What Is on the CSLB Exam?
The topics on the Law and Business exam and the trade exams, the question format and the official study guides that list everything that is tested.
Quick answer
The Law and Business exam covers contracts, employment, business finances, safety, licensing, insurance and liens, and public works. Your trade exam covers the work, codes, estimating and safety for your classification, as outlined in CSLB’s study guide for that trade.
Law and Business Exam Topics
| Section | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Business Organization and Licensing | 13% | Company organization, licensing requirements, advertising and subcontracting |
| Business Finances | 15% | Cash management, budget and planning, taxes, financial reporting |
| Employment Requirements | 20% | Hiring, supervising and training employees, evaluation and record keeping, payroll |
| Insurance and Liens | 12% | Workers’ compensation insurance, business insurance, liens and other remedies |
| Contract Requirements and Execution | 21% | Bidding, cost control, project organization, contracts, payments |
| Public Works | 5% | Prevailing wage, bonding and insurance requirements |
| Safety | 14% | Training and reporting requirements, general safety, hazardous and unknown materials |
Trade Exam Topics
Each trade exam has its own outline. For example, the Class B General Building exam covers:
| Section | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Estimating | 15% | Scope of work and code compliance, plans and specifications, inspections, coordination, cost estimating |
| Framing and Structural Components | 20% | Subfloor and wall framing, roof framing, seismic hardware, siding and stucco, decks and stairs |
| Core Trades | 30% | Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, concrete, earthwork and surveying, insulation and weatherproofing, roofing |
| Finish Trades | 20% | Painting and coatings, tile and stone, floor covering, cabinetry, plaster and drywall, windows and doors, landscaping |
| Safety | 15% | Personnel safety, transportation and traffic control, environmental safety |
Download the guide for your classification from CSLB, or start with our license type guides.
Question Format
- Two exams for most applicants: Law and Business, plus the trade exam for your classification (C-61 applicants take only Law and Business).
- Taken in person on a computer at a PSI test center. Online testing is not offered.
- Multiple choice with four choices and one BEST answer. Some questions involve math or refer to drawings.
- Closed book. A calculator is provided at the test center.
- Three and a half hours for each exam. There is no penalty for guessing.
- You receive a printed pass or fail report before you leave.
What Is Not on the Exam
The exams do not include hands on skills testing or essays, and you are not tested on topics outside your study guide. The asbestos open book exam is a separate requirement completed with your license paperwork, not part of the PSI exams.
Prepare for Every Section
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: General Building (B) examination study guide (PDF)
- CSLB: Step 7, studying for the examination
- CSLB: Examination study guides
- CSLB: Examinations frequently asked questions
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What Is on the CSLB Exam?: FAQs
Is the CSLB exam all multiple choice?
Yes. All exams are multiple choice with four choices per question.
Do I need to know building codes?
Yes, for most trade exams. Your study guide lists the code books and references the questions are based on.
Does the exam change?
CSLB updates its exams and study guides from time to time. Each guide shows the date of exams it applies to.