What are the basic requirements for a California contractor's license?

Be at least 18 years old (due to the experience requirement we recommend to be at least 23) Have 4 years of journeyman level experience (within the past 10 years) Have a Social Security or ITIN

What happens if I fail the exam?

Once your application is approved, you have 18 months to pass the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you will need to pay: $51.43 for the Law and Business Exam $51.43 for the Trade Exam Additionally, you must wait 3 weeks from the date of your failed exam before you can reschedule.

Pass the CSLB Exam Faster | Contractors Intelligence School

Fast-Track Your CSLB Exam Preparation

Fast-track contractors license video preview

Do you have 4 years of experience in the trade? If so, we can help you obtain your contractors license in as little as two months. Not sure where you fit? Browse the California contractor license classifications.

With your California Contractors License, you will be able to legally perform work on contracts with a value more than $1000. It is the best investment that you can make towards your future in the construction industry.

In order to obtain a contractors license, you must submit an application, pass the Law & Business exam, as well as the license specific trade exam.

We help you from start to finish by assisting you in the submittal of your license application. We will provide you with the best materials to prepare you for the contractors licensing exam.

Choose one of our courses (below) or call one of our representatives today to get started.

California Contractor License Courses & Study Options

Full Online Course

Includes online access to Law & Trade videos, audio, reading and practice exams

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Regular Price: $595.00

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online contractors license course

Get starting with CSLB prep from home with our Live Streaming Course.

Live Streaming Class

Includes Full Online Course

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live streaming contractors license course

Start your CSLB with expert instructors in one of our in-class courses.

In-Class Preparation

Our live classes are available throughout California.

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in-class contractors license course

Traditional Home Study

Comes with a 120-day complimentary access to our online tests

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Questions about requirements, timelines, or the best course for you? Reach out and a real team member will get back to you fast.

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Why Do You Need a California Contractors License?

Getting licensed isn't just a legal requirement. It's a powerful step toward building a career, launching a business, and unlocking new income opportunities in California's growing construction industry.

Whether you're a skilled tradesperson with 4 years of experience or an established contractor looking to expand, we help turn your experience into a thriving licensed career, fast.

Start Your Solo Career

According to the CSLB, if you have 4 years of experience in your trade, you’re eligible to get licensed and work independently. No need to rely on others to take on jobs — you can build your own path.

Launch Your Own Construction Business

A license gives you the legal authority to run your own company, hire crews, and take on larger projects. It is the foundation for long-term career freedom.

Work Legally & Secure Bigger Jobs

According to the CSLB, a contractor’s license is required in California to legally perform work valued over $1,000 in labor and materials. Don’t leave money on the table. Get licensed and grow your income.

Add a New Classification

Already licensed? We can help you add a classification to expand your services and qualify for a wider range of work.

Why Students Choose Contractors Intelligence School

Join over 100,000 contractors who have trusted us to help them get licensed faster, easier, and with greater results.

Our CSLB training courses have a 98% student pass rate on the contractor exam.

98% Success Rate

Our students don’t just study. They pass. With our proven teaching methods, 98% of students pass their exams on the first try. You can feel confident you're investing in a program that truly works and sets you up for success from day one.

Choose from a range of study options for your CSLB exam prep.

Flexible Study Options That Fit Your Life

Choose from Online, Live Streaming, In-Class, or Home Study options. Whether you're working full-time, supporting a family, or studying in your spare time, you can prepare without putting your life or job on hold.

Our iApplication Prep Tool ensures your CSLB exam application is done correctly the first time.

Expert CSLB Application Support

The CSLB application process can be confusing, and mistakes can slow everything down. Every course includes our Exclusive iApplication Prep Tool that helps you fill out your application correctly and avoid common errors.

If you’d like additional support, the Expert Application Review & Filing upgrade gives you a professional review of your completed application before it’s submitted, helping reduce delays and prevent issues with the CSLB.

We offer a 100% money-back guarantee with our CSLB exam prep courses.

