ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAM (IN SCHOOL OR ONLINE)

Instructor-Led Program: $1,195 (Value: $2,500)
También disponible en español

If you want the very best of what CSLS has to offer, this program is the one for you. After you've been through this course, you'll either pass the exam or we'll pay for you to retake it. In fact, we're so confident you'll pass the first time that we'll pay half of your first year bond fee, up to $120.

Classes:
4 Law and Business Classes
1-Full Day Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
Interactive Online Trade Math (30 days)
1-Day Test Taking Skills
1-Day Construction Math Review

Study Materials:
Online CSLS Law & Business Materials
Online Trade Specific Materials
Online Law & Business Video
Online Trade-Specific Video (Where Available)
Online Law & Business Audio
Online Health & Safety Video
Online Construction Math Review Video
Online Law & Business Practice Exams (6-Month Access)
Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (6-Month Access)

Services Included:
Unlimited Use of Our Schools - 25 Locations in California
Student Support
State Application Preparation & Review

Guarantee:
100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee

** BONUS **
For a limited time, now includes 50% off your first year Bond Fee (up to $120)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO THE COMPLETE PROGRAM

For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 200,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.

Note: We proudly offer discounts for Military personnel and Veterans. Call us at (800) 481-0310 to learn more.

CRASH COURSE PROGRAM (IN SCHOOL OR ONLINE)

Condensed Program: $495 (Value: $695)
También disponible en español

Do you already have your test date, or are you in a hurry? Then the crash course is designed for you. This short study course has been designed with speed and efficiency in mind. This course is available for all other trades and created in a step-by-step, easy-to-follow format.

Classes:
1-Full Day Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
Interactive Online Trade Math Crash Course (14 days)

Study Materials:
Online CSLS Law & Business Materials
Online Trade Specific Materials
Online Law & Business Audio
Online Health & Safety Video
Online Construction Math Review Video

Services Included:
Unlimited Use of Our Schools - 25 Locations in California
Student Support
State Application Review

Extras:
Online Law & Business Practice Exams (30 Days)
Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (30 Days)

Guarantee:
100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO THE CRASH COURSE

For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 200,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.

Note: We proudly offer discounts for Military personnel and Veterans. Call us at (800) 481-0310 to learn more.

LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM

Condensed Program: $695 (Value: $995)
También disponible en español

Do you live far away from a school or just prefer to get a live class experience from the comfort of your own computer? Then our live online program is perfect for you, taught by top industry instructors in the same format as our in-class courses.

Classes:
4 Live Online Classes
1-Full Day Live Online Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
1-Day Test Taking Skills Online Seminar

Study Materials:
Online CSLS Law & Business Materials
Online Trade Specific Materials
Online Law & Business Audio
Online Health & Safety Video
Online Construction Math Review Video

Services Included:
Unlimited Use of Our Schools - 25 Locations in California
Student Support
State Application Review

Extras:
Online Law & Business Practice Exams (2-Month Access)
Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (2-Month Access)

Guarantee:
100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO THE ONLINE PROGRAM

For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 200,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.

Note: We proudly offer discounts for Military personnel and Veterans. Call us at (800) 481-0310 to learn more.

HOME STUDY PROGRAM - 2026 Edition

Do you want the study materials for the California Contractors Licensing Exam so you can study at home, following your own pace?

If so, the home-study kit is right for you. It's available for all other trades and created in a step-by-step, easy-to-follow format.

Kit Includes:
Online CSLS Law & Business Materials
Online Trade Specific Materials
Online Law & Business Audio
Online Health & Safety Video

Extras:
Online Law & Business Practice Exams (30 Days)
Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (30 Days)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE HOME STUDY PROGRAM

Additional Classifications

Is It Time to Add Another Classification to Your License?

As you start to develop more experience in your chosen field, you might decide to apply for another classification on your contractor's license. Adding a new classification might noticeably expand your ability to provide services to customers and grow your construction business.

Fill out the form below, a school counselor will answer any questions you may have for your particular case.

Name(Required)

First Last

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

A man in a construction outfit stands with a child wearing a hard hat. Text promotes an exclusive Father's Day contractor exam prep bundle, with programs available in Spanish.

This Father’s Day, skip the tie, forget the coffee mug, and give yourself something that can actually help build your future.

CSLS is celebrating hardworking dads, father figures, and future contractors all month long with a special offer designed to help you take the next big step in your career.

If you’ve been thinking about getting your California contractor license, growing your income, starting your own business, or creating more freedom for your family, this is your sign to go for it.

