CSLB Practice Test and Sample Questions

Law and Business Sample Questions

Question 1

A licensee must notify CSLB that the qualifying individual has left the business within how many days?

• a. 10 days
• b. 30 days
• c. 60 days
• d. 90 days

Answer: d. Changes in personnel, including a qualifier leaving, must be reported to CSLB within 90 days.

Question 2

To protect full mechanics lien rights, a subcontractor generally serves a preliminary notice within how many days of first furnishing labor or materials?

• a. 10 days
• b. 20 days
• c. 30 days
• d. 45 days

Answer: b. California’s preliminary notice is commonly called the 20 day notice.

Question 3

Which of these contractors must carry workers’ compensation insurance even with no employees?

• a. C-10 Electrical
• b. C-27 Landscaping
• c. C-33 Painting
• d. C-39 Roofing

Answer: d. C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-49 contractors must carry workers’ compensation regardless of employees.

Question 4

What is the amount of the contractor bond required for an active California license?

• a. $10,000
• b. $15,000
• c. $25,000
• d. $50,000

Answer: c. Every active license needs a $25,000 contractor bond or an approved alternative.

Trade Exam Sample Questions

Question 1

How many cubic yards of concrete are needed for a slab 20 feet by 30 feet and 4 inches thick, with no allowance for waste?

• a. 6.17
• b. 7.41
• c. 8.89
• d. 22.22

Answer: b. 20 x 30 x 0.333 feet = 200 cubic feet. 200 divided by 27 = 7.41 cubic yards.

Question 2

In roofing, one square covers how many square feet?

• a. 10
• b. 50
• c. 100
• d. 144

Answer: c. A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof area.

Question 3

How many board feet are in one 2 x 6 that is 12 feet long?

• a. 6
• b. 12
• c. 14
• d. 24

Answer: b. Board feet = thickness x width x length in feet / 12, so 2 x 6 x 12 / 12 = 12.

Question 4

A 1,200 watt heater runs on 120 volts. How many amps does it draw?

• a. 5 amps
• b. 10 amps
• c. 12 amps
• d. 20 amps

Answer: b. Amps = watts / volts, so 1,200 / 120 = 10 amps.

How to Use Practice Tests

1. Take a first test to find your weak sections.
2. Study those sections using the references in your study guide.
3. Retake questions you missed a few days later.
4. Finish with full length, timed practice exams under test conditions.
5. Read why each answer is right, not just which letter it is.

Official CSLB Sample Questions

Each CSLB study guide includes a few sample questions that show the style of the real exam. Use them to see how questions are worded, then build volume with a full question bank.

More Practice With CSLP

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.

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