California general building contractors hold the B classification issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Getting licensed means passing the Law and Business exam plus the B trade exam, both administered by PSI. ExamsLib provides free practice questions and study guides to help you prepare for both tests.
Overview
Exam Overview
The B General Building Contractor license covers structures that require two or more unrelated building trades. California also offers the B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor classification for existing-home remodels involving three or more trades. Both are issued by the CSLB under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Candidates take two computer-based multiple-choice exams through PSI: Law and Business plus the trade exam for the classification. The Law and Business exam covers licensing law, contracts, business management, and safety; the B trade exam covers construction methods, estimating, and code topics under the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24), effective January 1, 2026.
Scope
License Types
General building work in California falls under these CSLB classifications:
- B General Building Contractor - New construction and projects requiring two or more unrelated trades.
- B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor - Remodels of existing homes involving three or more trades.
- A General Engineering Contractor - Fixed works requiring specialized engineering, such as infrastructure projects.
Structure
Exam Format
Both the Law and Business exam and the B trade exam are computer-based, multiple-choice tests administered by PSI at approximately 20 California test centers plus Wilsonville, Oregon. The Law and Business exam is also available in Spanish. Question counts and time limits are published by PSI; review the current candidate information before scheduling.
Score
Passing Score
Candidates must pass both exams to qualify for the B license. The passing standard is set by the CSLB and its testing vendor and varies by exam. Confirm the current requirement with the CSLB or PSI before your exam date.
Eligibility
Requirements
To qualify for the California B General Building Contractor exam, candidates typically need:
- At least 4 years of journey-level (or higher) experience within the 10 years immediately before application.
- To be at least 18 years old.
- A completed application with the $450 nonrefundable processing fee submitted to the CSLB.
- A $25,000 contractor bond before license issuance, plus a possible separate $25,000 bond of qualifying individual for an RME or RMO with under 10 percent ownership.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Cost
Fees
Plan for the $450 nonrefundable application processing fee and an initial license fee of $200 (sole owner) or $350 (non-sole owner) covering 2 years. Exam fees are paid directly to PSI and vary. Per SB 216, all CSLB licensees must carry workers' compensation insurance as of January 1, 2026, regardless of whether they have employees. Always confirm current fee amounts with the CSLB and PSI before submitting payment.
Plan Ahead
Study Plan
A structured 8 to 10 week study plan for the California general contractor exams:
- Week 1-2: Study California contractor licensing law, contract requirements, and mechanics lien basics.
- Week 3-4: Review bonding, workers' compensation, business finance, and jobsite safety for the Law and Business exam.
- Week 5-6: Work through estimating, plan reading, and construction-methods material for the B trade exam.
- Week 7-8: Take full-length practice tests for both exams under timed conditions.
- Week 9-10: Review missed questions and drill your weakest subject areas.
Focus Areas
Study Topics
BL Business and Law
Study business and law for the Florida contractor licensing exam. Covers Chapter 489, lien law, workers' comp, contract law, and OSHA requirements.
Study this topicE Estimating
Study construction estimating for the contractor license exam. Covers quantity takeoffs, unit costs, overhead, profit, markup vs. margin, and bid calculations.
Study this topicBC Building Code
Study building code for the Florida contractor exam. Covers FBC, occupancy classification, means of egress, fire resistance, and wind and flood rules.
Study this topic
Keep Exploring
Related Pages
Frequently asked questions
What does the California B General Building Contractor license cover?
The B classification covers structures that require two or more unrelated building trades. For remodels of existing homes involving three or more trades, California also offers the B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor classification. Confirm scope questions with the CSLB.
What experience do I need for the California general contractor exam?
The qualifying individual needs at least 4 years of journey-level or higher experience within the 10 years immediately before application, and must be at least 18 years old. Documentation standards are set by the CSLB; verify current rules before applying.
How much does a California general contractor license cost?
The application processing fee is $450 and is nonrefundable. The initial license fee is $200 for a sole owner or $350 for a non-sole owner, covering 2 years. Exam fees are paid separately to PSI and vary. A $25,000 contractor bond is also required. Confirm current amounts with the CSLB.
Does the California contractor license require continuing education?
No. California contractor licenses renew every 2 years, and the state has no continuing-education requirement for renewal. Renewal fees vary by entity type and active or inactive status; see the CSLB fee schedule for current amounts.
