California General Building (B) Contractor License

The California General Building (B) contractor license allows you to engage in any contracting activity in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.

How to get the General Building (B) contractor's license in California?

Determine Eligibility: Each license requires a qualifier who directly supervises and controls the construction operations conducted under the license. Must be at least 18 years old and have four years minimum journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, or contractor work experience, in the last 10 years, in the General Building (B) trade.
Verifying Work Experience: After meeting the basic eligibility requirements, the qualifier could be randomly selected to provide documentation that they meet the minimum work experience requirements. Having this documentation ready beforehand can make this process easier if your application is selected for review. The experience listed on the application must be verifiable, and people with firsthand knowledge of that experience must certify the accuracy of the information provided to CSLB on the Certification of Work Experience form.
Complete Application: Must fill out the Original Contractor, Additional Classification, or Replacing the Qualifying Individual application form.
Submit Application and Required Fees: For the current list of fees visit the California CSLB Fees page .
Fingerprint Requirement after CSLB Review of Application: For information on fingerprinting, visit the CSLB Fingerprinting Requirement page.
Schedule the Exams: Once the application is submitted the CSLB will send you a 'Notice to Appear for Examination." Upon receipt, the business exam and a General Building (B) exams must be scheduled and passed.
Contractor Bond: All applicants must submit to CSLB a contractor bond or cash deposit payable to CSLB in the amount of $15,000. CSLB does not issue bonds.

The CSLB will either issue your license or contact you if they need further information.

California General Building (B) Contractor License Exam Prep Courses

California General Building (B) Contractor License Exam

Below are the specifications (test type, academic content, etc.) for each exam needed to get the General Building (B) contractor's license in California.

California General Building (B) Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
Testing Company: CSLB
Types of Questions: Multiple choice
Subjects Involved:
- Planning and Estimating (17%)
  - Scope of work and code compliance
  - Design and construction error identification
  - Shop drawings, plans, and specifications
  - Field inspection performance
  - Coordination of project
  - Cost estimation for materials, equipment, and labor
- Framing and Structural Components (22%)
  - Subfloor and wall framing
  - Roof framing
  - Seismic and load requirements
  - Siding and stucco
  - Decks
- Core Trades (30%)
  - Plumbing
  - Electrical
  - HVAC
  - Concrete
  - Earthwork and surveying
  - Insulation, acoustical, and weatherproofing
  - Roofing
- Finish Trades (19%)
  - Painting, staining, coating, and interior wall covering
  - Tile and stone
  - Floor covering
  - Cabinetry and millwork
  - Plaster, drywall, and ceilings
  - Windows, skylights, and doors
  - Landscaping
- Safety (12%)
  - Personnel safety
  - Transportation and traffic control
  - Environmental safety
CSLB General Building (B) Study Guide

California Law and Business Exam

Testing Method: Computer-based testing; closed book
Testing Company: CSLB
Types of Questions: Multiple choice
Subjects Involved:
- Business Organization (10%)
  - Company organization
  - Project organization
- Business Finances (15%)
  - Cash management
  - Budget and planning
  - Taxes
  - Financial reporting
- Employment Requirements (12%)
  - Employment regulations
  - Evaluation and record-keeping
  - Payroll
- Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%)
  - Bonds
  - Workers’ compensation insurance
  - Liens and other remedies
  - Other insurance
- Contract Requirements and Execution (23%)
  - Bidding
  - Cost control
  - Contracts
  - Payments
- Licensing Requirements (8%)
  - Business license
  - Contractor’s license
  - Activity regulation
- Safety (15%)
  - Training and reporting requirements
  - General safety
  - Hazardous/unknown materials
- Public Works (7%)
  - Prevailing wage requirements
  - Bonding requirements
  - Insurance requirements
CSLB Law and Business Study Guide

California General Building (B) Contractor Book Set

The book set includes all source references for the California General Building (B) Contractor exams. You can use these books to study for the exams but you are not allowed to bring these books in with you to the testing center. These tests will be closed-book. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.

CALIFORNIA GENERAL BUILDING (B) - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

Sales price: $3,200.19
CALIFORNIA GENERAL BUILDING (B) - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS

Sales price: $3,300.19