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CalContractorPrep

California contractor license exam prep

CSLB Law and Business Practice Test

Practice questions for the California contractor Law and Business exam, organized by the seven official exam sections. Every answer is explained in plain English and cites the law or government guide it comes from.

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How we make sure our answers are right

  • Written from public sources

    Every question is based on California law or an official guide from CSLB, EDD, IRS, DIR or Cal/OSHA. The explanation quotes the source and links to it, so you can check it yourself.

  • Checked blind before it goes live

    A separate AI reviewer answers each question without seeing our answer. If it picks a different answer, or the source does not support the answer, we rewrite the question or drop it.

  • Plain English

    Short sentences and common words, written for busy contractors and for people whose first language is not English. Legal terms are explained the first time they appear.

The 7 exam sections: free study notes

The CSLB study guide divides the exam into seven sections. The percentages are CSLB's approximate weights. Each note summarizes the key rules in plain English, with links to the sources.

  1. 1. Business Organization and Licensing13%Company organization · Licensing requirements · Advertising and subcontracting
  2. 2. Business Finances15%Cash management · Budget and planning · Taxes · Financial reporting
  3. 3. Employment Requirements20%Hiring employees · Supervising and training employees · Evaluation and record-keeping · Payroll
  4. 4. Insurance and Liens12%Workers' compensation insurance · Business insurance · Liens and other remedies
  5. 5. Contract Requirements and Execution21%Bidding · Cost control · Project organization · Contracts · Payments
  6. 6. Public Works5%Prevailing wage requirements · Bonding requirements · Insurance requirements
  7. 7. Safety14%Training and reporting requirements · General safety · Hazardous/unknown materials

Full access

  • Practice by section and subtopic, with instant feedback, an explanation and the source for every answer
  • Timed mock exams weighted like the official exam outline, with a score for each section
  • A list of the questions you missed, and practice suggestions for your weakest sections
  • A “Report an error” button on every question
  • 12 months of access on your phone and computer

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$59 one-time · 12 months access · 7-day refund

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Frequently asked questions

What is the CSLB Law and Business exam?
It is a multiple-choice exam about business management and California construction law. To get a California contractor license, the qualifier must pass it, and usually also a trade exam for the license classification, unless CSLB grants an exam waiver. Source: CSLB: Get Licensed to Build.
What topics does the exam cover?
The CSLB study guide lists seven sections: Business Organization and Licensing (13%), Business Finances (15%), Employment Requirements (20%), Insurance and Liens (12%), Contract Requirements and Execution (21%), Public Works (5%), Safety (14%). CSLB says the percentages are approximate. Source: CSLB Law and Business Study Guide.
How many questions are on the exam, and what score do I need to pass?
CSLB does not publish them. Be careful with any website that says it knows the official passing score.
Is CalContractorPrep part of CSLB?
No. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). We are an independent study site. For official information, go to cslb.ca.gov.
Where do your questions come from?
We write every question ourselves from public sources: California laws on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov and guides from CSLB, EDD, IRS, DIR and Cal/OSHA. Each answer quotes and links its source. We never use questions that people remember from the real exam. CSLB keeps its exam questions confidential.
Can you promise that I will pass?
No. Nobody can honestly promise that. Our goal is accurate practice that shows you which sections need more study. If the course does not help you, ask for a full refund within 7 days of purchase.
How much does it cost?
$59, paid once, for 12 months of access. There is no subscription and nothing renews. You can get a full refund within 7 days of purchase.
Can I study on my phone?
Yes. The site works in the web browser on any modern phone or computer. There is no app to install.