CSLB Exam Study Schedule: 90-Day Plan
A steady twelve week plan with about 45 minutes a day, for busy contractors and anyone newer to the business side.
Quick answer
The 90 day plan spreads your study over twelve weeks at about 45 minutes a day. Use the first five weeks for Law and Business, the next five for your trade, and the final two for full timed practice tests and review. Some applicants take Law and Business after week 6 to finish it early.
Week by Week
| When | Law and Business | Trade exam |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Contract Requirements (21%) and Employment Requirements (20%) | Download the study guide; skim all sections |
| Week 3 | Business Finances (15%) | Daily 10 minutes of trade math |
| Week 4 | Safety (14%) and Business Organization and Licensing (13%) | Daily 10 minutes of trade math |
| Week 5 | Insurance and Liens (12%), Public Works (5%), full practice test | Daily 10 minutes of trade math |
| Week 6 | Review weak topics (option: take the exam now) | Start the largest trade section |
| Weeks 7 to 8 | Weekly review set | Next two trade sections |
| Weeks 9 to 10 | Weekly review set | Remaining trade sections, drawings and code questions |
| Week 11 | Full timed practice test | Full timed practice test |
| Week 12 | Final review | Final review and exam day prep |
A Typical Study Day
- 15 minutes reading
- 20 minutes of practice questions
- 10 minutes reviewing mistakes
Who This Plan Fits
Choose this plan if you work long hours, are newer to running a business or are studying in a second language. See studying while working full time.
Taking the Exams on Different Days
Each exam is scheduled and paid for separately, so you can take Law and Business when you finish it and the trade exam later. Just make sure both are passed within 18 months of your application being accepted.
CSLP has prepared California contractors for their CSLB exams since 2013. Our courses include help with your CSLB application, online law and trade books with practice questions and weekly live classes in English and Spanish, from $595. Compare course options.
Content reviewed against CSLB sources: November 2026
- CSLB: Law and Business examination study guide (PDF)
- CSLB: Examination study guides
- CSLB: Examinations frequently asked questions
Online California Contractor License Courses
Prepare for your California CSLB Law & Business and Trade exams with flexible online contractor license courses designed for real working contractors. Choose from three study plans with 24/7 online access, bilingual support, weekly live classes, and expert guidance throughout the licensing process.
Fast Track
$595
- 2026 Updated Classes
- Online Law Book
- Online Trade Book
- Weekly Live Online Classes
- Application processing
- 24/7 Online Access
Plus
$1,395
- Everything in “Fast Track”
- Plus:
- Law & Business Flash Cards
- Per Chapter Practice Exams
- Extended Study Time
- Physical Law & Trade Books
Premium
$1,595
- Everything in “Plus”
- Plus:
- Business Launch Checklist
- Digital Business Card ($200 value)
- Double Study Time vs. “Plus”
All Online Course Packages Include:
Bilingual Lessons
English & Español
Weekly Live Classes
Online Only
Law & Trade Books
English & Español
Proven Results
20,000+ Graduates
CSLB Exam Study Schedule: 90-Day Plan: FAQs
Is 90 days too long?
Not if it fits your schedule. Regular review over a longer period helps many people remember more.
Should I take Law and Business first?
Many people do. Finishing one exam early reduces pressure and lets you focus on your trade.
Will I forget the early material?
Weekly review sets and the final practice tests are built in to keep earlier topics fresh.