California General Contractor Practice Test (Free)

Question 1

What is a quantity takeoff in the estimating process?

Accepted Answer

Measuring and counting the materials and work items from the plans and specifications

Answer

Removing scope items to lower the bid

Answer

The final subtraction of profit from the bid price

Answer

A list of change orders after the job starts

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

An emergency escape and rescue opening, such as a compliant window or door opening directly outside

Answer

A fire extinguisher mounted by the door

Answer

A second interior stairway

Answer

A sprinkler head above the bed

Question 3

California plumbing rules require water heaters to be protected against earthquake damage. What is the standard requirement?

Accepted Answer

The water heater must be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement from seismic motion

Answer

The water heater must sit on a rubber isolation pad

Answer

Water heaters are prohibited inside dwellings

Answer

Only gas water heaters need any seismic protection

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

$450, nonrefundable

Answer

$150, refundable if denied

Answer

$700, refundable after the exam

Answer

$1,000, nonrefundable

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The Law and Business exam plus the trade exam for the classification, administered by PSI

Answer

One combined exam given by the local building department

Answer

A federal contracting exam given by the Department of Labor

Answer

An oral interview with a CSLB board member

Question 6

When is an additional $25,000 bond of qualifying individual required on a California contractor license?

Accepted Answer

When the qualifier is an RMO or RME whose ownership of the company is under 10 percent

Answer

Whenever the license covers more than one classification

Answer

Only for licenses held by sole owners

Answer

Whenever the company bids public works projects

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

7-3/4 inches

Answer

6 inches

Answer

7 inches

Answer

9 inches

Question 8

Under California law effective January 1, 2026, which CSLB licensees must carry workers' compensation insurance?

Accepted Answer

All licensees, regardless of whether they have employees

Answer

Only licensees with 5 or more employees

Answer

Only roofing and tree service contractors

Answer

Only corporations, never sole owners

Question 9

Why should a bid always be based on a clearly written scope of work?

Accepted Answer

It defines exactly what work is included and excluded, so the price and the promise match

Answer

It lets the contractor skip the takeoff step

Answer

It is only needed for government projects

Answer

It guarantees the lowest price wins

Question 10

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?

Accepted Answer

$125,000 bid, 20 percent margin

Answer

$125,000 bid, 25 percent margin

Answer

$120,000 bid, 25 percent margin

Answer

$133,333 bid, 20 percent margin