CSLB Exam Study Schedule: 60-Day Plan
A balanced eight week plan with about an hour a day, enough time to learn every section and practice under exam conditions.
Quick answer
The 60 day plan gives you eight weeks at about an hour a day. Cover the Law and Business sections and your trade sections over the first six weeks, heaviest first, then spend the last two weeks on full timed practice tests and review.
Week by Week
| When | Law and Business | Trade exam |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Contract Requirements (21%) | Download your study guide; start the largest section |
| Week 2 | Employment Requirements (20%) | Largest section continued, daily math |
| Week 3 | Business Finances (15%) | Second largest section |
| Week 4 | Safety (14%) | Third section; first trade practice set |
| Week 5 | Business Organization and Licensing (13%) | Remaining sections |
| Week 6 | Insurance and Liens (12%) and Public Works (5%) | Remaining sections; drawings and code lookups |
| Week 7 | Full timed practice test and weak topics | Full timed practice test and weak topics |
| Week 8 | Final practice test, light review | Final practice test, light review, exam day prep |
A Typical Study Day
- 20 minutes reading
- 30 minutes of practice questions
- 10 minutes reviewing mistakes
- A longer session on one weekend day
Who This Plan Fits
This is the best fit for most applicants, including many who work full time. See studying while working full time.
Staying on Track
- Keep a running list of weak topics and review it every weekend.
- Schedule your exams when you start week 7.
- Mix in trade math every week instead of saving it for the end.
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Content reviewed against CSLB sources: November 2026
- CSLB: Law and Business examination study guide (PDF)
- CSLB: Examination study guides
- CSLB: Examinations frequently asked questions
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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.
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- 2026 Updated Classes
- Online Law Book
- Online Trade Book
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- Everything in “Fast Track”
- Plus:
- Law & Business Flash Cards
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- Extended Study Time
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- Everything in “Plus”
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All Online Course Packages Include:
Bilingual Lessons
English & Español
Weekly Live Classes
Online Only
Law & Trade Books
English & Español
Proven Results
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CSLB Exam Study Schedule: 60-Day Plan: FAQs
Is 60 days enough time?
For most applicants, yes. It allows a full pass through every section plus two weeks of practice and review.
Can I switch to 30 days if I am ahead?
Yes. If your practice scores are consistently high in every section, you can schedule earlier.
When should I schedule the exams?
Around the start of week 7, for a date near the end of week 8.