CSLB B GENERAL CONTRACTOR EXAM 2026
| VERIFIED QUESTIONS & CORRECT
ANSWERS | A+ PASS STUDY GUIDE
This study guide contains 300 verified multiple-choice questions aligned with the
CSLB B General Contractor Exam 2026. Read through each question carefully, check
the highlighted CORRECT ANSWER, and use the EXPERT RATIONALE to
reinforce your understanding before test day.
CSLB B GENERAL CONTRACTOR EXAM 2026 | 300 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
1. What is the primary purpose of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)?
A. To collect taxes from contractors
B. To issue building permits
C. To regulate the construction industry and protect consumers
D. To manage construction unions
E. To approve architectural plans
C. To regulate the construction industry and protect consumers
EXPERT RATIONALE: The CSLB's primary mission is to protect consumers by regulating
the construction industry through licensing, investigation of complaints, and
enforcement of contractor laws.
2. How many hours of experience are required to qualify for a B General
Contractor license?
A. 2,000 hours
B. 3,000 hours
C. 4,000 hours
D. 5,000 hours
,E. 6,000 hours
C. 4,000 hours
EXPERT RATIONALE: California requires at least four years (approximately 4,000 hours)
of journeyman-level experience in the construction trades to qualify for a B General
Contractor license.
3. What is the maximum amount a contractor can charge for a home
improvement contract down payment?
A. 15% or $1,500, whichever is greater
B. 10% or $1,000, whichever is less
C. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less
D. 20% or $2,000, whichever is less
E. 25% of the contract price
C. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less
EXPERT RATIONALE: Under California law, a contractor cannot require a down payment
of more than 10% of the total contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, for home
improvement contracts.
4. A contractor's license bond in California is currently required to be in the
amount of:
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $15,000
D. $20,000
E. $25,000
C. $15,000
,EXPERT RATIONALE: As of current California law, all licensed contractors are required to
maintain a $15,000 contractor's license bond filed with the CSLB.
5. If a contractor's license expires, how long does the contractor have to
renew it without retaking the exam?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years
E. 5 years
E. 5 years
EXPERT RATIONALE: A contractor has up to five years after the expiration date to renew
a license without retaking the licensing exam, though they must pay all applicable fees
and penalties.
6. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a B General
Contractor license?
A. Passing the trade exam
B. Passing the law and business exam
C. Submitting a license bond
D. Completing a college degree in construction
E. Demonstrating work experience
D. Completing a college degree in construction
EXPERT RATIONALE: A college degree is not required. Applicants must pass both exams,
submit a bond, demonstrate qualifying experience, and pay the required fees.
, 7. Under California law, a home improvement contract must be in writing if
the price exceeds:
A. $200
B. $300
C. $500
D. $750
E. $1,000
C. $500
EXPERT RATIONALE: Any home improvement contract with a combined labor and
material cost of $500 or more must be in writing under California Business and
Professions Code.
8. What does the term "journeyman" mean in the construction context?
A. An apprentice who is just starting out
B. A worker who has completed an apprenticeship and is fully skilled in a trade
C. A licensed contractor
D. A construction supervisor
E. An engineer
B. A worker who has completed an apprenticeship and is fully skilled in a
trade
EXPERT RATIONALE: A journeyman is a skilled worker who has completed formal
training or apprenticeship and is qualified to work independently in a trade.
9. The "responsible managing employee" (RME) must:
A. Be a part-time employee of the contracting firm
| VERIFIED QUESTIONS & CORRECT
ANSWERS | A+ PASS STUDY GUIDE
This study guide contains 300 verified multiple-choice questions aligned with the
CSLB B General Contractor Exam 2026. Read through each question carefully, check
the highlighted CORRECT ANSWER, and use the EXPERT RATIONALE to
reinforce your understanding before test day.
CSLB B GENERAL CONTRACTOR EXAM 2026 | 300 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
1. What is the primary purpose of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)?
A. To collect taxes from contractors
B. To issue building permits
C. To regulate the construction industry and protect consumers
D. To manage construction unions
E. To approve architectural plans
C. To regulate the construction industry and protect consumers
EXPERT RATIONALE: The CSLB's primary mission is to protect consumers by regulating
the construction industry through licensing, investigation of complaints, and
enforcement of contractor laws.
2. How many hours of experience are required to qualify for a B General
Contractor license?
A. 2,000 hours
B. 3,000 hours
C. 4,000 hours
D. 5,000 hours
,E. 6,000 hours
C. 4,000 hours
EXPERT RATIONALE: California requires at least four years (approximately 4,000 hours)
of journeyman-level experience in the construction trades to qualify for a B General
Contractor license.
3. What is the maximum amount a contractor can charge for a home
improvement contract down payment?
A. 15% or $1,500, whichever is greater
B. 10% or $1,000, whichever is less
C. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less
D. 20% or $2,000, whichever is less
E. 25% of the contract price
C. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less
EXPERT RATIONALE: Under California law, a contractor cannot require a down payment
of more than 10% of the total contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, for home
improvement contracts.
4. A contractor's license bond in California is currently required to be in the
amount of:
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $15,000
D. $20,000
E. $25,000
C. $15,000
,EXPERT RATIONALE: As of current California law, all licensed contractors are required to
maintain a $15,000 contractor's license bond filed with the CSLB.
5. If a contractor's license expires, how long does the contractor have to
renew it without retaking the exam?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years
E. 5 years
E. 5 years
EXPERT RATIONALE: A contractor has up to five years after the expiration date to renew
a license without retaking the licensing exam, though they must pay all applicable fees
and penalties.
6. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a B General
Contractor license?
A. Passing the trade exam
B. Passing the law and business exam
C. Submitting a license bond
D. Completing a college degree in construction
E. Demonstrating work experience
D. Completing a college degree in construction
EXPERT RATIONALE: A college degree is not required. Applicants must pass both exams,
submit a bond, demonstrate qualifying experience, and pay the required fees.
, 7. Under California law, a home improvement contract must be in writing if
the price exceeds:
A. $200
B. $300
C. $500
D. $750
E. $1,000
C. $500
EXPERT RATIONALE: Any home improvement contract with a combined labor and
material cost of $500 or more must be in writing under California Business and
Professions Code.
8. What does the term "journeyman" mean in the construction context?
A. An apprentice who is just starting out
B. A worker who has completed an apprenticeship and is fully skilled in a trade
C. A licensed contractor
D. A construction supervisor
E. An engineer
B. A worker who has completed an apprenticeship and is fully skilled in a
trade
EXPERT RATIONALE: A journeyman is a skilled worker who has completed formal
training or apprenticeship and is qualified to work independently in a trade.
9. The "responsible managing employee" (RME) must:
A. Be a part-time employee of the contracting firm
