CSLB Quick Facts

License required for jobs over
$1,000
Minimum contractor bond
$25,000
Journey-level experience
4 years
Current exam passing scores
School-observed: 65% for Law & Business and 63% to 71% for trade exams; CSLB does not publish fixed passing scores

The CSLB oversees 46 contractor classifications in California.

Free

Free Practice Exam

Try a 40-question practice exam plus 14-day course access, no cost, no commitment.

99% first-time pass rate. 100% Money-Back Guarantee

Need Help?

Start Your Contracting Business

From license to incorporation, we help you handle the paperwork so you can focus on the work.

800-809-6463

4 Mistakes That Can Keep You From Becoming a Licensed Contractor

By 2 min read

4 Mistakes That Can Keep You From Becoming a Licensed Contractor

Although there are dozens of reasons to become a licensed contractor in California – and improve your income and lifestyle as a result – it’s a dream that a lot of otherwise-qualified construction professionals will never reach. It’s one thing to have the goal and another thing to turn it into a reality.

The biggest mistakes are easy to avoid when you’re watching out for them, though. With that in mind, here are four mistakes that can keep you from becoming a licensed contractor:

1. Trying to rush through the studying process. Sometimes, prospective contractors get so wrapped up in the excitement of launching a new business that they rush through the study process too quickly and make it harder than it needs to be. While we do offer crash courses and other quick study tools, using them as a review after you’ve taken a more gradual learning approach makes things a lot easier.

2. Ignoring your limitations as a student. A lot of construction professionals come to us needing help with their basic math skills, or struggling with English as a second language. By helping them with topic-specific reviews, or classes in Spanish, we can work around any limitations they might have. You don’t need a great academic record to succeed as a contractor, just the right school to help you.

3. Letting testing-day nerves get you. At CSLS, we use a lot of review sessions and computerized practice exams to ensure our students will feel completely confident on testing day. The best way to beat your nerves is through lots of preparation, so let us help you plan to succeed.

4. Choosing the wrong school. Studying for your licensed contractors exam can be fun, easy, and convenient or expensive, difficult, and time-consuming. Choosing the right school makes everything simpler, and our 99.9% first-time passing rate for students says it all.

Don’t let something small keep you from reaching your dream of being a self-employed business owner and taking part in the growing California construction industry. Contact CSLS today and let our team of admissions representatives give you options you can use to plan your future.

 

Keep reading

All articles

Since 1985

40+ Years

200,000+

Students Licensed

99% Pass Rate

First-Time

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Tuition Refund

Verified Google Reviews

What Our Students Say

Ready to get licensed?

99% of our students pass the CSLB exam on their first try, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee. Talk to an advisor about the right program for you.

Select Your Trade Classification

Choose your CSLB classification to see exam prep programs

Not sure? Call 800-809-6463, we'll help you choose.