Last updated: August 28th, 2026
PSI Exams play an important role in the California contractor licensing process. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) develops and maintains its licensing examinations, while PSI administers the exams at computer-based testing centers.
If your CSLB application requires an examination, this guide explains how PSI scheduling works, what to expect on test day, and how to prepare.
After CSLB reviews and accepts your application for examination, you will receive a Notice to Schedule an Examination. You are then responsible for scheduling your required exam or exams and paying the examination fees directly through PSI.
Depending on your license classification and whether an examination waiver applies, you may be required to take:
CSLB examinations are administered on computers at PSI testing centers. For California contractor licensing, candidates should follow the specific CSLB/PSI instructions provided with their Notice to Schedule rather than general PSI instructions for other professions.
For step-by-step scheduling instructions, see our guide on how to schedule your CSLB contractor exams with PSI.
CSLB publishes free Contractor License Examination Study Guides for its licensing examinations. These guides outline the major content areas covered on each exam and provide sample questions and recommended resources.
Use the current study guide for your specific classification rather than relying on generic contractor-exam information.
Your preparation should match the examination you are taking. Study guides, practice questions, and exam-prep courses can help you focus on the areas covered by your classification.
For more preparation guidance, see our California contractor license exam prep guide.
Practice exams can help you:
Rather than trying to study everything at once, break the material into manageable sections and review consistently.
Focus extra attention on subjects where your practice-test performance shows you need improvement.
CSLB contractor examinations are computer-based and multiple choice. Candidates are currently given 3½ hours to complete each examination.
Before test day:
You can review current contractor examination information through the CSLB Examination FAQs.
Arriving after your examination start time or failing to present the required identification can result in forfeiting your examination fee.
You receive your examination result before leaving the testing site.
If you pass, you are told that you passed. CSLB does not provide a detailed score to successful candidates.
If you fail, you receive information showing your performance in the exam’s different content areas so you can identify what to study before retesting.
If you fail the Law and Business or trade examination, you must wait 21 calendar days before retaking that examination.
You pay the re-examination fee and schedule the new appointment directly through PSI.
Applicants generally have 18 months after CSLB accepts their application to pass the required examinations. If you do not pass within that eligibility period, the application becomes void and you generally must submit a new application and fees.
Yes. You can cancel or reschedule a CSLB examination without forfeiting your examination fee if PSI receives the cancellation at least two days before the scheduled appointment.
You must cancel or reschedule through the PSI scheduling system or by speaking directly with PSI. A voicemail or email is not considered an acceptable cancellation.
For more detailed instructions, see How to Reschedule Your CSLB Exam.
No. CSLB creates and maintains its contractor licensing examinations. PSI administers them.
After CSLB determines that you are eligible for testing, you schedule and pay for your examination directly through PSI.
Yes. CSLB examinations administered by PSI are computer-based and consist of multiple-choice questions.
Candidates are generally given 3½ hours for each examination.
You generally have 18 months after your application is accepted by CSLB to pass the required examinations.
You must wait 21 calendar days after a failed examination before retesting.
PSI is responsible for administering your CSLB examination, but your preparation begins well before test day. Review the current CSLB study guide for your classification, use exam-specific study materials, take practice tests, and make sure you understand PSI’s scheduling and test-day requirements.
If you need help preparing for your California contractor licensing exams, contact Contractors License Guru.
