CLASS A
General Engineering
Fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge — grading, paving, pipelines.
California contractor exams
California contractor license classes, built around the real CSLB exams.
Self-paced online courses built from the current CSLB exam outlines. Timed simulated exams and a free practice test for every trade.
9
courses
9.1k+
practice questions
4
languages
General Licenses
See prices →
BGeneral Building Contractor
1.7k+ questions · 5 topics
2.7k+ with Law & Business
Specialty C-Class Licenses
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C-10Electrical Contractor
1.3k+ questions · 5 topics
2.3k+ with Law & Business
C-20Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
900+ questions · 4 topics
1.8k+ with Law & Business
C-7
C-36
C-39
C-46
C-60Law & Business
Most first-time California contractor applicants need Law & Business alongside their trade exam. C-61 applicants take Law & Business only. Examination waivers may apply; check your requirements with CSLB.
Classifications
Understanding CSLB license classifications
California licenses contractors by classification, and your classification decides which exam you take. Whichever you choose, CSLB requires most applicants to pass two exams — the trade exam and the Law & Business exam.
CLASS B
General Building
Building projects with at least two unrelated trades beyond framing or carpentry; separate framing or carpentry contracts are also allowed.
CLASS C
Specialty (40+)
C-10 electrical, C-36 plumbing, C-20 HVAC, and more — one per trade.
Licensing guide
How getting your California contractor license works
01
Check the requirements.
CSLB generally requires four years of journey-level experience in your trade within the last ten years. Some education can substitute for part of it — CSLB decides, based on your documentation.
02
Pick your classification.
Your license class (A, B, or a C specialty) determines which trade exam you take. See the classification guide above.
03
Apply to CSLB.
Submit the application for an original contractor license with the application fee, then wait for CSLB to accept it and schedule your exams.
04
Pass two exams.
Your trade exam and the Law & Business exam, both taken at a PSI testing center. This is the part these courses prepare you for.
05
Complete licensing steps.
After passing: bond, fees, fingerprinting, and any insurance requirements — then CSLB issues your license number.
Timelines and fees are set by CSLB and change — always verify at cslb.ca.gov. Test2Pro prepares you for the exams; it does not file applications.
The prep
How the exam prep works
Pick your classification
Choose the course that matches your license — every course follows the current CSLB exam outline.
Drill by topic
Work through the question bank section by section, weighted like the real exam.
Take timed simulated exams
Use timed practice to work on your pace and review the topics that need more attention.
Track your readiness
See your score trend by topic. AI Pro is free for everyone and can explain answers as you practice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take classes to get a contractor license in California?
Course enrollment is optional. Most first-time applicants need Law & Business and a trade exam, with examination waivers available in some cases. A structured prep course helps you choose what to study and identify topics to review.
Which exams do I have to pass?
Most applicants take two: the trade exam for their classification (like C-10 Electrical or B General Building) and the Law & Business exam. Some applicants qualify for waivers — check with CSLB for your situation.
Which contractor license classification do I need?
It depends on the work you do. Whole-structure projects involving multiple trades point to Class B; single-trade work points to a C-class specialty license; heavy civil/engineering work points to Class A. The classification guide above breaks it down, and each course page describes what its license covers.
Can I take contractor license classes online?
Yes — every Test2Pro course is fully online and self-paced. You can practice from a phone or computer in English, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian, on your own schedule.
Are online courses enough to pass the exam?
Online prep lets you work through exam topics, review explanations, and practice with a timer. Use your results to plan further review and your study schedule.
What is included in an exam prep course?
The complete question bank for your exam, topic-by-topic drills weighted like the real CSLB outline, timed simulated exams, and progress tracking. AI Pro is free for everyone. A free practice test is available before you buy.
How long does it take to get a California contractor license?
Budget several months end to end: CSLB application processing, exam scheduling, passing both exams, then bonding and final licensing steps. Choose 3 or 6 months of access based on your experience, work schedule, and the topics you need to review.
What happens if I fail the exam?
CSLB lets you reschedule and retake a failed exam for a re-examination fee. Your course access doesn't end when you test — go back to the topics that failed you, drill them, and rebook when your simulated exam scores recover.
Can I take the CSLB exams online from home?
The official exams take place in person on a computer at a PSI test center, with scheduling through CSLB and PSI. You can prepare online from any device and use practice results to choose topics for review.
How long is the CSLB exam, and can I use reference materials?
CSLB gives you 3.5 hours per examination, and it is closed-book — no reference materials are allowed at the PSI test center, and every question is multiple choice on a computer. Use timed practice to work on your pace and review the topics that need more attention.
What is the passing score for the CSLB exam?
CSLB does not publish a fixed passing percentage — you are told the score you need at the test site when you sit each examination. Since the bar isn't announced in advance, the safest strategy is broad readiness across every topic area, which is what the topic drills and readiness tracking are built to measure.
How much does it cost to get a California contractor license?
Alongside prep, budget for application, license, and any re-examination fees. Check current fees and bond and insurance requirements with CSLB; ask providers for the cost of a bond or insurance policy. Course prices are listed on the pricing page.