Understand the basics of the trade test:

  • Tests are taken at the nearest Contractors State License Board facility
  • Only bring picture I.D. (California I.D. or Drivers License, Passport or Military I.D.)
  • The test is done on a computer (no computer experience necessary)
  • This is a closed-book exam. Do not take any reference material
  • All questions are multiple choice
  • The test will consist of 100 to 115 questions
  • The passing percentage is approximately 70% (you can miss about 30 questions)
  • You have 2.5 hours to complete the test
  • Trade tests are taken on the same day as the law test
  • You have various opportunities to retake the test if you fail

Contractors State License Board Trade Study Guides (Exam Content):

  • (A) General Engineering Contractor

  • (B) General Building Contractor

  • (C) Specialty Contractor

  • C-2 – Insulation and Acoustical Contractor

  • C-4 – Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor

  • C-5 – Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor

  • C-6 – Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor

  • C-7 – Low Voltage Systems Contractor

  • C-8 – Concrete Contractor

  • C-9 – Drywall Contractor

  • C10 – Electrical Contractor

  • C11 – Elevator Contractor

  • C12 – Earthwork and Paving Contractors

  • C13 – Fencing Contractor

  • C15 – Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors

  • C16 – Fire Protection Contractor

  • C17 – Glazing Contractor

  • C20 – Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor

  • C21 – Building Moving/Demolition Contractor

  • C22 – Asbestos Abatement Contractor

  • C23 – Ornamental Metal Contractor

  • C27 – Landscaping Contractor

  • C28 – Lock and Security Equipment Contractor

  • C29 – Masonry Contractor

  • C31 – Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor

  • C32 – Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor

  • C33 – Painting and Decorating Contractor

  • C34 – Pipeline Contractor

  • C35 – Lathing and Plastering Contractor

  • C36 – Plumbing Contractor

  • C38 – Refrigeration Contractor

  • C39 – Roofing Contractor

  • C42 – Sanitation System Contractor

  • C43 – Sheet Metal Contractor

  • C45 – Sign Contractor

  • C46 – Solar Contractor

  • C47 – General Manufactured Housing Contractor

  • C50 – Reinforcing Steel Contractor

  • C51 – Structural Steel Contractor

  • C53 – Swimming Pool Contractor

  • C54 – Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor

  • C55 – Water Conditioning Contractor

  • C57 – Well Drilling Contractor

  • C60 – Welding Contractor

  • C-61 – Limited Specialty

  • ASB – Asbestos Certification

  • HAZ – Hazardous Substance Removal Certification

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