CSLB Exam Registration Guide
Everything you need to know about registering for and taking the California Contractor License exam.
To register for the CSLB Law & Business 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 multiple choice and you get 3.5 hours; CSLB does not publish the question count. Available in English or Spanish. Results show immediately as PASS or FAIL.
Exam Facts
| Administering body | Contractors State License Board (CSLB), California Department of Consumer Affairs — exam delivered by PSI Services LLC |
|---|---|
| Questions | 115 questions — 5 independent prep providers agree; CSLB publishes none. What we read and found nothing in: CSLB — Step 7: Studying for the Examination |
| Time limit | 210 minutes |
| Passing score | Not published by CSLB What we read and found nothing in: CSLB — Step 7: Studying for the Examination |
| Fees |
Source: CSLB — List of All CSLB Fees |
| Languages offered | English · Spanish |
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. 3.5 hours. CSLB does not publish the question count. 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 Law & Business 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 Law & Business 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 Law & Business exam format?+
Multiple choice, 3.5 hours, computer-based at PSI testing centers. CSLB publishes no question count for this exam. Results are shown immediately as PASS or FAIL.
Can I take the CSLB Law & Business exam in Spanish?+
Yes. Spanish is available on-screen at PSI testing centers — no translator request needed.
What is the CSLB Law & Business exam pass rate?+
CSLB reports only PASS/FAIL and publishes no passing percentage: it tells candidates the required score at the test site and states that the percentage varies for each exam. Third-party prep sites disagree with one another — 65%, 70% and 72% all appear. PrepPass uses 75%+ as its own practice target; that is ours, not CSLB’s.
How long is the wait between CSLB exam retakes?+
Minimum 3 weeks between attempts.
Last updated: October 2026
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