CSLB Exam Registration Guide
Everything you need to know about registering for and taking the California Contractor License exam.
To register for the CSLB Business & Law exam, mail your $450 application to CSLB, complete Live Scan fingerprinting, then schedule the exam via PSI at psiexams.com (confirm the current PSI fee when scheduling). The exam is 115 multiple-choice questions over 3.5 hours, available in English or Spanish. Results show immediately as PASS or FAIL.
Exam Facts
Before you apply: eligibility & experience
The exam is only half of it — most first-timers get stuck on the experience requirement. Confirm you qualify before you apply:
- Be 18 or older with a valid Social Security Number or ITIN.
- Have at least 4 years of journeyman-level or higher experience in your classification, gained within the last 10 years. This is the requirement people most often miss.
- Your experience must be certified by a qualified person who saw your work — an employer, licensed contractor, union rep, etc. CSLB audits a share of applications.
- Technical training, an apprenticeship, or a related degree can substitute for up to 3 of the 4 years — but you still need at least 1 year of hands-on experience.
Step-by-Step Process
Apply to CSLB
Submit your application and $450 non-refundable fee to CSLB. You can only apply for one classification at a time.
Application Accepted
Receive your Fingerprinting Live Scan packet and Notice to Schedule Examination.
Schedule via PSI
Schedule your exam at psiexams.com using your CSLB application number as your Candidate ID. The exam fee is paid directly to PSI — confirm the current amount when you schedule.
Request Translator (if needed)
Email exams@cslb.ca.gov or call (800) 321-2752 Option 4. Allow 4–6 weeks for approval. Spanish speakers can select Spanish on-screen at PSI — no translator needed.
Request Disability Accommodation (if needed)
Submit form 13E-77 (Special Accommodation Request For Examination). Call (800) 321-2752 for assistance.
Take the Exam
Computer-based at PSI center. 115 questions, 3.5 hours. Calculator and scratch paper provided. Results shown immediately as PASS or FAIL.
After Passing
CSLB mails instructions for the initial license fee, contractor bond ($25,000), workers' comp insurance, and fingerprinting.
Key Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the CSLB Business & Law exam?+
Mail your application + $450 fee to CSLB, complete Live Scan fingerprinting, then schedule the exam via PSI at psiexams.com (confirm the current PSI fee when you schedule — about $51 in early 2025).
How much does the CSLB Business & Law exam cost?+
$450 to CSLB for the application plus the PSI exam fee per attempt (about $51 in early 2025 — confirm the current amount at psiexams.com).
What is the CSLB Business & Law exam format?+
115 multiple-choice questions over 3.5 hours, computer-based at PSI testing centers. Results are shown immediately as PASS or FAIL.
Can I take the CSLB Business & Law exam in Spanish?+
Yes. Spanish is available on-screen at PSI testing centers — no translator request needed.
What is the CSLB Business & Law exam pass rate?+
CSLB reports only PASS/FAIL and does not publish a fixed public raw-score cutoff. Exam-prep providers commonly cite about 73%; a safe practice target is 75%+.
How long is the wait between CSLB exam retakes?+
Minimum 3 weeks between attempts.
Last updated: August 2026
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