Updated and corrected on: October 24, 2025California’s clean energy and construction industries are evolving rapidly, prompting significant updates from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for 2025. Among the most impactful are the new rules affecting solar and roofing contractors, two trades deeply intertwined in the state’s sustainability movement. For anyone preparing for the California … Read more
Every successful California contractor knows that landing jobs isn’t the hardest part, it’s keeping clients coming back. Repeat customers bring steady work, reliable cash flow, and valuable referrals. But in a competitive field like construction, loyalty doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built through consistent quality, trust, and professionalism. Whether you’re studying for your CSLB exam … Read more
Earning your California contractor’s license is one of the most defining moments in your professional career. It’s more than just a test, it’s a doorway into independence, credibility, and long-term business success. But for many first-time test takers, the experience can feel overwhelming. Between intricate study materials, regulations, and the pressure to succeed, it’s easy … Read more
For many contractors, the California Contractor License Exam feels like a mysterious hurdle. Something wrapped in rumors and secondhand stories. Friends, co-workers, and online forums often share “insider tips” that can be misleading or outright false. As someone who has guided countless tradespeople through the licensing process, I’ve seen how these myths cause unnecessary stress, … Read more
Workers’ compensation laws are a cornerstone of running a legal, safe, and successful contracting business in California. These rules exist to protect both business owners and their employees, ensuring financial security and care in case of workplace injuries. For small contractors and anyone preparing for the California contractor license exam, understanding workers’ comp requirements is … Read more
The direct payment of PSI exam fees is one of the most significant changes affecting contractors preparing for their California license exam in 2025. Instead of paying examination fees to the CSLB as part of the application process, candidates now handle exam payments straight through PSI, which means faster scheduling, reduced headaches over rescheduling, and … Read more
Getting paid on time is one of the most crucial challenges every California contractor faces, especially for those just starting or preparing for the licensing exam. With the passage of Senate Bill 988, known as the Freelance Worker Protection Act, new rules have reshaped payment practices for independent contractors and construction professionals. Understanding and applying … Read more
Rebuilding after California wildfires is more than a construction challenge, it’s a legal and licensing obstacle course. For contractors preparing to enter this specialty, the opportunities are matched only by the regulatory scrutiny and compliance demands. Understanding essential business models, consumer protections, and the legal landscape is a must, both for maximizing value to clients … Read more
A landmark change arrived for California’s construction sector in 2025: the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) now licenses tribal businesses. If preparing for the contractor license exam or planning your business future, this development holds immediate significance. Understanding what this law means and how it alters the landscape is essential for all serious contractors wishing … Read more
Breaking into the construction industry as a newly licensed contractor in California is both exciting and daunting. After months of studying for the license exam, learning the ins and outs of state requirements, and finally earning your credentials, you now face the real-world test: choosing which jobs to take on. When you’re just starting out, … Read more