~20% of exam

CSLB Employment Requirements Practice Questions

Employment law is the single largest topic on the Law & Business exam, at roughly 20% of the questions. California protects workers more aggressively than federal law in nearly every area, so a licensed contractor who hires even one employee must master hiring paperwork, the ABC test, overtime, meal and rest breaks, pay timing, final-pay deadlines, wage statements, and recordkeeping.

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Sample Employment Requirements questions

1. An employee works 10 hours on Monday. Under California law, how many overtime hours must be paid?

✓ 2 hours at 1.5× rate

California requires overtime (1.5×) for hours worked beyond 8 in a single workday. Working 10 hours means 2 overtime hours at 1.5× the regular rate.

Labor Code §510

2. An employee works 13 hours in one day. Under California law, how is the pay structured?

✓ First 8 at straight time, next 4 at 1.5×, last 1 at 2×

California daily overtime: hours 1–8 at regular rate, hours 9–12 at 1.5×, hours 13+ at 2× (double time). So 13 hours = 8 regular + 4 at 1.5× + 1 at 2×.

Labor Code §510

3. What is the maximum number of hours an employee can work in a week before weekly overtime applies in California?

✓ 40 hours

California requires overtime pay (1.5×) for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. This applies regardless of whether daily overtime has also been triggered.

Labor Code §510

4. An employee works all 7 days of a workweek. Under California law, overtime on the 7th consecutive day is:

✓ 1.5× for the first 8 hours, 2× after 8 hours

On the 7th consecutive day in a workweek, all hours up to 8 are paid at 1.5×, and any hours beyond 8 are paid at double time (2×).

Labor Code §510

5. When must a 30-minute meal break be provided to an employee?

✓ After 5 hours of work

Employers must provide a 30-minute unpaid meal period no later than the end of an employee's fifth hour of work. The break can be waived by mutual agreement if the shift is 6 hours or less.

Labor Code §512

6. How many paid rest breaks is an employee entitled to for an 8-hour shift?

✓ Two 10-minute breaks

California requires one paid 10-minute rest period for every four hours worked (or major fraction thereof). An 8-hour shift triggers two 10-minute paid rest breaks.

IWC Wage Orders

7. A construction employee quits without giving notice. When must the employer provide the final paycheck?

✓ Within 72 hours

When an employee quits without at least 72-hour advance notice, the employer has 72 hours to provide the final paycheck. If the employee gave 72+ hours notice, pay is due on the last day of work.

Labor Code §202

8. If a contractor discharges (fires) an employee, when must final wages be paid?

✓ Immediately at the time of discharge

When an employer discharges an employee, all earned wages including accrued vacation must be paid immediately at the time of termination.

Labor Code §201

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