CSLB Business Organization & Licensing Practice Questions

1. A contractor who holds a Class "B" General Building Contractor license may perform work in which situation?

A Class B licensee may take contracts for structures and can self-perform two or more unrelated subcontractor trades. Installing only an electrical panel or replacing water mains would require C-specialty licenses, and grading/paving is Class A work.

2. What is the maximum amount of the Contractor License Bond required by the CSLB?

All licensed contractors must maintain a $25,000 Contractor License Bond filed with the CSLB. This bond protects consumers from contractor misconduct.

3. A Responsible Managing Employee (RME) may qualify how many contractor licenses simultaneously?

An RME may qualify only one license at a time. This differs from a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO), who is an owner and may be associated with multiple licenses in some circumstances.

4. A contractor must notify the CSLB of a change in the qualifying individual (RME or RMO) within how many days?

Contractors must notify CSLB within 90 days when the qualifier leaves, is replaced, or the business structure changes. Failure to notify can result in license suspension.

5. Which of the following business entities CANNOT hold a CSLB contractor license?

Trusts cannot hold CSLB licenses. Eligible entities include sole proprietorships, partnerships (general and limited), corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs).

6. A licensed contractor must display their license number on all of the following EXCEPT:

CSLB requires the license number on contracts, bids, advertisements (including online), and vehicles. Internal business records like payroll are not public-facing documents requiring license display.

7. If a contractor operates under a fictitious business name (DBA), the name must be:

Any fictitious business name used by a contractor must be registered with the CSLB and listed on the license. Operating under an unregistered DBA is a violation.

8. The CSLB may issue a Disciplinary Bond in addition to the regular license bond when:

After a formal disciplinary action, CSLB may require an additional $15,000 Disciplinary Bond. This bond provides extra consumer protection for contractors with a history of violations.