Computerized Testing
All examination(s) will be administered using the latest state-of-the art technology. You will be taking your examination on a computer. Do not worry if you have never worked with a computer. To take the examination, only the space bar and the four arrow keys are used. Your test monitor will take you through a sample test to help you feel at ease with the computer.
Time for Examinations
The starting time for your examination(s) is located in the upper right comer of your Notice to Appear. The amount of time allowed for completion of each examination will be announced at the test site.
YOU SHOULD ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY. IF YOU ARE LATE, YOU WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED THE AMOUNT OF TIME REMAINING TO COMPLETE YOUR EXAMINATION.
Identification Required
YOU WILL NEED YOUR NOTICE TO APPEAR to be admitted to the examination room.
YOU MUST SHOW TWO FORMS OF SIGNED IDENTIFICATION before taking your examination(s). There are no exceptions!
- A current Driver’s License or Department of Motor Vehicles I.D. card, Military I.D. card or a Passport (with picture) and
- One other form of identification with a signature (such as a credit card, library card, or Social Security card).
Extra People at Test Site
Unfortunately, we do not have a waiting room at the test site. Please have your friends and relatives wait for you at another location.
Materials for Examination
The only materials allowed at your seat during your examination are a scale ruler and a non printing calculator. Calculators must be battery operated or solar powered. ALPHA-PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATORS ARE NOT PERMITTED UNDER ANY CONDITIONS. Pencils and scratch paper will be provided.
You must place any other items brought to the examination site, at your own risk in a common storage area. No food, drinks or dictionaries are permitted at your seating area. You are advised to leave articles of value locked in your vehicle. The examination site staff does not watch the storage area.
Security Violations
Conduct which violates the security of the examination includes: removing examination materials from the examination site (includes copying examination questions for future use); communicating with other examinees during an examination; copying or permitting your answers to be copied; conveying information about test questions to persons other than CSLB examination staff or taking the examination on behalf of another applicant.
Penalties for conduct that violates the security of the examination include: automatic test failure; any fee(s) paid to the State of California may not be refunded; you would not be allowed to apply for any license classification for a period of one year from your examination date; and you could be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges that carry a fine and possibly a sentence in the county jail.
License Issuance
A passing score on your examination(s) does not guarantee the issuance of a contractor’s license. All applicants are subject to investigation to verify claims of sufficient qualifying experience.
Use of Telephone
Use of the telephone before, during or after your examination will not be permitted at the test site.
Exam Study Tips
An application which has been approved will be referred for examination scheduling. The exam will typically take place 3 to 4 weeks after referral. Suggestions for study material for both the law portion of the test and for the trade section will be sent at the time the application is approved; a scheduling notice will be mailed to the applicant about 15 to 20 days prior to the examination. The examinee will be scheduled to appear at a board office near the applicant’s address, if possible, where exams are being given daily for each applicant on computers. Results for the computer examinations will be available the same day.
Before you take the State exam please review the following pages and information.
- Don’t send your application in until you are getting 80% to 90% on your practice test questions
- Your Test Date is issued to you after the State accepts your application.
Warning Signs
Some warning signs of possible trouble ahead are the following:
- You can’t verify the name, address and telephone number or credentials of the contractor.
- The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract by using scare tactics, intimidation or threats. (Remember, you usually have three days to cancel a contract.)
- The company or salesperson says your home will be used for advertising purposes (as a model job, or show-house, or by display of their sign), and that you will be given a special low price.
- The contractor tells you this is a special price available only if you sign the contract today.
- The contractor doesn’t comply with your request for references, or the references have some reservations about the contractor’s work.
- You are unable to verify that the contractor is licensed, insured, and/or bonded when required.
- You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay cash to a salesperson instead of by check, or money order to the company itself.
- You are asked to sign a completion certificate for the job by appeal, threat, or trick, before the job is properly completed.
The best way to avoid problems is to follow the steps outlined in this booklet and cover all details about the job in your contract.
In spite of all the precautions you have taken, problems will sometimes occur with the work that was done on your home. If problems do occur, either during construction or afterward, contact your contractor. Usually he or she will make corrections willingly.
Be sure to address all problems or complaints directly to the contractor in writing so that you both have a record. Should the contractor refuse to make corrections, you can file a complaint in writing with your local Contractors State License Board office and your local building Department. If necessary, consult an attorney.
What happens to a consumer complaint?
Every complaint filed with the CSLB against a licensed contractor is logged, reviewed, and assigned to a staff person for handling, based on the nature of the complaint as described in the complaint form. The Board’s complaint/investigation procedures are design to resolve problems between contractors and their clients – including, where appropriate, legal actions against anyone in violation of the law. In most cases CSLB staff will attempt to negotiate (mediate) a settlement as soon as possible. If staff is unable to arrive at a settlement, the board may take legal action, but there is no assurance that action will result in restitution. Depending on the circumstances, the complaint may be referred to one of the board’s arbitration programs (see page 24). This chart shows the board’s general complaint-handling process. The process may vary depending on the circumstances.
Complaints within the Board’s jurisdiction involve failure of a licensed contractor to fulfill the terms of an agreement, including poor workmanship; requiring a down payment in excess of 10 percent of the contract price or $1000, whichever is less, abandonment; failure to pay subcontractors, material suppliers or employees; building code violations; use of false, misleading or deceptive advertising; violations of the Home Improvement Act, and violations of the Swimming Pool Act.
