California CSLB License Application & Examination Preparation Original Application Exam Study Guides
CAContractor License Guide Experience · Application · PSI exams · License issuance
California contractor license path

Choose the right CSLB classification before you file, pay, or schedule an exam.

Check whether a license is required, document four years of qualifying experience, select the business entity and classification, prepare the $450 application, pass Law & Business and the required trade exam, then complete bonds, insurance, asbestos, and issuance.

Build my license routeTake a Law & Business diagnostic
Experience4 yearsWithin the prior 10 years
Original application$450One classification
License bond$25,000Before active issuance
Exam window18 months21-day wait after failure
Start with your situation

Which application route applies?

Go directly to the blocker

Use the next useful step.

01I do not know whether a license is requiredCheck the $1,000 rule

Permit work, employee labor, or project cost of $1,000 or more generally requires CSLB licensing.

 02I am unsure whether my work countsBuild the four-year experience file

Journey-level, foreman, supervisor, contractor, or owner-builder work must be verifiable.

 03I do not know which classification to chooseCompare A, B, B-2, and C trades

Choose the classification that matches the work you will contract to perform.

 04I am ready to filePrepare the $450 application

Entity, qualifier, business name, experience certification, disclosures, and attachments.

 05I need exam practiceUse 250 original questions

Law & Business readiness, B General Building readiness, categories, and missed questions.

 06I passed but do not have a license numberComplete issuance requirements

Initial fee, bonds, workers’ compensation, asbestos open-book verification, and entity-specific items.
Original examination route

Eight controlled steps from experience to active license.

  1. 1
    Confirm the project and classification

    Match the license scope to the work you intend to bid and perform.

  2. 2
    Document four years of qualifying experience

    Experience must be within the prior ten years and verified by someone with firsthand knowledge.

  3. 3
    Select the entity and qualifier

    Sole owner, partnership, corporation, LLC, or another permitted entity.

  4. 4
    Submit the original application and $450

    Use the current form and include one requested classification.

  5. 5
    Complete Live Scan

    Follow the CSLB fingerprint packet after the application is accepted.

  6. 6
    Schedule each required exam through PSI

    Each exam has its own vendor fee and appointment.

  7. 7
    Pass within the 18-month application window

    Failed exams generally require a 21-day wait before another attempt.

  8. 8
    Submit the issuance package

    Initial fee, bonds, workers’ compensation proof or valid exemption, asbestos verification, and other requested documents.

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