CSLB Law and Business exam study guides
Short guides in plain English on the questions contractors ask about the exam. Each one cites the law or the official guide it comes from and ends with practice questions.
About the exam
- CSLB Law & Business Exam Format, Passing Score and Open-Book Rules (What CSLB Actually Says)Closed book, four choices, 3.5 hours, calculator provided. What CSLB says about the Law & Business exam, and what it does not publish.Updated October 28, 2026
- What's on the CSLB Law & Business Exam: 7 Sections, Weights, and How to Study ThemThe CSLB Law & Business exam has 7 sections and 25 subtopics. See each section's weight, what it covers, and a study order based on CSLB's own guide.Updated October 28, 2026
Business Organization and Licensing
- California Contractor License Bond 2026: $25,000 Amounts, Who Needs WhatThe $25,000 contractor's bond, qualifier bond, $100,000 LLC bond, disciplinary bonds and claim limits, checked against statute and CSLB's guide.Updated October 28, 2026
- California Contractor License Renewal 2026: Fees, Late Penalties, and What Happens If It ExpiresHow often a California contractor license renews, the renewal and late fees in the statute, the 90-day and 5-year rules, and working on an expired license.Updated October 28, 2026
Employment Requirements
Insurance and Liens
- California Contractor Workers' Comp: Requirements, Exemption Rules, and Who Can't Be ExemptWhen a California contractor needs workers' comp, who may file the CSLB exemption, what happens when coverage lapses, and the penalties, with statute links.Updated October 28, 2026
- California Mechanics Lien Deadlines: Every Date You Need for the CSLB ExamPreliminary notice in 20 days, record the lien in 90/60/30 days, sue within 90 days. The key California lien deadlines in one table, with statute links.Updated October 28, 2026