CSLB Public Works Practice Questions

1. Prevailing wage requirements apply to public works projects with a contract value of at least:

California prevailing wage law applies to public works contracts of $1,000 or more. There is no exemption for small public works projects.

2. Who determines the prevailing wage rates that must be paid on a California public works project?

The Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) determines prevailing wage rates by craft, classification, and locality. Contractors must pay the rate in effect when the work is performed.

3. Before a contractor may bid on or be awarded a public works contract, the contractor must be registered with:

In addition to holding a CSLB license, a contractor must register annually with the DIR before bidding on or being awarded a public works contract.

4. On a public works project, contractors must submit certified payroll records to:

Contractors on public works must keep accurate certified payroll records and furnish them to the Labor Commissioner, generally through the DIR's online electronic system.

5. The prevailing wage that must be paid on a public works project consists of:

The prevailing wage is made up of a basic hourly rate plus employer payments for fringe benefits such as health care, pension, and training. The total package must meet the DIR determination.

6. On a public works contract that exceeds $25,000, the prime contractor must furnish:

Because subcontractors and suppliers cannot place a lien on public property, the prime contractor on a public works contract over $25,000 must provide a payment bond guaranteeing they are paid.

7. An unpaid subcontractor on a public works project can compel the public agency to withhold project funds by serving:

Since public property cannot be liened, an unpaid claimant on a public works project serves a stop payment notice on the public agency, which must then withhold enough project funds to cover the claim.

8. On most public works projects, contractors are required to:

Public works contractors must request apprentices from a state-approved apprenticeship program and employ them on the project, supporting the training of the next generation of skilled workers.