California General Building (B) Contractor Exam Prep Courses

Ace your exam on the first try with our powerful prep courses, packages, and study tools.

90%

First-time pass rate

30,000+

Professionals trained through CTC

6 months

Unlimited access to all course content

What Our Students Say

  • "I honestly could not have passed the exam without the class. It was well worth the money and I'd recommend your class to anybody!"

    K. Rose

  • "I passed all four parts. I don't see how anyone could do it without your courses."

    J. Wheeler

  • "After taking your class for 1-day Contractor-A/Bldr, I took all 4 sections the next week and passed all 4 on the first try. Sure was glad to get through it so quick and easy - thanks for the help preparing."

    W. Solterbeck
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Overview

Your guide to the California General Building (B) Contractor Exam

The California General Building (B) Contractor Exam is a rigorous assessment of your understanding of building regulations, industry best practices, and key terminology. But with the right study materials and expert-led courses from Contractor Training Center, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the exam and launch your career as a licensed contractor.

Exam Breakdown

What's on the exam

# of Questions Minimum Passing Score Time Allowed
230 166 (72%) 420 minutes
Subject Area # of Questions
Planning and Estimating 39
Framing and Structural Components 50
Core Trades 69
Finish Trades 43
Safety 27

For more information on testing policies, please refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

Exam Preparation

How to prepare for the California General Building (B) Contractor Exam

California contractor exams are administered by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Their purpose is to evaluate aspiring contractors' knowledge of their specific field.

Effective preparation involves a thorough review of all study materials and reference books and relevant California state codes. Exam prep courses like the packages available through Contractor Training Center can explain exactly what you need to know to pass your exam the first time. 

License Requirements

How to get your California General Building (B) Contractor license

Contractor Training Center will be with you every step of the way on your path to obtaining a California Contractor License. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

  • You’ll need to be at least 18 years old. 
  • Have four years of verifiable journey-level experience in general construction within the last ten years. College degrees in construction-related fields may substitute for up to three years of experience. 
  • Possess a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). 
  • Obtain a contractor's bond. As of January 1, 2023, the amount was set at $25,000. 
  • You’ll be required to submit proof of workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. 
  • Pass the General Building (B) Contractor Exam. 
  • Pass the Law and Business Exam. 
  • Submit application and fees. 
  • Submit fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check after your application is accepted.

Meeting license requirements ensures that those engaged in construction-related activities in California possess the necessary knowledge and understanding of building codes, construction practices, and business principles to operate safely and responsibly. To learn more about the process, check out this blog post about becoming a contractor in California. 

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