Can You Use Work Experience From a Family Business to Qualify for the Exam?

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Introduction If you’re preparing for the California contractor license exam, you may be wondering if your years spent working in the family business count toward the experience requirements. This is a common question, especially among those who grew up helping out in a parent’s construction company or took on increasing responsibilities in a family-run operation. … Read more

How to Request Special Accommodations for the CSLB Exam

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Preparing for the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) exam is a significant milestone for any aspiring contractor. For some, the journey includes navigating the process of requesting special accommodations to ensure a fair testing environment. Whether you have a documented disability, a temporary medical condition, or another qualifying need, understanding how to request accommodations … Read more

What Is the CSLB 20% Rule—and How It Affects Who Can Qualify a License

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Demystifying the 20% Rule If you’re preparing for your California contractor license exam, you’ve likely come across the term “CSLB 20% Rule.” This regulation, set by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), plays a pivotal role in determining who can act as the qualifying individual for a contractor’s license, especially when it comes to partnerships, … Read more

How to Add a Business Partner to Your CSLB License

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Introduction If you’re a California contractor preparing for your license exam, you’re likely focused on technical knowledge and business law. But what happens when your business grows and you want to bring a partner on board? Understanding how to add a business partner to your Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license is crucial, not just … Read more

Understanding California’s Mandatory Arbitration Clause Requirements

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Preparing for the California contractor license exam means mastering not just the technical aspects of construction, but also the legal frameworks that govern your work. One area that often trips up even seasoned professionals is the mandatory arbitration clause. Understanding how these clauses work, when they’re required, and how to draft them correctly is essential—not … Read more

What If You Don’t Have a Supervisor to Verify Your Work Experience?

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Introduction Preparing for the California contractor license exam is a major milestone in any construction professional’s career. But what happens if you don’t have a traditional supervisor to verify your work experience? This is a common concern, especially for self-employed contractors, owner-builders, or those who have worked in less conventional settings. The good news is … Read more

The Right Way to Ask for Testimonials From Your First Clients

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Starting your contracting business in California is a major step, and preparing for the license exam is only part of the journey. Building trust with future clients is just as crucial, and nothing establishes credibility faster than genuine testimonials from your first clients. But how do you ask for testimonials the right way especially when … Read more

Can You Appeal a CSLB Exam Score? What to Know in 2025

A person working on a laptop and holding a notebook, symbolizing planning and research for becoming a licensed contractor.

Stepping into the world of California contracting is both exciting and challenging. Earning your contractor’s license is a major milestone, but the journey can feel daunting, especially when it comes to passing the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) exam. For many, the question arises: What if you don’t pass? Can you appeal your CSLB … Read more

How to Collect Customer Deposits Legally and Safely in California

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Collecting customer deposits is a crucial part of running a contracting business in California. Done right, deposits protect both you and your client, helping to ensure a smooth project from start to finish. But if you get it wrong, even unintentionally, you risk legal trouble, lost trust, and financial headaches. For contractors preparing for the … Read more