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.

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John Baker Contractor Scholarship

Scholarship Recipients

Every month, Contractor Exam Schools awards the John Baker Contractor Scholarship to a Californian working hard to earn their contractor license. These are their stories - neighbors, parents, and tradespeople building a more independent future.

Anthony Swaby

February 2026

Anthony was chosen as he has been in the industry for 10 years + however despite his experience, he has struggled to secure steady employment and this has placed a heavy financial burden on him and his family. Receiving this scholarship would give him the opportunity to get licensed and return to more stable work, and rebuild the foundation he has always provided as a husband and father and will allow him to also continue serving his community.

Jesus Aguilar

January 2026

Jesus was chosen as he is a father of 3 and supporting his family while unemployed is very difficult to manage. He hopes this opportunity will benefit him by strengthening his ability to provide for his family while also reaching his goal and advancing his career.

Mayra Candelas

December 2025

Mayra was chosen as she is going through a very difficult time and is currently unemployed, she is handling her challenges as best as she can and while having financial and emotional challenges she feels this has awaken a deep determination in her. Her greatest motivation is her child, she wants to create stability, independence, and a life her child can be proud of and earning her contractor’s license will be a powerful step towards that future and we are glad we are able to assist her in this journey.

Gal Abizdid

November 2025

Gal has been dealt a very bad hand these last few years as he has been tested in way he would never imagine. He has gone through 15 major surgeries – most of them very major which each surgery coming with long recoveries, physical pain and months he could not work at all. Just as he was finally regaining his strength he was involved in a serious vehicle accident that once again set him back both physically and financially. His savings he had set aside for his license were completely used up on medical bills, rehabilitation and basic living expenses. We are happy to be able to provide some financial assistance to him with this scholarship and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.

Christian Howell

October 2025

Christian was chosen as he used to be a student with CSLS and due to a difficult unforeseen circumstance he was not able to proceed with his program, however he did end up enrolling once again when he had another unforeseen event happen. Christian was involved in a near fatal accident that unfortunately had him in a wheel chair recovering for some time and feels now is the time to complete the program if he was given the scholarship since he was in a financial bind. Christian has had a very difficult life these past years and still has not given up, we are glad we can be of assistance to him as he makes an epic comeback and accomplishes his goals.

Nithzia Flores

September 2025

Nithzia was chosen for the scholarship as he is the primary provider for her family and juggling the main household bills leaves her with no opportunity to afford any extra cost for schooling due to the current economy. Despite these challenges, she remains passionate about her career and is determined to continue expanding her knowledge. We are glad we can be of assistance to her and be a part of her journey.

Carlos J. Esparza

August 2025

Carlos has been chosen as his drive for wanting to better himself after so many years in the industry is a preview of his dedication. Not only does he want this for himself but also for his community and with our assistance his financial burden decreases and allows for him to concentrate on his goals and keep his eye on the target!

Shirtley Barrera

July 2025

Shirley was chosen as she is in need of financial assistance due to going through some difficult times and challenges. With the John Baker scholarship she will be able to focus on studying and completing her program without a worry of financial hardship. By obtaining her license and benefits from it, she will be able to contribute positively to her community as this opportunity wouldn’t’ just open a door for her and her daughter but it would give her the foundation to build doors for others.

Juan Gabriel Morales Calderon

June 2025

Juan was chosen as he is in need of financial assistance due to not having much work during these difficult times. With the John Baker scholarship he will be able to focus on studying and completing his program without a worry of financial hardship. He would like to earn his license and benefit from it for his family and contribute positively to his community through honest, skilled construction work.

Tyler Mckenzie

May 2025

Tyler was chosen as he is in need of financial assistance which will allow him to focus on studying and completing this program without a worry of financial hardship. He would like to earn his license and benefit from it for himself and his family, and would also like to help others he hopes to support and uplift through employment and mentorship.

Jose Oseguera

April 2025

Jose has been chosen as he is determined to build a better future or himself and his family. Growing up he faced a lot of adversity as he had to take on the responsibility of providing for his two younger siblings and helped his single mother who did her best with their limited resources to get ahead. Despite these obstacles he has kept his focus on his goals and this scholarship will assist him with the financial burden of getting him one step closer to his career in which he will be able to provide financial freedom for his family.

Alfredo Delgadillo

March 2025

Freddie has been chosen for the JB Scholarship as he is self-employed and would like this opportunity to really improve his income and help out his community. Freddie understands that it is not easy out there right now however he is really passionate about gardening and landscaping and feels with the experience he has (16 years) and this opportunity he will be able to achieve his goals.

