California CSLB Test Prep

Choose your license classification, understand the process, and start preparing for your California contractor exam.

Select a license below:

B-General Building

For structures, remodels, additions, and projects involving multiple trades.
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A General Engineering

For infrastructure, grading, paving, utilities, and engineering construction.
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C-36 Plumbing

For water, gas, waste, venting, fixtures, and related piping systems.
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C-10 Electrical

For electrical wiring, panels, lighting, controls, and power systems.
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B-2 Residential Remodeling

For residential remodeling and improvement projects within B-2 scope.
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C-33 Painting

For surface preparation, painting, coatings, and decorative finishes.
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C-20 HVAC

For heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and climate-control systems.
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C-54 Tile

For ceramic, mosaic, stone tile, and related setting work.
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B-General Building

For structures, remodels, additions, and projects involving multiple trades.
Select This Course Learn more

A General Engineering

For infrastructure, grading, paving, utilities, and engineering construction.
Select This Course Learn more

C-36 Plumbing

For water, gas, waste, venting, fixtures, and related piping systems.
Select This Course Learn more

C-10 Electrical

For electrical wiring, panels, lighting, controls, and power systems.
Select This Course Learn more

B-2 Residential Remodeling

For residential remodeling and improvement projects within B-2 scope.
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C-33 Painting

For surface preparation, painting, coatings, and decorative finishes.
Select This Course Learn more

C-20 HVAC

For heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and climate-control systems.
Select This Course Learn more

C-54 Tile

For ceramic, mosaic, stone tile, and related setting work.
Select This Course Learn more

Select your primary classification:

A General Engineering

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B-General Building

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B-2 Residential Remodeling

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C-2 Insulation and Acoustical

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C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting

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C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry

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C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry

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C-7 Low Voltage Systems

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C-8 Concrete

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C-9 Drywall

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C-10 Electrical

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C-11 Elevator

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C-12 Earthwork and Paving

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C-13 Fencing

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C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering

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C-16 Fire Protection

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C-17 Glazing

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C-20 HVAC

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C-21 Building Moving and Demolition

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C-22 Asbestos Abatement

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C-23 Ornamental Metal

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C-27 Landscaping

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C-28 Lock and Security Equipment

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C-29 Masonry

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C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control

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C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement

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C-33 Painting and Decorating

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C-34 Pipeline

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C-35 Lathing and Plastering

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C-36 Plumbing

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C-38 Refrigeration

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C-39 Roofing

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C-42 Sanitation System

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C-43 Sheet Metal

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C-45 Sign

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C-46 Solar

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C-47 General Manufactured Housing

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C-49 Tree and Palm

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C-50 Reinforcing Steel

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C-51 Structural Steel

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C-53 Swimming Pool

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C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile

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C-55 Water Conditioning

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C-57 Well Drilling

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C-60 Welding

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C-61 Limited Specialty

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California contractor licensing overview

Know the process.

Most California applicants need qualifying experience, an approved CSLB application, and passing scores on the Law and Business exam plus the trade exam for their classification. Study Trades keeps those steps understandable and organized.

California contractor license requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Have qualifying experience for the classification you choose.
  • Submit the correct CSLB application.
  • Pass required exams unless CSLB grants an exemption.
  • Complete issuance steps like bond, fees, and insurance where applicable.

From classification to license.

Get your application moving, and use Study Trades while CSLB reviews, then finish the exam and issuance steps. It's the most efficient path.

Choose

Select the classification that matches the work you want to perform.

Apply

Submit your CSLB application and required state fee.

Study

Prep for Law & Business plus your trade exam.

Correct

Handle application issues if CSLB requests more information.

Test

Schedule and pass the required exams.

Issue

Finish bond, insurance, fee, and license issuance items.

Not sure which license you need?

Start with the work you want to perform. We will help you compare California classifications and identify the prep path that fits.

Help Me Choose

What Study Trades helps with

menu_book Study content

Study content is available on the go, in your car, through reading and listening, and is created to help you understand the material instead of grinding through a boring textbook.

quiz Exam content

Exam content is modeled after the real tests: same format, same difficulty, and the same topics. We weight each section against CSLB documentation so you can prepare with focus.

route License path guidance

License path guidance gives you a simple checklist for the moving parts. We have done this many times and built a process that simplifies what you need to do next.

Start here

Check your license path eligibility

Are you at least 18?
Do you have at least four years of trade experience?

California resources

More on California licenses.

Classification choice How to know which California contractor license you actually need Getting started How to get your California contractor license moving fast B-General guide California B-General Building contractor license guide

FAQ

California contractor license FAQ

How do I get a contractor license in California?

Choose the right classification, confirm qualifying experience, submit the CSLB application, get approved to test, pass required exams, and complete license issuance steps.

How much experience do I need?

CSLB generally expects qualifying experience for the classification. Verify current experience rules with CSLB before applying.

Do I need to take the Law & Business exam?

Many applicants do. Some exemptions may exist, but you should confirm your situation with CSLB.

Which California contractor license should I apply for?

It depends on your actual experience and the work you plan to perform. Start with your scope of work, then compare classifications.

How long does it take to get licensed?

It depends on application review, exam scheduling, issuance requirements, and your study consistency. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare.

How much does a California contractor license cost?

Costs can include state fees, bond, insurance, business setup, and exam prep. Verify current fees with CSLB.

Is Study Trades affiliated with CSLB?

No. Study Trades provides independent California contractor exam preparation and licensing guidance. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of CSLB.

Can I start studying before my application is approved?

Yes. Many applicants start studying while their application is being reviewed so they are not starting from zero once approved to test.

What if I do not know which classification I need?

Use the classification summaries as a starting point, then verify your path with CSLB or a qualified professional if your scope is unclear.

Does Study Trades help with multiple classifications?

Study Trades is built to support multiple license paths as courses become available. California B-General prep is the first priority.

California General Contractor Quiz Question 1 of 5

Ready when you are

Pick your California license and start the right path.

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