Understanding the CSLB’s New Solar and Roofing License Changes for 2025

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

How to Get More Repeat Clients as a California Contractor

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

What Every First-Time Test Taker Should Know About the California Contractor’s License Exam

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

How to Handle CSLB Complaints Without Losing Your License

Friendly contractor handshake between a construction worker and a client inside a building site.

Contracting in California isn’t just about building structures, it’s about protecting your reputation and staying compliant with the California State License Board (CSLB). For contractors preparing for their license exam, understanding how complaints work isn’t optional; it’s survival. A single unresolved issue can damage your credibility, slow your business growth, or even lead to license … Read more

California Workers’ Comp Laws Explained for Small Contractor Businesses

Flooring installation worker bending over with safety shoes on, working on a construction site.

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

How to Choose the Right Trade Classification for Your License

Young male contractor installing wallpaper in a bright, modern room with senior supervisor, with other team members working in background.

Choosing the right trade classification is one of the most important steps in your journey toward becoming a licensed contractor in California. Your classification not only defines the scope of work you can legally perform but also influences your career trajectory, business opportunities, and even your marketing. The California State License Board (CSLB) offers dozens … Read more

Direct Payment of PSI Exam Fees in 2025: What Changed & How to Handle It

A smiling male construction worker with a beard sitting outdoors, holding a coffee cup, wearing a tool vest, with a yellow hard hat on his knee, in front of construction equipment.

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: SB 988 Rules Every Contractor Must Follow

Contractors shaking hands on a construction site, emphasizing professionalism and project collaboration.

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

Wildfire Rebuild Business Models: Legal & Licensing Must-Knows

A construction worker inspecting wooden framing on a house under construction in a forested area.

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

CSLB Now Licenses Tribal Businesses And What That Means for You

Construction worker installing roof shingles on a wooden roof deck during daytime.

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