California General Building Contractor "B" License Practice Exam

This is the California State General Building Contractor "B" License practice exam that preps you for the California Construction Law and Business State exam.



This contractor's license practice exam for the California State General Building Contractor "B" License is created using the same materials that the license board uses to prepare the state tests.



I'm sorry but I've had to put the California contractor license practice exams on hold. I'm currently searching for a valid replacement. If you'd like me to email you when I find a replacement, please feel free to please message me here.

Below, I've listed the examples and information that the CSLB (California Contractor's State License Board) gives about what your General Building B California state license exam will look like. You can use this info while considering practice exams.

Please don't rely on the practice exams as your only source of education (e.g. schooling, books, etc.) because the practice exams do not contain the exact questions that the state exam does (unless by coincidence; if it's on purpose it's illegal). Also, make sure that any practice exams you do use are up to date.

The main purpose of practice exams is to help you familiarize yourself with the actual taking of the state test; they're not designed to educate the user on the subject matter.

Sample questions for the California State General Building Contractor "B" state license exam:


1. According to the California Residential Code, what is the MINIMUM allowable width of a residential hallway??

  • A. 44 inches
  • B. 40 inches
  • C. 36 inches
  • D. 32 inches

(C is marked as the correct answer)

2. According to the California Residential Code, what is the MINIMUM allowable width of a residential hallway??

  • A. 36.00 cubic feet
  • B. 84.78 cubic feet
  • C. 226.08 cubic feet
  • D. 339.12 cubic feet

(B is marked as the correct answer)

3. In which direction should the face grain of plywood subfloor sheathing be installed?

  • A. In any direction
  • B. Parallel to the joists
  • C. Diagonal to the joists
  • D. Perpendicular to the joists

(D is marked as the correct answer)

Approximate percentages of each subject in the C-33 Painting and Decorating California state license exam:


1. Planning and Estimating

Planning and Estimating will comprise about 17% of your state exam.

Examples given of the types of subjects under this topic:

  • Scope of work and code compliance
  • Design and construction error identification
  • Shop drawings, plans, and specifications
  • Field inspection performance
  • Coordination of project
  • Cost estimation for materials, equipment, and labor


2. Framing and Structural Components

raming and Structural Components will comprise about 22% of your state exam.

Examples given of the types of subjects under this topic:

  • Subfloor and wall framing
  • Roof framing
  • Seismic and load requirements
  • Siding and stucco
  • Decks


3. Core Trades

Core Trades will comprise about 30% of your state exam.

Examples given of the types of subjects under this topic:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • HVAC
  • Concrete
  • Earthwork and surveying
  • Insulation, acoustical, and weatherproofing
  • Roofing


4. Finish Trades

Finish Trades will comprise about 19% of your state exam.

Examples given of the types of subjects under this topic:

  • Painting, staining, coating, and interior wallcovering
  • Tile and stone
  • Floor covering
  • Cabinetry and millwork
  • Plaster, drywall, and ceilings
  • Windows, skylights, and doors
  • Landscaping


5. Safety

Safety will comprise about 12% of your state exam.

Examples given of the types of subjects under this topic:

  • Personnel Safety
  • Transportation and Traffic Control
  • Environmental Safety


Per the CSLB, all questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the trade.


Back to the top of this page: California State General Building Contractor "B" License practice exam

Back to the list of California state contractor license practice exams

Back to the home page: Construction Legal Forms and Contractors License Practice Exams