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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CSLB A Gen Eng Exam

4 Years

Required Experience

CSLB

3.5 Hours

Exam Duration

PSI

18%

Safety Coverage

Exam Outline

21%

Piping Work Coverage

Exam Outline

$450

Application Fee

CSLB

The CSLB A General Engineering exam is a 3.5-hour, computer-delivered multiple-choice test administered by PSI. It requires 4 years of qualifying journey-level experience. An application fee of $450 is paid to the CSLB, testing planning, estimating, structural, earthwork, piping, concrete, and safety.

Sample CSLB A Gen Eng Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSLB A Gen Eng exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A general engineering contractor is preparing a bid for a site excavation job requiring the movement of 45,000 bank cubic yards (BCY) of earth. Soil swelling factor is 20%. If hauling trucks carry 15 loose cubic yards (LCY) per trip, how many total truck trips are needed?

A.3,600 trips

B.3,000 trips

C.4,200 trips

D.2,800 trips

Explanation: Bank cubic yards (BCY) expand when excavated due to soil swell factor. Multiplying 45,000 BCY by 1.20 yields 54,000 loose cubic yards (LCY). Dividing 54,000 LCY by the 15 LCY capacity per truck results in exactly 3,600 required truck trips.

2In Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling for a bridge abutment project, what is the definition of total float?

A.The time an activity can be delayed without delaying the late start of the next immediate task.

B.The maximum time an activity can be delayed without extending the overall completion date.

C.The duration required to complete an activity using expedited overtime and double shifts.

D.The contingency buffer assigned exclusively to rain days and unforeseen subsurface site conditions.

Explanation: Total float represents the total amount of time a schedule activity can be delayed from its early start date without delaying the project finish date. If total float is zero, the activity lies on the critical path. Delaying a critical path activity directly postpones project completion.

3An estimator calculates that a concrete retaining wall requires 120 cubic yards of concrete. Adding a standard 8% waste factor, how many 9-cubic-yard ready-mix truckloads must be ordered?

A.13 truckloads

B.14 truckloads

C.15 truckloads

D.16 truckloads

Explanation: Adding an 8% waste factor to 120 cubic yards yields 129.6 cubic yards needed. Dividing 129.6 by the 9-cubic-yard capacity per mixer truck equals 14.4 loads. Partial ready-mix deliveries must be rounded up to 15 full truckloads to ensure sufficient material on site.

4Under Public Contract Code regulations for public works in California, what is the purpose of a bid bond submitted with a contractor's proposal?

A.It guarantees the project owner will pay the contractor within 30 calendar days.

B.It reimburses subcontractors if the prime contractor defaults on progress payments.

C.It covers environmental damage claims arising from storm water runoff.

D.It guarantees the low bidder will execute the contract and furnish required bonds.

Explanation: A bid bond protects the public agency if the winning bidder refuses to enter into the contract or fails to provide required performance and payment bonds. The surety pays the difference between the low bid and the next acceptable bid, up to the bond penalty amount (typically 10%).

5When interpreting civil engineering plan drawings, what line type represents existing ground surface contours?

A.Dashed lines

B.Solid thick lines

C.Centerlines with long and short dashes

D.Double phantom lines

Explanation: Standard civil engineering draft conventions use dashed lines for existing ground contours and topography. Solid lines represent proposed grade contours and finished surfaces. This visual distinction helps contractors evaluate cut and fill depth across the site.

6A contractor estimates the hourly operating cost of a 30-ton excavator. Purchase price is $300,000, expected lifecycle is 10,000 operating hours, and fuel/maintenance costs $45 per hour. Ignoring interest, what is the hourly cost?

A.$65 per hour

B.$75 per hour

C.$85 per hour

D.$95 per hour

Explanation: Dividing the $300,000 purchase price by 10,000 lifecycle hours yields an hourly depreciation cost of $30 per hour. Adding the $45 per hour for fuel and maintenance results in an overall hourly machine operating cost of $75 per hour.

7In public works contracts governed by Caltrans standard specifications, what document takes precedence if a conflict exists between the project plans and special provisions?