Our Exclusive Father’s Day Contractor Exam Prep Bundle gives you the courses, study tools, resources, and support you need to prepare for your California contractor exam with confidence.

For a limited time, you can get the full bundle for only $795 ($1,160 value).

And yes, it comes with our first-time pass guarantee.

Whether you’re a proud dad ready to level up, a family member looking for a meaningful gift, or a contractor who’s tired of saying “someday,” this bundle was built to help you move forward.

Because the best Father’s Day gifts are the ones that keep working long after June is over.

This offer is available for General A, B, B-2, and all other trades.

This exclusive Father’s Day Bundle is also available in Spanish!

Here’s everything that’s included in this exclusive bundle:

Classes:

4 Evening Law and Business Classes (Online or In-Person Where Available)
1-Full Day Law and Business Review (General Knowledge)
Interactive Online Trade Math Crash Course (14 Days)

Study Materials:

CSLS Law & Business Materials Binder
Trade Specific Materials Binder
Online Law & Business Audio
Online Health & Safety Video
Online Construction Math Review Video
Online Law & Business Practice Exams (120 Days)
Online Trade-Specific Practice Exams (120 Days)

Services Included:

Support from School Staff
State Application Review

Guarantee:

100% Tuition Money-Back Guarantee
Free Shipping

A group of people working on a laptop with a teacher on the screen discussing contractor licenses.

A man with a contractor license using an iPad to make a video call.

A hard hat, gloves, and tools on a desk for a contractor license.

With 120 days of access to our CSLS Practice Exams, you’ll pass on your first try… even if tests aren’t your thing.

Offer valid until 8:30AM Pacific, July 1st, 2026.

What Our Clients Are Saying About CSLS:

A man with a contractor license wearing a black shirt and sporting a beard.

“If I had known how easy it would have been to get my license I would have done it a long time ago. Working with CSLS has tripled my business.”

– Juan S., Van Nuys

A man with a contractor license wearing glasses and a gray shirt.

“I was afraid to take on projects that were too big or complicated before and was stuck doing small low-paying jobs… CSLS changed everything for me and my business.”

– Steven P., San Diego

A man with short hair is smiling for the camera.

“CSLS is the best money you can spend on building your business. I can’t believe how much they care and how much they helped me through this process. Thank you!”

– Jim T., Sacramento

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For over 40 years, our method has helped more than 200,000 students get
their Contractors License with 99% first time passing success rate.
Let us help you get yours.

Why Get Licensed?

Advertise Your California Contractor Business. Advertise online, on your truck, in newspapers, and anywhere else you can think of. You have to be a licensed contractor to legally compete for the best, highest-paying construction projects.

Bid on Larger Projects and Earn More Money as a Licensed Contractor. Being a licensed California contractor means you can legally bid on projects over $1,000. Why not earn more money, and have more control over your career, as a business owner?

Expand Your Business and Network With Other Licensed Contractors. Licensed contractors want to work with other professionals who have the proper qualifications as well. That way, they can stay on the right side of the law and know they are getting the best workmanship for their clients. Taking classes with other licensed contractors can open the door for referrals and other business opportunities that may not have existed.

Protect Your Business, and Your Future, by Becoming a California Licensed Contractor. The California State License Board catches hundreds of unlicensed contractors working within the state every month – taking away their income, future, and financial stability instantly. As a licensed contractor, you don't have to worry about these kinds of troubles.

Obtain Permits from the City for Your Clients. Only California State licensed contractors can apply for building and construction permits on behalf of their clients. Completing your exam is the first step toward keeping your customers out of trouble... not to mention avoiding red tape, construction delays, late payments and lost projects.

Charge More for Your Work and Time as a California Licensed Contractor. It's no secret that licensed California contractors, like most legal business owners, earn higher wages and project fees than unlicensed construction workers do.

About the Exam

Information About The California Licensing Exam For C21 Trade.

Do You Qualify?
Before you sign up for a class to help you pass your California State licensing exam, here are the basic eligibility requirements. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) states that you must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a valid Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and photo identification.
Have 4 years of verifiable experience either as a worker or supervisor. (A college degree may be substituted for up to three years of that experience. Self-employed work in the same capacity may also be accepted.)

*Laws are subject to change by the CSLB, and credit for a college degree or self employment is determined at their sole discretion. Please call one of our counselors to make sure these laws are up to date: (800) 409-8237 FREE.

