General Engineering Contractor
Complete CSLB Exam Study Guide
About the General Engineering Contractor License
The Class A - General Engineering Contractor license is one of the most comprehensive contractor licenses in California. This classification allows you to work on projects that require specialized engineering knowledge and/or high levels of engineering skill.
The A license authorizes you to construct, alter, or repair fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, including the following divisions or subdivisions of work:
- Highways and streets – Roads, bridges, overpasses, and related infrastructure
- Railroads – Rail lines, tracks, and railway systems
- Water and sewer systems – Treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations
- Dams and levees – Flood control and water retention structures
- Power plants – Energy generation facilities and substations
- Marine construction – Docks, wharves, harbors, jetties
- Airports – Runways, terminals, and aviation infrastructure
- Refineries – Oil, gas, and chemical processing facilities
- Excavations and earthwork – Grading, trenching, site preparation
Key Distinction: A License vs. B License
While both are "general" licenses, the A license focuses on engineering and infrastructure projects, whereas the B license centers on buildings and structures. The A license is typically required for large-scale civil engineering projects, public works, and heavy construction.
Required Work Experience
To qualify for the A License examination, you must document at least four years of journey-level experience in the engineering construction field. This experience must be within the past 10 years.
Journey-level experience means:
- Working as a foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder
- Experience gained after completing an apprenticeship or appropriate training
- Practical hands-on experience in engineering construction trades
- Knowledge of planning, supervision, and administration of engineering projects
Alternative Qualification Pathways
You may also qualify through a combination of:
- Education: Engineering or related degree can substitute for some experience
- Technical training: Completed courses in construction management or engineering
- Military experience: Engineering construction roles in armed services
- Management roles: Supervision of engineering construction projects
Two Required Examinations
All A License applicants must pass two separate examinations:
Law & Business Exam
Format: Multiple choice
Passing Score: 72%
Content: California contractor laws, business management, safety regulations, contracts, and financial management
Trade-Specific Exam (A License)
Format: Multiple choice
Passing Score: 72%
Content: Engineering construction principles, project management, site work, infrastructure systems, and technical knowledge
Open-Book Format
Both exams are open-book. You may bring reference materials including:
- California contractor law books and references
- Technical manuals and engineering handbooks
- Building codes and standards
- Calculator (non-programmable)
- Your own notes and study materials
Important: While the exam is open-book, you must know how to quickly find information. Familiarity with your reference materials is crucial for managing time effectively.
1. California Contractor Law & Business Management
- Contractors State License Law (Business & Professions Code Division 3, Chapter 9)
- License classifications and scope of work
- Application and renewal procedures
- Contractor responsibilities and disciplinary actions
- Bonding and insurance requirements
- Contract Law and Documentation
- Contract formation and elements
- Home improvement contracts (special requirements)
- Change orders and extra work
- Mechanics liens and stop notices
- Financial Management
- Job costing and estimating
- Accounting principles for contractors
- Cash flow management
- Tax requirements and reporting
2. Safety Standards and OSHA Regulations
- Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders
- Excavation and trenching safety (shoring, sloping, benching)
- Fall protection requirements
- Scaffolding and ladder safety
- Hazard communication standards
- Heavy Equipment Safety
- Equipment operation standards
- Crane and rigging safety
- Load capacity and stability
- Site safety planning
- Environmental Protection
- Stormwater management and erosion control
- Hazardous materials handling
- Air quality requirements
- Waste management and disposal
3. Engineering Construction Principles
- Earthwork and Grading
- Soil types and classifications
- Compaction standards and testing
- Cut and fill calculations
- Slope stability and erosion control
- Concrete and Paving
- Mix design and specifications
- Forming and reinforcement
- Curing and finishing techniques
- Pavement design and construction
- Structural Engineering Fundamentals
- Load calculations and stress analysis
- Foundation types and design
- Retaining walls and shoring systems
- Bridge and overpass construction
- Utilities and Infrastructure
- Water distribution systems
- Sewer and drainage systems
- Underground utility installation
- Utility coordination and protection
4. Project Management and Planning
- Construction Planning
- Reading and interpreting engineering plans
- Surveying and layout fundamentals
- Project scheduling (CPM, PERT)
- Resource allocation and management
- Cost Estimating
- Quantity takeoffs
- Labor and equipment costs
- Material pricing and procurement
- Bid preparation
- Quality Control
- Testing and inspection requirements
- Material certifications
- As-built documentation
- Punch lists and project closeout
5. Building Codes and Standards
- California Building Standards Code (Title 24)
- Structural requirements
- Seismic design standards
- Accessibility requirements (ADA compliance)
- Energy efficiency standards
- Local Amendments and Ordinances
- Permit requirements
- Inspection procedures
- Local building standards
1. Organize Your Materials
Use tabbed dividers to organize reference books by topic. Know exactly where to find contract law, safety regulations, and technical specifications.
