B – General Building Contractor License
California B General Building Contractor License Exam Preparation
The B General Building Contractor license is the most sought-after contractor license classification in California. If you're planning to build homes, commercial buildings, or take on major construction projects involving multiple trades, this is the license you need.
At Contractors State License Services (CSLS), we've helped thousands of aspiring general contractors pass their CSLB exams and launch successful careers in the construction industry. With over 40 years of experience and a 99% pass rate, we offer the most comprehensive exam preparation programs in California.
Why Choose CSLS for Your B License?
• 99% exam pass rate
• 40+ years helping contractors succeed
• 25+ convenient California locations
• Live instruction, online, and home study options
• Expert instructors with real-world experience
What Is a Class B Contractor License?
Official CSLB Definition
"A general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts."
— California Business and Professions Code Section 7057
In simpler terms, a B license allows you to manage and perform construction work on buildings and structures when the project involves two or more different types of trade work (excluding framing and carpentry, which you can always do).
Work You CAN Perform with a B License
With a California B General Building contractor license, you can legally perform:
- Framing and carpentry work – No restrictions; you can take any framing or carpentry project
- New home construction – Building residential properties from the ground up
- Commercial building construction – Office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses
- Room additions – Expanding existing structures
- Major remodeling projects – Kitchen and bathroom remodels involving multiple trades
- Solar energy system installation – Considered two or more trades per CCR Section 832.62(b)
- Roofing – As part of a larger multi-trade project
- Hazardous substance removal – With proper certification
- Underground storage tank removal – With hazardous substance certification
Work You CANNOT Perform
Even with a B license, there are limitations:
- Single-trade specialty work – Cannot take standalone plumbing, electrical, or HVAC contracts (unless you hold that specialty license or subcontract)
- C-16 Fire Protection – Requires the specialty license or licensed subcontractor
- C-57 Well Drilling – Requires the specialty license or licensed subcontractor
- Standalone roofing contracts – Must subcontract to a C-39 licensed roofer
- Asbestos abatement – Requires C-22 license or asbestos certification and DOSH registration
Important: Framing and carpentry cannot be counted toward the "two unrelated trades" requirement. If your project only involves framing plus one other trade, you need that specialty license.
B vs B-2 License: Which Do You Need?
Many aspiring contractors wonder whether they need a B (General Building) or B-2 (Residential Remodeling) license. Here's how to decide:
| Feature | B - General Building | B-2 - Residential Remodeling |
|---|---|---|
| New Construction | Yes | No |
| Commercial Buildings | Yes | No |
| Residential Remodeling | Yes | Yes (wood-frame only) |
| Room Additions | Yes | Limited |
| Experience Required | 4 years | 4 years |
| Exam Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
Our recommendation: If you have the qualifying experience, get the B license. It gives you more flexibility to grow your business and take on a wider variety of projects.
B License Exam Preparation
The CSLB examination for a B General Building contractor license consists of two parts:
- Law and Business Exam – 115 multiple-choice questions covering California contractor law, business management, and safety regulations
- Trade Exam – 100 multiple-choice questions on general building knowledge and skills
Trade Exam Topics
The B General Building trade exam covers:
- Construction methods, materials, and techniques
- California Building Code requirements
- Blueprint reading and interpretation
- Project management and scheduling
- Estimating and bidding procedures
- Safety regulations and OSHA requirements
- Structural systems and load calculations
- Site preparation and foundations
- Framing and rough carpentry
- Coordination of subcontractors
Available Course Options
Request Free Information or call us at 800-409-8237
B License Requirements
Experience Requirements
To qualify for a B General Building contractor license, you must have:
- 4 years of journeyman-level experience in the classification within the past 10 years
- Experience must be verifiable through employer certification or other documentation
- Experience in multiple trades that make up general building work
Alternative Pathways:
- Education can substitute for up to 3 years of experience (degree-dependent)
- Technical training programs may count toward experience
- Military construction experience may qualify
Application Process
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you have 4 years of qualifying experience and are at least 18 years old
- Complete Application: Fill out the CSLB application form accurately and completely
- Pay Application Fee: Submit the $450 application fee to CSLB
- Background Check: Complete fingerprinting and criminal background check
- Experience Verification: Have employers certify your work experience
- Schedule Exams: Once approved, schedule your Law & Business and Trade exams
- Pass Exams: Score 72% or higher on both examinations
- Obtain Bond: Secure a $25,000 contractor bond
- Pay License Fee: Submit the $200 initial license fee
Fees and Costs
| Application Fee | $450 |
| Initial License Fee | $200 |
| Contractor Bond | $25,000 (premium varies) |
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $450 |
Need help with your application? CSLS offers Application Processing Services to ensure your application is complete and accurate, reducing delays and rejections.
Career Outlook for General Building Contractors
California's construction industry continues to grow, creating strong demand for licensed general building contractors:
- Median Annual Salary: $98,890 for construction managers in California (BLS, 2023)
- Job Growth: 8% projected growth through 2032 (faster than average)
- Self-Employment: Many B licensees operate their own contracting businesses
- High Demand Areas: Residential construction, commercial development, renovation and remodeling
With California's ongoing housing shortage and infrastructure needs, licensed general building contractors are well-positioned for long-term career success.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, California Employment Development Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Class B contractor license in California?
A Class B General Building contractor license allows you to work on construction projects that require two or more unrelated building trades, such as building homes, commercial buildings, room additions, and major renovations. It's the most common contractor license in California.
How do I get a B General Building contractor license?
You need 4 years of journeyman-level experience, must be 18 years or older, pass a background check, pass the Law & Business exam and Trade exam, obtain a contractor bond, and pay licensing fees. CSLS exam prep courses help you pass both exams with a 99% pass rate.
What work can a B General Building contractor perform?
B licensees can perform framing and carpentry work without restrictions, and any project requiring two or more unrelated trades (not counting framing/carpentry). This includes new home construction, additions, major remodels, and solar energy system installations.
What is the difference between a B and B-2 license?
A B license covers new construction and major projects with multiple trades. A B-2 (Residential Remodeling) license is limited to remodeling existing residential wood-frame structures only. B-2 holders cannot do new construction or work on commercial buildings.
How hard is the B contractor license exam?
The B exam has two parts: Law & Business (115 questions) and Trade (100 questions). With proper preparation, most students pass on their first attempt. CSLS has a 99% pass rate with our comprehensive exam prep courses.
How much does a B contractor license cost in California?
Total costs include: application fee ($450), initial license fee ($200), contractor bond ($15,000 minimum), and exam prep courses. Total investment is typically $1,500-$3,000 depending on your preparation needs.
Can a B contractor do roofing work?
Yes, but only as part of a larger project involving two or more unrelated trades (like a home build or major remodel). Standalone roofing contracts require a C-39 Roofing specialty license or subcontracting to a licensed roofer.
How long does it take to get a B contractor license?
The licensing process typically takes 3-6 months from application to receiving your license, depending on background check processing and exam scheduling. CSLS offers application processing services to help expedite the process.
Ready to Get Your B License?
Join thousands of successful contractors who passed their CSLB exam with CSLS. With 40 years of experience and a 99% pass rate, we're California's most trusted contractor licensing school.
Whether you prefer live classroom instruction, online self-study, or home study materials, we have a program that fits your learning style and schedule.
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