. The CSLB actively investigates unlicensed activity.
10Under California law, what is the maximum allowed down payment a contractor can collect for a home improvement contract?
A.$500 or 5%, whichever is less
B.$1,000 or 10%, whichever is less
C.$2,000 or 15%, whichever is less
D.$5,000 or 20%, whichever is less
Explanation: Under California Business and Professions Code Section 7159, a contractor may not collect a down payment exceeding $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less, for home improvement contracts. Progress payments must be tied to work completed. This protects homeowners from contractors collecting large deposits and abandoning the work.

About the CA C-39 Roofing Contractor Exam

The California C-39 roofing contractor exam covers roofing systems and materials, installation methods for steep-slope and low-slope roofs, flashing and waterproofing, OSHA safety, California Building Code requirements, estimating and plan reading, CSLB licensing law, mechanics lien law, and business practices.

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

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

72%

Exam / Certification Fees

$450

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 50%. 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.

25%

Roofing Systems & Materials

Steep-slope and low-slope roofing systems, shingles, tile, metal, built-up, single-ply, modified bitumen

20%

Installation Methods

Roof deck preparation, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, waterproofing, re-roofing procedures

15%

Safety & OSHA

Fall protection, ladder safety, heat safety, hazard communication, Cal/OSHA requirements

15%

Building Codes & Plans

California Building Code, fire ratings, energy code (Title 24), permit requirements, plan reading

15%

State Law & Licensing

CSLB licensing requirements, mechanics lien law, contractor bond and insurance, penalties

10%

Business Practices & Estimating

Estimating, bidding, contracts, project management, workers' compensation, payroll

Preparing for the CA C-39 Roofing Contractor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 72%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3.5 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $450 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 202 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CA C-39 Roofing Contractor: Suggested Study Strategy

1Know the differences between steep-slope and low-slope roofing systems and when each is appropriate
2Master California mechanics lien law — filing deadlines and notice requirements are heavily tested
3Study Cal/OSHA fall protection requirements for roof work (guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest)
4Review Title 24 energy code requirements for cool roofs and insulation
5Understand CSLB licensing classifications, bond requirements, and penalties for unlicensed work

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the California C-39 roofing contractor exam cover?

The CA C-39 exam covers roofing materials and systems, installation methods, flashing and waterproofing, OSHA safety, California Building Code, estimating, CSLB licensing law, mechanics lien law, and business management.

What is the passing score for the CA C-39 roofing exam?

A minimum score of 72% is required to pass each section of the California C-39 roofing contractor exam (both the Trade exam and the Law & Business exam).

How many questions are on the CA C-39 roofing exam?

The Trade exam has approximately 100 multiple-choice questions and the Law & Business exam has approximately 115 questions. The combined time limit is 210 minutes.

What experience is needed for a California C-39 roofing license?

California requires at least 4 years of journey-level experience in roofing work before applying for a C-39 Roofing Contractor license through the CSLB.