Last updated: August 31st, 2026
I’m often asked how to schedule contractor licensing exams with PSI. The process has changed, so here’s the current information you need to know.
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) creates and maintains California’s contractor licensing examinations, but PSI currently administers the exams.
Before you can schedule, CSLB must first review and accept your application. If examinations are required, CSLB will mail you a Notice to Schedule an Examination.
Once you’ve received your Notice to Schedule, you can schedule and pay for your exam directly through PSI.
The current California contractor exam portal is:
PSI California Contractors Exam Portal
The old candidate.psiexams.com link should no longer be used.
Once you’re on the current portal:
You can schedule online 24 hours a day.
For standard examination scheduling, you can also contact PSI at:
877-392-6422
Current PSI phone scheduling hours are:
Examination fees are paid directly to PSI when you schedule.
If CSLB requires you to take both examinations, remember that:
Each exam is scheduled separately and has its own examination fee.
You may schedule the two exams on the same day or on different days, depending on appointment availability and your preference.
The C-61 Limited Specialty classification does not require a Trade examination, and other exam waivers or exemptions may apply depending on your application.
If CSLB has approved a disability-related testing accommodation, do not use the standard online scheduling process or the regular 877-392-6422 scheduling number.
After CSLB approves your accommodation, PSI should contact you to arrange your examination.
You may also contact PSI’s accommodation scheduling team directly:
Phone: 800-367-1565, extension 6750
Email: EAalerts@psionline.com
When contacting PSI, provide your information along with your preferred testing location and dates.
If you have not yet requested an accommodation, you must first request and receive approval through CSLB.
CSLB provides reasonable testing accommodations for applicants with qualifying disabilities. Requests are reviewed individually, and supporting documentation may be required.
For current information, review the CSLB Examination FAQ.
Translator requests have their own approval process.
If you have difficulty understanding or reading English, CSLB may allow you to use an approved translator when an appropriate translated examination is not available.
CSLB currently offers Spanish versions of several commonly taken examinations, including:
If your examination is available in Spanish and Spanish is your requested language, CSLB requires you to take the Spanish examination rather than use a translator.
If a translated examination is not available in the language you need, your translator must be approved by CSLB in advance.
To request a Translator Form, email:
Include:
You can also contact CSLB at:
800-321-2752, option 4
Complete the Translator Form and return it to CSLB according to the instructions provided.
CSLB will review the request and notify you whether the translator has been approved.
Once your translator has been approved, you should not schedule through the standard PSI portal or regular PSI scheduling number.
PSI may contact you directly to arrange your examination.
You can also contact PSI’s special scheduling team:
Phone: 800-367-1565, extension 6750
Email: EAalerts@psionline.com
Provide your information and preferred testing location and dates.
This is different from the older process that simply directed applicants back to CSLB after translator approval.
Before attempting to schedule:
Your examination eligibility generally expires if you do not pass the required examinations within 18 months after CSLB accepts your application.
If you need help preparing for your Law and Business or Trade examination, Contractors License Guru offers exam-preparation materials for California contractor classifications.
Explore CSLB Exam Preparation Courses
Before purchasing materials, make sure you know which examinations CSLB actually requires you to take.
We do bonding too!
California’s standard Contractor’s Bond is currently $25,000, and additional bonds may apply depending on your license entity and qualifying individual.
Get a California Contractor Bond Quote
Use the dedicated California Contractors PSI portal:
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cacon
The older candidate.psiexams.com link should be removed from current instructions.
No.
CSLB must first accept your application and refer you for testing.
You’ll receive a Notice to Schedule before you can book your examination through PSI.
Yes.
For standard exam scheduling, call PSI at:
877-392-6422
No.
Once CSLB approves your accommodation, PSI will generally contact you, or you can reach PSI’s accommodation scheduling team at:
800-367-1565 ext. 6750
or
Potentially.
If CSLB offers your examination in your requested language, you must use that translated examination rather than a translator.
If an appropriate translated exam is unavailable, you may request permission to use a translator. The translator must be approved by CSLB before the examination.
Email your name, application number, and phone number to:
and request a Translator Form.
You can also call 800-321-2752, option 4.
PSI may contact you directly.
You can also call 800-367-1565 ext. 6750 or email EAalerts@psionline.com with your information and preferred testing locations and dates.
Scheduling your California contractor examination is much easier once you know which process applies to you.
For standard scheduling:
For approved disability accommodations or translators:
If you still need to request translator approval, contact CSLB first at exams@cslb.ca.gov.
And if you need help preparing for your examinations, explore our CSLB Exam Preparation Courses so you’re ready when test day arrives.
