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

Schedule each required exam only after CSLB referral.

Understand Law & Business, trade examinations, C-61 exception, notices, PSI self-scheduling, separate vendor fees, closed-book policy, retakes, and the 18-month window.

Open license pathStart free practice
Required core examLaw & BusinessUnless waived
Second examTradeClassification-specific; C-61 has no trade exam
Retake wait21 daysAfter an unsuccessful exam
Application window18 monthsTo pass required exams

PSI self-scheduling

After CSLB approves and refers the application, the applicant receives a Notice to Schedule. Each required exam is scheduled and paid separately through PSI and may be taken on the same day or different days.

Closed-book format

CSLB study guides describe four-choice multiple-choice exams, no penalty for guessing, a calculator when needed, and no reference materials during the exam.

Do not invent an official question count

The candidate notice and PSI bulletin control the appointment's current time, location, identification, fees, and exam delivery. This site's 100-question readiness modes are study tools, not claims about the live exam length.