General Building Contractor
Complete CSLB Exam Study Guide
About the General Building Contractor License
The Class B - General Building Contractor license is the most popular and versatile contractor license in California. This classification authorizes you to construct, alter, or repair any structure built, being built, or to be built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind.
As a B license holder, you can build or remodel:
- Residential buildings – Single-family homes, apartments, condos, townhouses
- Commercial structures – Office buildings, retail stores, warehouses
- Industrial facilities – Manufacturing plants, distribution centers
- Institutional buildings – Schools, hospitals, government facilities
- Mixed-use developments – Combined residential and commercial projects
The B license allows you to self-perform work in any of the C-classified trades as part of your construction projects, or you may subcontract to properly licensed C-classification contractors.
Why the B License is So Popular
The B license is the most versatile general contractor license. Unlike the A license which focuses on engineering projects, or the B-2 which is limited to residential remodeling, the B license has no project type restrictions. You can build anything from a small home addition to a major commercial complex.
Required Work Experience
To qualify for the B License examination, you must document at least four years of journey-level experience in the building construction field within the past 10 years.
Acceptable experience includes:
- Working as a construction superintendent, foreman, or lead worker
- Operating your own construction business
- Managing construction projects
- Hands-on experience in building construction trades (framing, concrete, finishes, etc.)
The experience must demonstrate:
- Knowledge of building construction methods and materials
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications
- Understanding of project planning and supervision
- Familiarity with multiple building trades
Two Required Examinations
All B License applicants must pass two separate examinations:
Law & Business Exam
Format: Multiple choice
Passing Score: 72%
Content: California contractor laws, business management, safety, contracts, and financial practices
Trade-Specific Exam (B License)
Format: Multiple choice
Passing Score: 72%
Content: Building construction principles, codes, project management, and construction techniques
Open-Book Testing
Both exams are open-book. Bring organized reference materials and know where to find information quickly.
1. California Building Standards Code (Title 24)
- California Building Code (Part 2)
- Structural requirements and load calculations
- Fire-resistive construction standards
- Occupancy classifications and uses
- Means of egress requirements
- California Residential Code (Part 2.5)
- One and two-family dwelling requirements
- Foundation and footing specifications
- Wall, floor, and roof framing standards
- Energy efficiency requirements (Title 24 Part 6)
- California Plumbing Code (Part 5)
- Fixture requirements and placement
- Drainage and venting systems
- Water supply and distribution
- California Electrical Code (Part 3)
- Service and panel requirements
- Branch circuit and outlet provisions
- Grounding and bonding
- California Mechanical Code (Part 4)
- HVAC system requirements
- Ventilation standards
- Equipment installation
2. Construction Materials and Methods
- Foundations and Concrete Work
- Soil bearing capacity and foundation design
- Concrete mix specifications and strength
- Reinforcement placement and requirements
- Formwork and curing procedures
- Framing and Structural Systems
- Wood frame construction (platform, balloon, post-and-beam)
- Engineered lumber products (I-joists, LVL, glulam)
- Steel framing systems and connections
- Masonry construction and reinforcement
- Exterior Envelope
- Roofing systems (composition, tile, metal, built-up)
- Waterproofing and weather barriers
- Window and door installation
- Exterior finishes (stucco, siding, veneer)
- Interior Finishes
- Drywall installation and finishing
- Flooring materials and installation
- Cabinetry and millwork
- Paint and coatings
3. Project Management and Planning
- Plan Reading and Specifications
- Architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections)
- Structural drawings and details
- MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) plans
- Written specifications and scope of work
- Estimating and Bidding
- Quantity takeoffs for materials
- Labor cost calculations
- Overhead and profit margins
- Bid preparation and submittal
- Scheduling and Coordination
- Construction sequencing
- Critical path method
- Subcontractor coordination
- Material delivery and staging
4. Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders
- Fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest)
- Scaffolding safety requirements
- Excavation and trenching protection
- Electrical safety on construction sites
- Hazard communication (HazCom) program
- Environmental Protection
- Stormwater pollution prevention (SWPPP)
- Lead-safe renovation practices
- Asbestos awareness
- Waste management and recycling
5. Contract Law and Business Practices
- Contractors State License Law
- License classifications and scope limitations
- Bonding and insurance requirements
- Advertising and solicitation rules
- Disciplinary actions and violations
- Contract Requirements
- Home improvement contract provisions
- Service and repair contract requirements
- Change order procedures
- Payment and collection practices
- Mechanics Liens and Stop Notices
- Preliminary notice requirements
- Mechanics lien filing procedures
- Stop notice process
- Release of liens
1. Master the Codes
The California Building Code, Residential Code, and other Title 24 codes are heavily tested. Tab your code books extensively and practice finding information quickly.
2. Know California Law
The Business & Professions Code sections related to contractors are critical. Focus on contract requirements, home improvement rules, and licensing regulations.
3. Understand Construction Sequencing
Many questions test your knowledge of proper construction order and coordination between trades. Think through the logical flow of a project.
4. Practice Plan Reading
Be comfortable reading architectural, structural, and MEP drawings. Understand symbols, abbreviations, and how to extract information from plans.
5. Focus on Safety
Cal/OSHA safety requirements appear throughout the exam. Know fall protection, scaffolding, trenching, and hazard communication standards.
6. Take Practice Exams
Simulate test conditions with timed practice exams. This helps with time management and identifies weak areas needing more study.
Sample Questions
Question 1: What is the minimum width for a hallway serving bedrooms in a residential dwelling?
A) 30 inches
B) 32 inches
C) 36 inches
D) 42 inches
Answer: C - The California Residential Code requires hallways to be at least 36 inches wide.
Question 2: At what height must guardrails be installed on open-sided walking surfaces?
A) 30 feet
B) 36 feet
C) 42 feet
D) 48 feet
Answer: C - Guardrails must be at least 42 inches high for residential construction (36 inches minimum for commercial, but 42 inches is standard).
Question 3: What is the minimum concrete strength typically required for footings and foundations?
A) 2,000 psi
B) 2,500 psi
C) 3,000 psi
D) 4,000 psi
Answer: B - 2,500 psi is the standard minimum for most residential foundation work.