Magan Maksym

February 2025

Maksym was chosen as he had to escape the war in Ukraine with his family and, relocated to California. His financial situation has him re-starting his life from scratch and this opportunity not only will allow him to provide financial stability for his family but also to make a meaningful impact by helping prospective homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. We are glad to be able to assist him with his goals and in his journey.

Mojan Manzabi

January 2025

Mojan was chosen as he is currently unemployed and is actively seeking employment opportunities. Receiving this scholarship would provide him with the necessary credentials to transform and re-establish his career and contribute meaningfully to the local community. We are glad to be able to assist him with his goals and in his journey.

Tabrela Brooks

November 2024

Tabrela was chosen as she is committed to breaking barriers and contributing to the growth and diversity of the construction industry. Receiving this scholarship would provide her the essential support in bridging the financial gap that currently exist on her path to her license. We are glad to be able to be the bridge in this gap on her path to her license.

Gabriel Carbajal

October 2024

Gabriel was chosen since he is a full time father of 2 beautiful children and would like the opportunity to be there for them as much as he can and have the financial freedom to do so. This scholarship will be a step in the right direction for him to be able to hire a team and get to work and provide for his family and build a solid foundation for their future.

Ryan Arp

September 2024

Ryan has been chosen for the JB Scholarship as unfortunately he and his family had a life altering tragedy that they had to endure however his desire to rebuild for his family remains strong and with this opportunity he can regain his footing and it would be a step towards healing and finding happiness through meaningful work. We are glad we can assist Ryan and his family with this opportunity and be a part of their journey.

Alejandro Lujan

August 2024

Alejandro was chosen as he is a hardworking, dedicated individual who is eager to continue his personal and professional growth. This scholarship will allow for his program to be more accessible due to funds, he is a proud father of four children who look up to him and he would like this opportunity to show his family if you are dedicated and work hard you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Guillermo Guillen

July 2024

Guillermo was chosen as he works out of the state in Utah and Washington however he would like to be able to work locally in California so he can be closer to home and his family. He has had opportunities to work locally but has not been able to due to the lack of license in California. We are glad we can assist him with his dream of being a licensed contractor in the State of California.

Phillip Castro

June 2024

Phillip was chosen as he believes receiving the JB Scholarship is crucial for achieving higher levels of success in his career and will allow him to make meaningful contributions to the construction industry and beyond. We are glad we can assist Phillip in his goal to make meaningful changes and achieve his goals.

Vincent Montgomery Bell

April 2024

Vincent has been chosen as he has been in the trade for over 16 years and started as an assistant for his stepfather's plumbing business. Now he would like to take his skills to the next level and start a family of his own and understands that if you want children he will need to establish a business that generates enough income for a family.

Lisa Potter

March 2024

Lisa was chosen as she has had many challenges and difficulties in her life however that has not stopped her from persevering. She understands that the construction industry is hard to break into but she would love to be able to be an inspiration to other women to know that they can do it too and at the same time she promises to give back to her community and serve with true heart and work to make it a better place for all.

Jasmin Aleman

February 2024

Jasmine was chosen as she has a strong work ethic and as a single mother with only one income she has changed her goals and this has made her aspire for more. This scholarship will allow her to get an education that can benefit her and her son in many ways and we are glad we can be part of her journey.

Ali Bandegan

January 2024

With this scholarship Ali he will be able to pursue his career and further his professional training and certification goals. We are glad to assist Ali with his goals and be a part of his professional growth.

Jose Leonardo Guzman

December 2023

Jose was selected as he would like this opportunity to have his own company and help people with their homes and at the same time create a better life for his family.

Ricardo Espinoza

November 2023

Ricardo was chosen since he recently had some financial challenges which resulted in his difficult living situation however he remains steadfast in his determination to overcome these obstacles and create a better future for himself and those around him.

Maribel Guizar Chavez

October 2023

Maribel was chosen since she would like to make a difference in a male driven industry and show that women are just as capable and at the same time be financially better for her children.

Chester Honda

September 2023

Chester has been working as a handyman and feeling stuck at the same level with his business even though his experience is far beyond handyman work. He strongly believes that CSLS is the place for him to succeed so he can better his future and be financially free.

Felix Cano

August 2023

Felix has had many hurdles in his life that he has been able to overcome. Now he will be having a blessing with the news of becoming a father to a baby girl which has ignited a new sense of purpose within him. He wants to be able to establish his lifelong dream of owning his own construction company as a general contractor and be financially secure so he can one day show his daughter that anything is possible.

Alejandro Cazares

July 2023

Alejandro started young with his father who is a handyman and construction worker and realized that this is his calling. He is committed to helping others as develop new ideas in the field with his hard work ethics and high standards.

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Every month we award the John Baker Contractor Scholarship to a future California contractor who needs a hand getting licensed. Applying is free - your story could be here next.

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