CA Class B General Building
Contractor Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
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1. Which of the following is required to obtain a Class B contractor
license in California?
A. Proof of 2 years’ experience in specialty contracting
B. Proof of 4 years’ journey-level experience in building
construction
C. A degree in civil engineering
D. Membership in a trade union
Answer: B
Rationale: California requires 4 years of experience at a journey-level
classification in the trade for a Class B license.
2. What is the maximum amount a Class B contractor may contract for
without a surety bond?
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $15,000
D. $20,000
Answer: C
Rationale: Class B contractors can contract up to $15,000 without a
surety bond according to state law.
3. Which of the following is the main purpose of a construction lien?
A. Ensure the owner pays taxes
B. Allow contractors to hire subcontractors
C. Secure payment for labor or materials provided
D. Reduce insurance premiums
, Answer: C
Rationale: A construction lien ensures contractors and suppliers are
paid for work or materials.
4. What type of insurance is required for all Class B contractors in
California?
A. Life insurance
B. Workers’ compensation insurance
C. Auto insurance only
D. Flood insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory to protect
employees from on-the-job injuries.
5. What is the primary function of a building permit?
A. To certify design compliance
B. To ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations
C. To reduce construction costs
D. To hire subcontractors legally
Answer: B
Rationale: Building permits confirm that construction meets local code
and safety requirements.
6. How long must a contractor retain project records according to
California law?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Answer: C
Rationale: Contractors are required to maintain records for at least 3
years after project completion.
7. A contractor’s license bond protects:
A. The contractor from bankruptcy
B. The public from incomplete or defective work
C. Only the building inspector
D. Subcontractors’ insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: The bond ensures the public can recover damages if a
contractor fails to complete or correct work.
, 8. When must a contractor provide a written contract for projects over
$500?
A. Within 10 days
B. Before starting work
C. After the project is 50% complete
D. No contract is required
Answer: B
Rationale: California law requires a written contract for projects
exceeding $500 before work begins.
9. Which of the following is considered an “unfair business practice” for a
contractor?
A. Using licensed subcontractors
B. Misrepresenting project costs
C. Maintaining records
D. Completing work on time
Answer: B
Rationale: Misrepresentation of costs or services is prohibited under
state contractor regulations.
10. Which class of contractor license is required to perform general
building construction?
A. C-10 Electrical
B. C-20 HVAC
C. B General Building
D. A General Engineering
Answer: C
Rationale: Class B is specifically for general building construction
involving two or more unrelated trades.
11. What is the primary difference between a Class A and Class B
license?
A. Class A covers residential only
B. Class A covers engineering projects, Class B covers building
construction
C. Class B covers commercial only
D. Class A cannot subcontract
Answer: B
Rationale: Class A is for general engineering projects; Class B is for
building construction.
Contractor Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is required to obtain a Class B contractor
license in California?
A. Proof of 2 years’ experience in specialty contracting
B. Proof of 4 years’ journey-level experience in building
construction
C. A degree in civil engineering
D. Membership in a trade union
Answer: B
Rationale: California requires 4 years of experience at a journey-level
classification in the trade for a Class B license.
2. What is the maximum amount a Class B contractor may contract for
without a surety bond?
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $15,000
D. $20,000
Answer: C
Rationale: Class B contractors can contract up to $15,000 without a
surety bond according to state law.
3. Which of the following is the main purpose of a construction lien?
A. Ensure the owner pays taxes
B. Allow contractors to hire subcontractors
C. Secure payment for labor or materials provided
D. Reduce insurance premiums
, Answer: C
Rationale: A construction lien ensures contractors and suppliers are
paid for work or materials.
4. What type of insurance is required for all Class B contractors in
California?
A. Life insurance
B. Workers’ compensation insurance
C. Auto insurance only
D. Flood insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory to protect
employees from on-the-job injuries.
5. What is the primary function of a building permit?
A. To certify design compliance
B. To ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations
C. To reduce construction costs
D. To hire subcontractors legally
Answer: B
Rationale: Building permits confirm that construction meets local code
and safety requirements.
6. How long must a contractor retain project records according to
California law?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Answer: C
Rationale: Contractors are required to maintain records for at least 3
years after project completion.
7. A contractor’s license bond protects:
A. The contractor from bankruptcy
B. The public from incomplete or defective work
C. Only the building inspector
D. Subcontractors’ insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: The bond ensures the public can recover damages if a
contractor fails to complete or correct work.
, 8. When must a contractor provide a written contract for projects over
$500?
A. Within 10 days
B. Before starting work
C. After the project is 50% complete
D. No contract is required
Answer: B
Rationale: California law requires a written contract for projects
exceeding $500 before work begins.
9. Which of the following is considered an “unfair business practice” for a
contractor?
A. Using licensed subcontractors
B. Misrepresenting project costs
C. Maintaining records
D. Completing work on time
Answer: B
Rationale: Misrepresentation of costs or services is prohibited under
state contractor regulations.
10. Which class of contractor license is required to perform general
building construction?
A. C-10 Electrical
B. C-20 HVAC
C. B General Building
D. A General Engineering
Answer: C
Rationale: Class B is specifically for general building construction
involving two or more unrelated trades.
11. What is the primary difference between a Class A and Class B
license?
A. Class A covers residential only
B. Class A covers engineering projects, Class B covers building
construction
C. Class B covers commercial only
D. Class A cannot subcontract
Answer: B
Rationale: Class A is for general engineering projects; Class B is for
building construction.