What Is On The Exam?
The California Contractor License Exam is similar for all other classifications. There are two parts: a general knowledge portion for all contractors, and the trade portion for your specific classification:

The Law and Business portion (general knowledge) is a 3.5-hour, multiple-choice exam you take on a computer. It covers business management and construction law. The exam is given by the CSLB at various locations throughout California.
The Trade Portion is also a 3.5-hour, multiple-choice exam, but covers specific questions related to your trade.

What To Bring To The Exam?
Your appointment letter, valid ID and nothing else (everything you need to finish your test will be provided by the testing center).

Before you are admitted, state employees will check your appointment letter to make sure it matches your ID. Once you have been allowed to enter, you will be shown to a cubicle with a computer. You will have a small dry erase board, marker and sponge to use instead of scratch paper.

Your exam begins with an electronic thumbprint for identification purposes, followed by a video on your testing computer before you see any of the exam questions. No personal calculators, cell phones, pagers or other electronic devices are permitted in the testing area.

Paperwork
Before you can be scheduled for your exam, you must go through an extensive admissions process with the CSLB. During this time, you will be required to fill out an application, provide proof of identity, select a business entity format, pay your license fees, and complete other paperwork.

Preparing all of your paperwork requirements may seem like a difficult task, and it may seem hard to figure out where to start. That's why our expert counselors are here to help you navigate government license forms, fees, insurance and corporation requirements. If you have any further questions, please call us at (800) 409-8237

Requirements

Who Needs a California Contractor's License & What Kinds Are There?
In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that is valued at $1,000 or more for labor and materials must hold a current, valid license from the CSLB. The CSLB licenses contractors in other different classifications. This ranges from general contractors to swimming pool contractors, landscapers, painters, electricians, plumbers and many more.

Understanding the Difference Between a General and Specialty Contractor
General building contractors usually oversee projects and coordinate the specific licensed subcontractors for a job. Specialty or subcontractors are usually hired to perform a single job. For example, if you want only roofing or plumbing work, you may want to hire a contractor licensed in that particular specialty.

A general building contractor may also contract for specialty work, but must hold a specialty license for that work or actually have a specialty contractor do the work. The only exception is if the job requires more than two types of work on a building. Then it is appropriate for a licensed general building contractor to contract for and oversee the entire project. For example, if a kitchen remodeling will involve plumbing, electrical and carpentry work under one contract, one should hire a licensed general building contractor. Under these circumstances, a general building contractor may perform all of the work on a building or subcontract parts of the job to contractors with specialty licenses.

California Contractor's License Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Have at least 4 years of verifiable experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor, or owner-builder.
- Self-employed work in the same trade is acceptable if properly documented.
- A college degree in a construction-related field may substitute for up to 3 years of experience.
Pass the CSLB’s Law & Business exam and the trade-specific exam.

The first step in becoming licensed as a California state contractor is making sure that you are eligible to take the test and become certified. In California, there is a set of guidelines that have to be met before you can apply. First, you have to be at least 18 years of age and have had four years of construction experience within the last 10 years (or two years of work experience plus a four-year college degree).

There are also certain guidelines about the amount of working capital you have to have on hand, as well as your ability to be bonded. For most of the people we work with, however, passing the California State Contractor's License Exam is the biggest hurdle, and the one that prevents some construction professionals from taking the next step in their career. With our 100% guarantee and 99% success rate, there is no need to fear taking the next step into the rest of your life. Your future of becoming a licensed contractor is now within reach.

General California Exam Information
The California licensed contractor exam actually consists of two parts: the business and law section, which contains 115 questions, and the specific trade section, which can have 100 – 120 questions. The test itself is multiple choice (no writing or essay answers needed) and is taken in person. Note that your California State Licensed Contractor Exam will be timed by a test monitor, but very few of our students struggle to finish within the 2.5 hours that are given.

Application Processing Time
Although it typically takes at least a month to receive a test date for the California State License Exam, some students are able to take the test in as little as two weeks. Once you have been assigned a date and have completed the exam, you will be given a pass/fail result right away in person, on the same date of the exam, along with some areas for improvement if you have not been successful.

Download a Free 40 Questions Practice Exam
and Test-Taking Tips Sheet

Take a FREE California Contractor License Practice Exam

Click Here to Access (Free)

Become a Licensed C21 – Building Moving/Demolition Contractor

4 Easy Ways to Study for the C21 Contractors License

ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAM (IN SCHOOL OR ONLINE)