California contractor license exam: step by step
This is a plain-language summary. Fees, forms and rules can change, so each step links to the official page. Always follow the official page.
1. Check your experience
CSLB generally requires at least four years of journey-level experience (or higher) in the last ten years for the classification you want.
2. Apply and pay the application fee
Send your application to CSLB. For current fees, see the official fee list.
3. After your application is accepted
You get a Notice to Schedule and a Live Scan fingerprint packet. You have 18 months from acceptance to pass your exams.
4. Schedule with PSI
CSLB exams are given by PSI. You book your exam and pay the exam fee to PSI.
5. Exam day
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. The name must match your application. You get a printed pass or fail report at the end. A passing report is not a license yet.
6. Language help
The Law & Business exam is also offered in Spanish. If English is hard for you, CSLB may allow a translator you choose, but only with approval in advance, and the translator cannot help you answer.
7. If you do not pass
You can retake the exam after 21 calendar days, as long as you are still within your 18 months.
8. After you pass
CSLB mails you instructions for the next steps, such as your bond and license fee.
How LicenseLingo helps
Our practice questions use English, like the real exam, and explain each answer in your language. Read the questions aloud to get used to the English wording.
Last checked against the official page: 2026-11-09