Practice test

California General Contractor Practice Test

Free California general contractor practice test with 20 questions on business and law, estimating, and building codes. Instant scoring and explanations.

These questions are for study practice only and are not official exam questions.

Question 1

1

In California, a contractor license is required for any construction job where the combined labor and materials cost reaches what amount?

Question 2

2

A $200,000 contract is 50 percent complete and the contract calls for 10 percent retainage. Ignoring prior payments, what total amount is payable to the contractor to date?

Question 3

3

Which exams must a first-time California B General Building applicant normally pass, and who administers them?

Question 4

4

What is the maximum riser height commonly permitted for stairs in a dwelling under the residential code?

Question 5

5

In an estimate, what does a unit cost represent?

Question 6

6

How often must a California contractor license be renewed, and what continuing education does CSLB require?

Question 7

7

In construction estimating, which of the following is a DIRECT cost of a project?

Question 8

8

Which body of regulations governs building construction statewide in California as of January 1, 2026?

Question 9

9

Which costs make up labor burden, the amount added to base wages when estimating labor?

Question 10

10

When may a new building legally be occupied?

Question 11

11

In general construction law, what does a mechanics lien do?

Question 12

12

What is the CSLB application processing fee for an original contractor license examination application?

Question 13

13

A job's direct cost is $100,000 and the contractor applies a 25 percent markup. What is the bid price, and what gross margin does that produce?

Question 14

14

Under residential code requirements, what must every sleeping room (bedroom) have for emergency escape?

Question 15

15

A concrete slab measures 20 feet by 30 feet and is 4 inches thick. About how many cubic yards of concrete are needed, before waste?

Question 16

16

In a construction contract, what is an allowance?

Question 17

17

On a California contractor license held by a corporation, what is the role of the qualifying individual (RMO or RME)?

Question 18

18

What does the term overhead mean in a contractor's pricing?

Question 19

19

A room addition needs 5,000 sq ft of drywall. Using 4 ft x 8 ft sheets and a 10 percent waste factor, how many sheets should be ordered?

Question 20

20

Before starting construction work that requires a permit, what must a contractor do?

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