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

Is Procrastination Costing You Money?

By 3 min read

Is Procrastination Costing You Money?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”24971″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When you decide you don’t have the time or money to become a licensed contractor, you might think you’re saving a little bit of cash. After all, if you aren’t spending what’s in your bank account, you’re making a good financial decision… right?

In a lot of cases, the opposite is true. That’s because, even though you are saving money in the short term, you’re also reducing the odds that you’ll make more money in the future. In other words, you are incurring what experts call “an opportunity cost.” That means that, by choosing one thing, you’re missing out on something else that could be more valuable.

To understand how this works, consider a few things you don’t get when you decide to put off the chance to become a contractor:

The Opportunity to Make More Money

Most licensed contractors charge (and get) more for their work than general construction workers do. Plus, you won’t have an employer taking a cut of the profits if you decide to go out on your own. That means the decision not to become a licensed contractor could be costing you tens of thousands of dollars every year.

The Chance to Reduce Your Stress at Work

Most of the things that stress you out at work are irritating because you can’t control them – the customers you’re working with, the way your coworkers go about their jobs, and so on. As a licensed contractor, however, you can become your own boss and decide how you want to work. That’s a great way to reduce the stress you feel when you get up in the morning.

The Option to Take Control of Your Future

When you work for someone else, you can be replaced at any time. But when you’re the head of your own company, deciding when to work, what kinds of projects to target, or how much money to try to make is all up to you. Do you really want to sit back waiting for someone else to tell you what to do when you could be in charge of your own future?

When you stop to think about it, each of these benefits is worth far more than what you’d ever pay to become a licensed contractor in California, regardless of whether you measure them in money or other terms. So how much has your procrastination cost you so far?

When you want to become a licensed California contractor – and have the option of starting your own construction business – it’s time to get in touch with the CSLS admissions team. We can discuss your different online and classroom learning choices, find a schedule that works for you, and even arrange for financial aid.[/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.