CSLB EXAMINATIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Contractors State License Board creates and administers examinations that must be passed to receive a license, which verifies that a license-holding contractor can perform their work in accordance with industry standards and legal requirements.

CSLB has contracted with PSI Exams to administer our examinations. PSI provides examinations through a network of computer examination centers in California and beyond. The PSI examination centers are open for testing during normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except on major holidays.

The questions and answers below will guide you through the process of scheduling your exam date(s) with PSI Exams, along with preparing you to navigate any additional requests you may have regarding accommodation, translation services, and fee payment.

SCHEDULING EXAMS

My application was referred for testing. How do I schedule my exam(s)?

Once your application has been approved and referred for testing, the Notice to Schedule for Examination will be mailed to you with detailed information regarding self-scheduling of your exam through PSI. Therefore, you are responsible for contacting PSI to schedule an appointment to take the examination. You may schedule the examination online here or by telephone at (877) 392-6422.

Your examination eligibility expires if you fail to take and pass the examination(s) within 18 months after your application has been accepted (posted).

I just submitted my application, and it has not been referred for testing. Can I preschedule my exam(s)?

No. Only applications deemed acceptable by the board and required to take the assigned qualifying examination(s) will be referred for testing.

English is not my preferred language. Are exams available in languages other than English?

All exams are offered in English. CSLB recognizes that some candidates may have difficulty reading or understanding the English language. To that end, Spanish versions of 10 exams commonly taken by candidates are available, including Law and Business, B – General Building, C-8 – Concrete, C-9 – Drywall, C-15 – Flooring and Floor Covering, C-27 – Landscaping, C-33 – Painting and Decorating, C-36 – Plumbing, C-39 – Roofing, and C-54 – Ceramic and Mosaic Tile.

Candidates requesting translators for those exams are required to take the Spanish versions. For all other trade exams and languages, accommodations may be made for you to be joined by an approved translator during your exam. See the “Translator Testing” section for more information.

PREPARING FOR EXAMS

How long is my application good for?

All applications are given 18 months from the day they are accepted to pass the examination(s). If you do not pass within 18 months after your application is accepted by the board, your application is considered void, and you will have to submit a new application with new fees.

Where can I find exam study guides?

The study guides for each exam are available on CSLB’s website here. The study guide lists the topic areas covered by the exam, includes sample questions, shows how each content area is weighted, and recommends resource materials to study.

What contracting school or service does CSLB recommend?

Please be aware that there are no schools or application preparation organizations that are affiliated with or agents of CSLB. Official CSLB examination study guides can be downloaded here.

Can I take my contractor exam(s) online?

Your qualifying examinations must be taken in-person at one of our PSI locations. PSI currently has 20 locations in California, along with one in Oregon and one in Nevada, administering the contractor examinations.

Where are PSI test centers located?

You can take your CSLB exams at PSI’s test centers in California: Agoura Hills, Atascadero, Bakersfield, Carson, Diamond Bar, El Monte/Santa Fe Springs, Fresno, Irvine, Lawndale, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Union City, Ventura, Visalia, and Walnut Creek, in Nevada in Las Vegas, and in Oregon in Wilsonville, outside of Portland.

How do I reschedule or cancel an exam appointment with PSI?

You may cancel and reschedule an examination appointment without forfeiting your fee if your cancellation notice is received two days prior to the scheduled examination date. For example, for a 9:00 a.m. Monday appointment, the cancellation notice would need to be received before 9:00 a.m. on the previous Saturday. To cancel or reschedule, call PSI at (877) 392-6422, option 2.

Note: A voicemail or email message to CSLB or PSI is not an acceptable form of cancellation. You must use the PSI website or call PSI and speak directly to a Customer Service Representative to cancel or reschedule your examination and not forfeit the fee.

How much time am I given to complete my exam(s)?

You will be given 3-1/2 hours to complete each examination.

What should I expect at a PSI test center?

All exams are taken on a computer and consist of multiple-choice questions. An informational video about the exam experience can be found on YouTube here.

What identification is accepted on the day of my exam(s)?

You must provide one of the following valid, non-expired, forms of government-issued identification before you may sit for the exam:

• U.S.-issued Driver's License (any state)
• U.S state-issued identification card (any state)
• Government-issued passport (booklet or card)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Resident Alien Card (AKA green card or permanent resident card)
• U.S. military identification
• U.S.-issued Employment Authorization Card

All photographs must be recognizable as the person to whom the identification card was issued. The name on the application must match the photographic ID card. If you have recently changed your name with the board, you may want to contact PSI to verify that they have the correct name on file.

Failure to provide the required identification at the time of the examination is considered a missed appointment and you will not be able to take the examination.

What items are prohibited at the PSI test center?

A non-exhaustive list of personal items not permitted in the testing room are listed in the CSLB Examination Information Guide. These items include:

*Headwear worn for religious purposes is subject to inspection.

