How to Become a General Contractor in California
In California, a General Contractor license typically requires a state exam, a 72% passing score.
Bids and manages construction projects. Most states license contractors through a state board; requirements range from registration to a written exam (e.g. California CSLB). Requirements change — always confirm with California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — Class B General Building Contractor before paying.
Licensing steps in California
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age 18; a criminal background check is required.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by PSI; you need 72% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
application $450 · license $200
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years.
General Contractor requirements — California at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | PSI |
| Questions (national/state) | — / — |
| Passing score | 72% |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | $450 |
| License fee | $200 |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years |
| Reciprocity | Trade exam waiver available to licensees from some states (e.g. AZ, NV, UT) with 5+ years active |
Official source: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — Class B General Building Contractor ↗
Transferring a General Contractor license between states
NASCLA accredited examination. General contractors have no compact. What exists instead is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors: passing it once satisfies the trade exam requirement in every participating state.
Confirm your destination is still on NASCLA's participating agency list and check what else its board requires. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a General Contractor license in California?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the General Contractor exam in California?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by California; check the state board.
What does the General Contractor license cost in California?
the application fee is $450, and the license fee is $200
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to California?
NASCLA accredited examination: General contractors have no compact. What exists instead is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors: passing it once satisfies the trade exam requirement in every participating state. For California specifically, our dataset notes: Trade exam waiver available to licensees from some states (e.g. AZ, NV, UT) with 5+ years active.
Plan your General Contractor licensing in California
Work the road in order — check what California requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the General Contractor exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and California reciprocity.
General Contractor tools for California
Every step of the California General Contractor road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — Class B General Building Contractor (retrieved 2026-08-20).