California General B License Requirements (2026)

The General Building Contractor (B) license is the most common CSLB classification. Here is exactly what California requires in 2026.

Experience requirement

• 4 years of journey-level experience in the last 10 years
• Must involve two or more unrelated trades under one structure
• Verified by a qualifying individual (employer, contractor, union official)

Application

1. Submit Form 13A-1 with the $450 application fee
2. CSLB reviews experience (4-8 weeks)
3. You receive a Notice to Appear for the exams

Exams

Two computer-based exams at PSI test centers:

• Law & Business — 115 questions, 3.5 hours
• Trade (B) — 115 questions, 3.5 hours

Passing score: 73% on each.

After passing

• $200 initial license fee
• $25,000 contractor bond
• Workers' comp certificate (or exemption if no employees)

Total cost

Expect roughly $1,200-1,800 end-to-end including exam prep, fees, bond, and fingerprinting.

How long does it take?

Most applicants finish in 3-6 months from application to active license.