100% Pass Exam Money-Back Guarantee

We’re so confident in our system that we offer a full tuition refund if you don’t pass. You can enroll with peace of mind, knowing there is no financial risk and that we are fully committed to helping you succeed.

Work with our leading, expert instructors to prepare for the CSLB license exam.

Top Instructors and Comprehensive Study Materials

Learn directly from industry experts who know the CSLB exam inside and out. Our focused materials are based on real exam content and teach you exactly what you need to pass. This saves you time and helps you walk into test day fully prepared.

Access your training on the go with our mobile training app.

Exclusive Mobile App Access

With our mobile app, you can access lessons, take practice exams, and track your progress right from your phone or tablet. Study anytime and anywhere, even during lunch breaks or between jobs.

Track your progress as you learn so you can be confident when it's time to pass your CSLB exam.

Intelligent Progress Tracker

Stay on track with built-in progress tracking system. You'll always know where you stand and what to focus on next. This helps you use your time more efficiently and stay motivated throughout your prep.

I just went with Contractors Intelligence School and they helped me out every step of the way. It was like a 98% guaranteed success rate or your money back. Everything that you're dreaming of: "I'm going to own my own business someday", that end goal, it starts to happen.

Greg Fox
Owner of Fox Heating and Air Conditioning

They helped me all the way through. They did all my applications. They helped me with learning. I passed those tests easily. And so now my next step is to open my own business and start a legacy for my family.

Terry Joseph
Successful Graduate

You guys prepared us properly, gave us all the right information, and that's what helped me pass it the first time. The experience that you guys have here helped me go through the process a lot quicker than I expected. This is the best contractor school out here.

Will
Successful Graduate

The practice you gave allowed me to pass on my first time through for both tests. If you can go with Contractors Intelligence School, I would do that because they provide mentorship in a way. So you don't feel like you're going through that process alone. You're supported through the process.

Gary Bostick
Owner of Junked powered by Veterans

They helped a lot during the study practice. I also took a crash course right before my test, and it made the process so much smoother. I was able to pass on the first try on both the Law & Business and Trade tests.

Eduardo Gomez
C-10 Licensed Electrical Contractor

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Study Anywhere with Our Exclusive Mobile App

When you enroll in any of our courses, you’ll get full access to our powerful mobile learning app, designed to help you study on your schedule. Whether you're on the job site, at home, or on a break, you can study when it's most convenient for you.

FAQ

Be at least 18 years old (due to the experience requirement we recommend to be at least 23)
Have 4 years of journeyman level experience (within the past 10 years)
Have a Social Security or ITIN

You can substitute up to 3 years of experience with a certain degree. It is up to the discretion of the CSLB the total educational credit that can be received.

The licensing process can be as quick as 2 months.

COURSE TUITION (Varies based on the program selected.)
State Application Fee: $450.00 (Paid directly to the state with the application.)

Examination Fees:

$51.43 for the Law and Business Exam
$51.43 for the Trade Exam

(These fees are paid directly to the CSLB's approved testing vendor.)

Fingerprinting: Approximately $75.00
Sole-Ownership Initial License Fee: $200.00 (Paid directly to the state after the student passes the exam.)
Corp/Partners/JV/LLC Initial License Fee: $350.00 (Paid directly to the state after the student passes the exam.)
Contractor's Bond: Approximately $233 per year.

You must pass the Law & Business exam and a Trade exam. C-61 limited specialty licenses are exempt from the Trade exam.

We offer full comprehensive online courses, home-study, and in-class preparation.

Once your application is approved, you have 18 months to pass the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you will need to pay:

$51.43 for the Law and Business Exam
$51.43 for the Trade Exam

Additionally, you must wait 3 weeks from the date of your failed exam before you can reschedule.

Get Licensed. Grow Your Business Take Control of Your Future.

Join over 100,000 contractors who passed on their first try with Contractors Intelligence School, California’s most trusted licensing school. Choose your ideal course format and get full support from application to exam day.

No guesswork. No wasted time. Just a clear path to your California contractor license.

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You Can Be Licensed in as Little as 2 Months

Fast-Track Your CSLB Exam Preparation