**Prescription and nonprescription eyeglasses may not be worn for the photo. Eyeglasses subject to inspection. ***Jewelry that is allowed into the examination room is subject to inspection.

****Drugs that are medically necessary during the pendency of the examination may be brought into the examination site, in a container bearing a proper prescription label with the name of the candidate and of the drug; any such medication is subject to examination by a proctor upon check-in.

AFTER THE EXAMS

How soon will I know if I passed or failed my exam(s)?

At the end of your examination, you’ll be given a printed report showing whether you passed or failed. Your examination results are confidential and are released only to you and CSLB. To protect your privacy and to maintain the confidentiality of examination results, this information is not given over the telephone.

The failing score report will indicate the candidate’s overall score, including the number of items answered correctly. The passing score report does not show the overall score.

Candidates who pass their required examination(s) will receive a Bond and Fee letter in the mail with additional instructions. The pass report is not a license.

May I review the test questions after the exam(s)?

Test questions and answer keys are not available for review. If you fail your exam(s), you are provided a breakdown by section of how many questions you answered correctly and incorrectly.

I passed my exam(s). What is the next step?

When you pass the examination(s), you will be mailed a Bond and Fee letter to your business mailing address. This letter will list the issuance requirements specific to your application. For general issuance information, visit CSLB’s website here.

There was a technical problem during my exam(s) at PSI. How can I reschedule?

Email your name, application fee number, and a description of the issue to exams@cslb.ca.gov. CSLB will contact PSI to investigate. Allow five to seven days for a response.

I missed my scheduled exam(s) with PSI. How do I reschedule?

If you miss your appointment as scheduled, you are also forfeiting your examination fee and you must submit the re-examination fee in order to reschedule. You will receive a letter in the mail regarding your failure to appear. The letter will have instructions on how to pay the re-examination fee online or by mail.

The re-examination fee pays for both the Law and Trade examination. If you missed one of the two exams, the entire re-examination fee is still required. You may reschedule the examination online here or by telephone at (877) 392-6422.

You will forfeit your examination fee if:

• You do not cancel your appointment two days before the scheduled examination date.
• You do not appear for your examination appointment.
• You arrive after the examination start time.
• You do not present proper identification when you arrive for the examination.

I failed one or both exam(s). How do I reschedule with PSI?

Candidates who fail are eligible to retake the examination as long as they are not past their 18-month void date. After failing an exam, you will be provided a re-examination form along with the score report before leaving the PSI test center. The re-examination form will have instructions on how to pay the re-examination fee online or by mail. The re-examination fee pays for both the Law and Trade examination. If you fail one of two exams, the entire re-examination fee is still required.

Once your re-examination fee is received by CSLB, it will take a minimum of three weeks from your last failed exam before exam eligibility is sent to PSI. When exam eligibility is sent to PSI, CSLB will send you a Notice to Reschedule letter, and if you have an email on file, PSI will email you. After your three-week waiting period has lapsed, you may reschedule the examination online here or by telephone at (877) 392-6422.

I failed one or both exam(s). How do I pay my re-examination fee?

If you are interested in retaking your exam(s) on your current application, you must submit your re-examination fee to CSLB. The re-examination fee can be paid online here, by mail, or at CSLB’s front counter in Sacramento.

To pay by mail, send a check or money order made payable to Contractors State License Board to CSLB, PO Box 26000, Sacramento CA 95826. Reference your CSLB application number.

I paid my re-examination fee. Why am I still unable to reschedule my exam(s) on PSI’s website?

It will take a minimum of three weeks from your last failed exam before exam eligibility is sent to PSI. When exam eligibility is sent to PSI, CSLB will send you a Notice to Reschedule letter, and if you have an email on file, PSI will email you.

I want to appeal my exam(s). What is the process?

If you want to appeal your exam, email your name and application number to exams@cslb.ca.gov and request an Examination Appeals Form. Provide as much detail as possible on the form. CSLB will respond by mail in two to four weeks.

ACCOMMODATIONS TESTING

How do I notify CSLB if I require testing accommodations due to a disability?

CSLB and PSI recognize their responsibilities under the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by providing testing accommodations or auxiliary aids or services for candidates who substantiate the need due to a physical or mental disability or qualified medical condition. Reasonable, appropriate, and effective accommodations may be requested by submitting an Accommodation Request for Examination form to CSLB. This form is available by contacting the board at exams@cslb.ca.gov or on our website here.

The applicant must notify CSLB about the need for accommodation; CSLB and PSI are not required to provide accommodation if they are unaware of your specific needs. Wait for CSLB to approve your accommodation request prior to scheduling your examination(s). If you scheduled your examination(s) without prior approval, you risk taking the exam without accommodation or canceling the exam.

My accommodation due to a disability was approved. How do I schedule my exam(s) with PSI?

