2026 CALIFORNIA STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW
AND BUSINESS TEST STUDY GUIDE/ STATE
CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW AND BUSINESS TEST
GRADED A+
Who must be licensed as a contractor? - ANSWER-Anyone who constructs or
alters on any job that costs 500 dollars or more.
How old do your have to be to get a contractors license. - ANSWER-18
What are the types of licenses issued. - ANSWER-Individual, partnership, or
corporation licenses. Joint Venture licenses are made up of 2 individual active
licenses for a specific purpose.
Does California recognize contractors licenses from other states or countries? -
ANSWER-No
What charge is it to contract without a license? - ANSWER-Misdemeanor,
meaning potential jail time, fines and administrative fines
Are there educational requirements to obtain a contractors license? - ANSWER-
No
Can technical training and apprenticeship training substitute the required training
required for the 4 years needed. - ANSWER-Yes. As long as the applicant has a
minimum of 1 year of practical experience.
,Are all applicants required to submit to a background check? - ANSWER-Yes
What are the total fees I must pay to obtain a contractor license? - ANSWER-
$480.00. The non-refundable processing fee of $300 and the two year initial
license fee of $180. Current fees are printed on the application forms and notices.
How often do I have to renew my license? - ANSWER-every two years
Will I receive notice before my active license expires? - ANSWER-Yes. 60
days, but remember it is your responsibility to know and renew without being
reminded.
What is the active license renewal fee? - ANSWER-$360. You are required to
renew every two years.
Is there a fee for renewing an active license - ANSWER-$180.
Inactive licenses must be renewed how often? - ANSWER-Every four years
What is the minimum operating capital that you must have to qualify to be a
contractor? - ANSWER-$2500
, If you are changing the business name or address, or changing the personnel or
business type, how long do you have to notify the state of those changes? -
ANSWER-90 days
If you change owners or the business entity, changing the license structure, can you
renew your license at the end of the year or do you need to apply for a new one. -
ANSWER-Apply for a new one.
Can your old license be renewed? - ANSWER-Yes. If your license has been
expired between 3 to 5 years.
Another name for the qualifier. - ANSWER-The test-taker. Or the person whom
the license is going to be issued.
What is the qualifier called if he/she is an individual? - ANSWER-The owner
What is the qualifier called if he or she is a partner? - ANSWER-Qualifying
Partner.
What is the qualifier called if he or she is an officer? - ANSWER-RMO,
Responsible Managing Officer
What is the qualifier called if he or she is an employee? - ANSWER-RME,
Responsible Managing Employee
AND BUSINESS TEST STUDY GUIDE/ STATE
CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW AND BUSINESS TEST
GRADED A+
Who must be licensed as a contractor? - ANSWER-Anyone who constructs or
alters on any job that costs 500 dollars or more.
How old do your have to be to get a contractors license. - ANSWER-18
What are the types of licenses issued. - ANSWER-Individual, partnership, or
corporation licenses. Joint Venture licenses are made up of 2 individual active
licenses for a specific purpose.
Does California recognize contractors licenses from other states or countries? -
ANSWER-No
What charge is it to contract without a license? - ANSWER-Misdemeanor,
meaning potential jail time, fines and administrative fines
Are there educational requirements to obtain a contractors license? - ANSWER-
No
Can technical training and apprenticeship training substitute the required training
required for the 4 years needed. - ANSWER-Yes. As long as the applicant has a
minimum of 1 year of practical experience.
,Are all applicants required to submit to a background check? - ANSWER-Yes
What are the total fees I must pay to obtain a contractor license? - ANSWER-
$480.00. The non-refundable processing fee of $300 and the two year initial
license fee of $180. Current fees are printed on the application forms and notices.
How often do I have to renew my license? - ANSWER-every two years
Will I receive notice before my active license expires? - ANSWER-Yes. 60
days, but remember it is your responsibility to know and renew without being
reminded.
What is the active license renewal fee? - ANSWER-$360. You are required to
renew every two years.
Is there a fee for renewing an active license - ANSWER-$180.
Inactive licenses must be renewed how often? - ANSWER-Every four years
What is the minimum operating capital that you must have to qualify to be a
contractor? - ANSWER-$2500
, If you are changing the business name or address, or changing the personnel or
business type, how long do you have to notify the state of those changes? -
ANSWER-90 days
If you change owners or the business entity, changing the license structure, can you
renew your license at the end of the year or do you need to apply for a new one. -
ANSWER-Apply for a new one.
Can your old license be renewed? - ANSWER-Yes. If your license has been
expired between 3 to 5 years.
Another name for the qualifier. - ANSWER-The test-taker. Or the person whom
the license is going to be issued.
What is the qualifier called if he/she is an individual? - ANSWER-The owner
What is the qualifier called if he or she is a partner? - ANSWER-Qualifying
Partner.
What is the qualifier called if he or she is an officer? - ANSWER-RMO,
Responsible Managing Officer
What is the qualifier called if he or she is an employee? - ANSWER-RME,
Responsible Managing Employee
