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

How to Choose a California Contracting School

By 2 min read

How to Choose a California Contracting School

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image image=”22448″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]If you have found your way to the CSLS website, you’re probably interested in becoming a licensed California contractor. At the same time, you might be considering a number of different schools. How should you choose between them?

Obviously, we would love to see you attend ours and begin your career as a self-employed construction professional. However, looking at things from the outside, there are a handful of factors you should consider when choosing a California contractor licensing school:

Start with the basics. Your education is going to be a lot easier if it’s convenient and affordable, so start with the basics. That means choosing a school with a campus near you (we have 25 around the state) and a strong financial aid system.

Make a detailed plan. Once you’ve examined some of the basics, you want to think about how your school will actually help you prepare for your exam. In other words, will they provide you with additional learning options (like easy-to-read textbooks and practice exams), and do they have self-study or review classes that assist you at the last minute?

Think the process through from start to finish, and then consider the different ways your contractor licensing school can help at each step.

Get the best help you can. In most cases, the difference in tuition between a very good contractor school and one that isn’t as professional isn’t very large… especially when you compare it to your future earnings. So it makes sense to choose the best school you can find, since you want to get your career off on the right foot and put yourself in a position to start your own business soon.

Take advantage of your decision. When you’ve found the best school, take advantage of your decision and use everything you have at your disposal. Get to know your classmates and participate in study sessions, and talk with your instructors and have them answer your questions. If you choose a school like CSLS that offers computerized practice exams, use those to get ready, too.

Choosing the right contractor licensing school is important because it can mean the difference between becoming certified and starting your career or wasting time and money needlessly. Why not let our team of admissions advisors help you find the program that’s right for you? Contact us now to get started.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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.