2. Practice Time Management
Take timed practice exams. You need to answer questions efficiently while looking up information in your reference materials.
3. Focus on California-Specific Laws
The exam heavily tests California contractor law, not general construction knowledge. Know the Business & Professions Code inside and out.
4. Understand Formulas and Calculations
Be prepared for math problems involving quantities, costs, areas, volumes, and load calculations. Practice with a calculator.
5. Study Real-World Scenarios
Many questions present realistic job site situations. Apply your experience and knowledge to solve practical problems.
6. Review Safety Religiously
Cal/OSHA regulations are heavily tested. Know trenching, fall protection, and hazard communication standards thoroughly.
Law & Business Sample Questions
Question 1: What is the minimum required contractor license bond amount in California?
A) $10,000
B) $25,000
C) $25,000
D) $50,000
Answer: C - All California contractors must maintain a $25,000 contractor license bond.
Question 2: What is the maximum down payment a contractor can request for a home improvement contract totaling $800?
A) $100
B) $200
C) $400
D) $800
Answer: D - For contracts under $1,000, the contractor may request full payment as a down payment. For contracts over $1,000, the down payment is limited to the lesser of 10% or $1,000.
Question 3: How many days does a contractor have to file a notice to withhold for a stop notice?
A) 10 days
B) 20 days
C) 30 days
D) 60 days
Answer: C - A notice to withhold for a stop notice must be filed within 30 days after the claimant has ceased providing labor, services, equipment, or materials.
Trade-Specific Sample Questions
Question 1: What is the minimum thickness for the first lift of compacted fill under a concrete slab?
A) 4 inches
B) 6 inches
C) 8 inches
D) 12 inches
Answer: B - The first lift should typically be 6 inches to ensure proper compaction and support.
Question 2: At what depth must excavations be protected by sloping, benching, or shoring?
A) 3 feet
B) 4 feet
C) 5 feet
D) 6 feet
Answer: C - Cal/OSHA requires excavations 5 feet or deeper to have protective systems unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock.
Question 3: What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete typically specified for most engineering construction projects?
A) 2,000 psi
B) 2,500 psi
C) 3,000 psi
D) 4,000 psi
Answer: C - 3,000 psi is the standard minimum for most structural applications, though higher strengths may be required for specific projects.
Want More Practice Questions?
The 9th Floor offers comprehensive practice exams with hundreds of questions similar to what you'll see on the actual CSLB exam. Practice tests include detailed answer explanations and help you identify areas where you need additional study.
1. Continue Your Exam Preparation
- Complete all study materials and practice exams
- Organize your reference materials with tabs and highlights
- Take multiple timed practice tests
- Review California contractor law thoroughly
2. Prepare Your Application
- Gather experience verification documents (W-2s, tax returns, employer letters)
- Form your business entity (if not already done)
- Complete the CSLB application online
- Schedule LiveScan fingerprinting
3. Secure Bonding and Insurance
- Apply for your $25,000 contractor license bond
- Obtain general liability insurance
- Get workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees)
4. Schedule and Pass Your Exams
- Wait for CSLB application approval (typically 4-8 weeks)
- Schedule both Law & Business and A License trade exams
- Pass both exams with a score of 72% or higher
5. Activate Your License
- Submit bond and insurance documentation to CSLB
- Receive your A License number
- Start operating as a licensed General Engineering Contractor!