After your accommodations are approved, PSI will get in contact with you to schedule your examination(s) or you can contact PSI by phone at (800) 367-1565 ext. 6750, or email EAalerts@psionline.com with your information and preferred location and dates.

TRANSLATOR TESTING

Are exams available in languages other than English?

All exams are offered in English. CSLB recognizes that some candidates may have difficulty reading or understanding the English language. To that end, Spanish versions of 10 exams commonly taken by candidates are available, including Law and Business, B – General Building, C-8 – Concrete, C-9 – Drywall, C-15 – Flooring and Floor Covering, C-27 – Landscaping, C-33 – Painting and Decorating, C-36 – Plumbing, C-39 – Roofing, and C-54 – Ceramic and Mosaic Tile.

Candidates requesting translators for those exams are required to take the Spanish versions. For all other trade exams and languages, accommodations may be made for you to be joined by an approved translator during your exam.

Can I bring a translator to my exam(s)?

If you have difficulty understanding or reading the English language, CSLB may allow you to use a translator you choose to read the examination for you if a translated exam is not available. Your translator must be approved in advance by CSLB. If you would like to use a translator during your examination, email your name, application number, and phone number to exams@cslb.ca.gov and request a Translator Form. You can also call (800) 321-2752, option 4. Mail the completed Translator Form to CSLB, PO Box 26000, Sacramento CA 95826.

Is there an age requirement for translators?

No, there is no age requirement. If your translator is a minor and does not have valid, government-issued identification, they can present a school identification card, with a picture, for the current school year.

What identification is required for my translator?

Your translator must provide one of the following valid, non-expired forms of government-issued identification before you may sit for the exam:

• U.S.-issued Driver's License (any state)
• U.S state-issued identification card (any state)
• Government-issued passport (booklet or card)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Resident Alien Card (AKA green card or permanent resident card)
• U.S. military identification
• U.S.-issued Employment Authorization Card

If your translator fails to provide the required identification at the time of the examination, you will be given the option to take the examination without a translator or reschedule your examination.

Can my translator bring an English-to-Spanish dictionary or other translation-assistance tools?

Translators cannot bring any translation tools to the examination(s). If your translator is having difficulty translating a word, they can say the word in English. They cannot define or explain terms. Translators are expected to comply with the same list of prohibited items that applies to the exam candidates.

Can my translator help me answer questions on the exam(s)?

To help ensure the security and validity of the examinations and prevent subversion (cheating), all conversations between translators and exam candidates during the examinations will be monitored by PSI. If the translator prompts, coaches, or assists in any way with the examination, both the translator and candidate may be subject to prosecution under Business and Professions Code (BPC) Sections 123 and 123.5, and the application for the candidate will be denied (BPC § 496). In addition, the candidate would not be able to take any CSLB examination for a period of one year from the test date (BPC § 489).

How do I know if my translator was approved or denied?

The CSLB Examination Administration Unit reviews all translator forms in the order they were received. This can take four to six weeks. You can view your application status on our website by visiting this page, using your application and PIN. The following are notes that will show on your application pertaining to the translator form: Screening Received, Screening Approved, Screening Denied, Screening Rejected. Whether your translator was approved, rejected, or denied, you will receive a letter in the mail with further instructions.

My translator was approved. How do I schedule my exam(s) with PSI?

After your translator is approved, PSI will get in contact with you to schedule your examination(s) or you can contact PSI by phone at (800) 367-1565 ext. 6750, or email EAalerts@psionline.com with your information and preferred location and dates.

My translator is not available on my scheduled date(s). How do I reschedule?

You may cancel and reschedule an examination appointment without forfeiting your fee if your cancellation notice is received two days prior to the scheduled examination date. For example, for a 9:00 a.m. Monday appointment, the cancellation notice would need to be received before 9:00 a.m. on the previous Saturday. To cancel or reschedule your examination with an approved translator, call PSI at (800) 367-1565 ext. 6750.

Note: A voicemail or email message to CSLB or PSI is not an acceptable form of cancellation. You must use the PSI website or call PSI and speak directly to a Customer Service Representative to cancel or reschedule your examination and not forfeit the fee.

If you miss your appointment, you will not be able to take the examination as scheduled. You will forfeit your examination fee if:

• You do not cancel your appointment two days before the scheduled examination date.
• You do not appear for your examination appointment.
• You arrive after examination start time.
• You do not present proper identification when you arrive for the examination.

You can pay the re-examination fee online here. Contact CSLB at exams@cslb.ca.gov to find out if a new Translator Form is required.

How do I cancel my translator request?

If you would like to cancel the translator request, email exams@cslb.ca.gov, or leave a voicemail at (800) 321-2752, option 4.

I failed my exam(s). Can I use the same translator?

When completing the Translator Form, your translator initialed their agreement that they will not be allowed to translate again for one year from the date they translated. You will need to select a new translator.