CSLB Exam Registration Guide

Everything you need to know about registering for and taking the California Contractor License exam.

Quick Answer

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 (fee $51.43 as of 2025). 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

FormatMultiple choice, computer-based at PSI centers
Questions115 questions
Time3.5 hours
Fee (2025)$51.43 paid directly to PSI
Retake wait3 weeks minimum between attempts
ResultShown instantly on screen (PASS or FAIL)
Spanish examAvailable — select on-screen at PSI

Step-by-Step Process

1

Apply to CSLB

Submit your application and $450 non-refundable fee to CSLB. You can only apply for one classification at a time.

Mail to: Contractors State License Board, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826
2

Application Accepted

Receive your Fingerprinting Live Scan packet and Notice to Schedule Examination.

3

Schedule via PSI

Schedule your exam at psiexams.com using your CSLB application number as your Candidate ID. The exam fee is $51.43 (as of 2025), paid directly to PSI.

psiexams.com · Phone: (877) 392-6422, Option 2
4

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.

Email: exams@cslb.ca.gov · (800) 321-2752, Option 4
5

Request Disability Accommodation (if needed)

Submit form 13E-77 (Special Accommodation Request For Examination). Call (800) 321-2752 for assistance.

Form 13E-77 · (800) 321-2752
6

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.

Mon–Sat 8am–5pm at PSI testing centers
7

After Passing

CSLB mails instructions for the initial license fee, contractor bond ($25,000), workers' comp insurance, and fingerprinting.

Key Contacts

General CSLB questions(800) 321-2752
Exam scheduling (PSI)(877) 392-6422, Option 2
Translator request(800) 321-2752, Option 4 · exams@cslb.ca.gov
Application status(800) 321-2752, Option 6
Criminal background unit(916) 255-1007
General emailinfo@cslb.ca.gov

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 (fee $51.43 as of 2025).

How much does the CSLB Business & Law exam cost?+

$450 to CSLB for the application plus $51.43 to PSI per exam attempt.

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. The widely cited pass mark is approximately 73% (about 84 correct out of 115).

How long is the wait between CSLB exam retakes?+

Minimum 3 weeks between attempts.

Last updated: June 2026

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