CSLB A LICENSE GENERAL CONTRACTOR EXAM STUDY
GUIDE – EXPERT VERIFIED ACTUAL QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS 2026
Section 1: Project Planning & Estimating
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a critical path method (CPM) schedule in
construction management?
A. To determine labor costs
B. To identify the sequence of activities that directly affect project duration
C. To track inventory usage
D. To determine equipment maintenance schedules
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The critical path method identifies the longest stretch of dependent tasks and
ensures that any delay on these tasks directly affects the overall project
duration. It's essential for project time management.
Question 2:
Which document typically contains the detailed scope of work, project
specifications, and performance requirements?
,A. Bid form
B. Change order
C. Project manual
D. Invoice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The project manual includes specs, drawings, and contract details — outlining
the full project scope and expectations. It’s used as a legal and reference
document throughout construction.
Section 2: Site Work, Foundations, and Concrete
Question 3:
What is the minimum required concrete compressive strength (psi) for footings
supporting one- or two-family dwellings in California?
A. 2000 psi
B. 2500 psi
C. 3000 psi
D. 3500 psi
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
According to the California Residential Code, minimum concrete compressive
strength for typical footings is 2500 psi unless a higher strength is required by the
engineer.
Question 4:
What is the primary function of rebar in concrete?
A. Increase thermal insulation
B. Improve finishing surface
C. Resist tensile forces
D. Reduce curing time
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. Rebar (reinforcing steel)
provides tensile strength, preventing cracking and structural failure under load.
Section 3: Structural Framing & Building Systems
Question 5:
In California, what is the maximum spacing allowed between anchor bolts in a
typical sill plate to concrete foundation installation?
A. 6 feet
B. 8 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 10 feet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Per the California Building Code, anchor bolts must be spaced no more than 6
feet apart, and one must be located within 12 inches of each end of a sill plate.
Question 6:
What is the required minimum depth for a footing in non-frost conditions in
California?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In California's climate zones with no frost, the minimum depth for footing per
CBC is typically 12 inches below undisturbed ground level to provide adequate
bearing.
, Section 4: Safety and Jobsite Regulations (OSHA/CalOSHA)
Question 7:
Who is responsible for ensuring that all workers on a job site wear proper PPE
(personal protective equipment)?
A. Each subcontractor individually
B. Only the project manager
C. The general contractor
D. The building inspector
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Cal/OSHA regulations assign responsibility for site safety compliance to the
general contractor, who must ensure all personnel use appropriate PPE such as
hard hats, safety glasses, etc.
Question 8:
At what height is fall protection required on a construction site according to
Cal/OSHA?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 10 feet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Cal/OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet or higher for general construction.
This includes guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets depending on the work
environment.
Section 5: Laws, Contracts, and Business Practices
GUIDE – EXPERT VERIFIED ACTUAL QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS 2026
Section 1: Project Planning & Estimating
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a critical path method (CPM) schedule in
construction management?
A. To determine labor costs
B. To identify the sequence of activities that directly affect project duration
C. To track inventory usage
D. To determine equipment maintenance schedules
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The critical path method identifies the longest stretch of dependent tasks and
ensures that any delay on these tasks directly affects the overall project
duration. It's essential for project time management.
Question 2:
Which document typically contains the detailed scope of work, project
specifications, and performance requirements?
,A. Bid form
B. Change order
C. Project manual
D. Invoice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The project manual includes specs, drawings, and contract details — outlining
the full project scope and expectations. It’s used as a legal and reference
document throughout construction.
Section 2: Site Work, Foundations, and Concrete
Question 3:
What is the minimum required concrete compressive strength (psi) for footings
supporting one- or two-family dwellings in California?
A. 2000 psi
B. 2500 psi
C. 3000 psi
D. 3500 psi
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
According to the California Residential Code, minimum concrete compressive
strength for typical footings is 2500 psi unless a higher strength is required by the
engineer.
Question 4:
What is the primary function of rebar in concrete?
A. Increase thermal insulation
B. Improve finishing surface
C. Resist tensile forces
D. Reduce curing time
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. Rebar (reinforcing steel)
provides tensile strength, preventing cracking and structural failure under load.
Section 3: Structural Framing & Building Systems
Question 5:
In California, what is the maximum spacing allowed between anchor bolts in a
typical sill plate to concrete foundation installation?
A. 6 feet
B. 8 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 10 feet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Per the California Building Code, anchor bolts must be spaced no more than 6
feet apart, and one must be located within 12 inches of each end of a sill plate.
Question 6:
What is the required minimum depth for a footing in non-frost conditions in
California?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In California's climate zones with no frost, the minimum depth for footing per
CBC is typically 12 inches below undisturbed ground level to provide adequate
bearing.
, Section 4: Safety and Jobsite Regulations (OSHA/CalOSHA)
Question 7:
Who is responsible for ensuring that all workers on a job site wear proper PPE
(personal protective equipment)?
A. Each subcontractor individually
B. Only the project manager
C. The general contractor
D. The building inspector
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Cal/OSHA regulations assign responsibility for site safety compliance to the
general contractor, who must ensure all personnel use appropriate PPE such as
hard hats, safety glasses, etc.
Question 8:
At what height is fall protection required on a construction site according to
Cal/OSHA?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 10 feet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Cal/OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet or higher for general construction.
This includes guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets depending on the work
environment.
Section 5: Laws, Contracts, and Business Practices