A.Caltrans Standard Specifications

B.Standard Plans

C.Special Provisions

D.Contractor's bid proposal

Explanation: Under Caltrans standard contract precedence hierarchy, Special Provisions govern over Project Plans, which in turn govern over Standard Plans and Standard Specifications. Special Provisions tailor specific project requirements and override general standard documents.

8A utility contractor must install 2,400 linear feet of 12-inch PVC pipe. If a crew installs 160 linear feet per 8-hour workday, how many workdays are required to complete pipe laying?

A.12 workdays

B.18 workdays

C.20 workdays

D.15 workdays

Explanation: Dividing the total pipe length of 2,400 linear feet by the daily crew production rate of 160 linear feet per day yields exactly 15 workdays. This production estimate assumes uninterrupted trenching, bedding, laying, and inspection.

9What is the primary purpose of a quantity take-off (QTO) during the pre-construction estimating phase?

A.To compile an accurate inventory of all physical materials, labor, and equipment from plans.

B.To establish the final property lines and legal boundaries of the construction site before any earthwork begins.

C.To obtain municipal building permits from the local building department.

D.To submit quarterly tax returns for heavy equipment road use fees.

Explanation: A quantity take-off (QTO) involves measuring and counting all items shown on construction plans to establish raw material quantities. Estimators use these quantities to calculate direct material, labor, and equipment costs for project pricing.

10A contractor's overhead rate is 12% of direct costs and targeted profit is 8% of total project price. If total direct costs for a project are $500,000, what should the final bid price be?

A.$580,000

B.$608,696

C.$600,000

D.$620,000

Explanation: Adding 12% overhead to direct costs of $500,000 equals $560,000 total cost. Since profit is 8% of total bid price, divide $560,000 by 0.92 (1 - 0.08) to yield a final rounded bid price of $608,696.

About the CSLB A Gen Eng Exam

Tests the knowledge of fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, including irrigation, drainage, water power, water supply, flood control, inland waterways, and related projects.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

Disclosed at test site

Exam Fee

$450 application fee (California Contractors State License Board (CSLB))

CSLB A Gen Eng Exam Content Outline

15%

Planning and Estimating

Project planning, evaluating plans and specifications, and performing cost estimates for general engineering projects.

Structural Principles

Understanding basic structural principles, loads, and material properties applied to engineering structures.

15%

Earthwork and Surveying

Principles of surveying, grading, excavation, backfill, and compaction.

21%

Subsurface, Surface, and Elevated Piping Work

Installation, repair, and testing of piping systems, including water, sewer, and storm drains.

11%

Foundation and Concrete Construction

Formwork, reinforcement, and placement of concrete for foundations and structural components.

Buildings, Structures, and Related Work

Construction of structures, bridges, retaining walls, and related fixed works.

Roadwork and Paving

Asphalt and concrete paving, aggregate base, and road construction techniques.

18%

Safety

Cal/OSHA regulations, traffic control, confined space, trenching, and general job site safety.

How to Pass the CSLB A Gen Eng Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Disclosed at test site
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: 3.5 hours
Exam fee: $450 application fee

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CSLB A Gen Eng Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review the California Building Code (CBC) and relevant Caltrans standards for general engineering works.

2Understand Cal/OSHA Title 8 requirements thoroughly, as Safety makes up 18% of the exam.

3Practice reading complex civil blueprints and calculating materials like cubic yards for earthwork and concrete.

4Familiarize yourself with underground service alert (USA) procedures and trenching safety requirements.

5Master the principles of compaction, soil testing, and surveying basics like elevations and slopes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Class A license in California?

A General Engineering Contractor (Class A) is a contractor whose principal business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill.

How long is the CSLB A exam?

The exam is 3.5 hours (210 minutes) long, delivered on a computer at a PSI testing center.

What are the experience requirements for the CSLB A exam?

You need a minimum of 4 years of qualifying journey-level, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor experience within the preceding 10 years.

How much does the CSLB application cost?

The initial application fee for a single classification is $450. Additional examination and re-examination fees apply and are paid to PSI.

100+ Free CSLB A Gen Eng Practice Questions

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