California contractor Law and Business exam practice

In Spanish or English, with the law explained after every answer.

Try one question · Contract Requirements and Execution

A homeowner signs an $18,000 kitchen remodel contract. What is the largest down payment the contractor may ask for?

Tap a choice to check it.

The right choice: $1,000

On a home improvement contract the down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. 10% of $18,000 is $1,800, and $1,000 is less, so $1,000 is the most. Picking $1,800 forgets the "whichever is less" part. A contractor with an approved performance and payment bond or joint control is exempt from this limit.

Source: CSLB, California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (2026), BPC §7159.5(a)(3), (a)(8) (p. 387-388)

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Which exam ContratistaListo covers

Only the Law and Business exam, the one almost every applicant takes for the license. Your trade exam (for example General Building or Roofing) is not included yet.

Why practice before you pay for an attempt

On the Spanish Law and Business exam, 28% passed[1], by the board’s 2025 report. Each attempt costs $51.43[2], and after a failed one you wait 21 days[2]. See the pass rates of all ten Spanish exams or what is on the exam.

Who makes ContratistaListo

The makers of JourneyListo (journeylisto.com), practice software for the Texas electrician exams.

Free, with no account

Calculators that show every step of the math: the down payment calculator and the markup and margin calculator.
The exam’s key numbers on one sheet: the amounts and deadlines it asks about most (page in Spanish, with the English terms).

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a card for the free week?

Yes. You enter a card at the start and nothing is charged during the 7 days. Cancel before and you pay nothing. If you stay, you pay $39 a month until you cancel. You cancel online, any time, from your account.

Can I see each question in Spanish?

Yes, in one tap, as on the real exam: Since November 1, 2024, Spanish exams have a button to see the original English version of each question; all ten Spanish exams had it by March 1, 2025.[1]

How many questions does the exam have, and how many must I get right?

The board does not publish the number of questions. Neither its study guide nor PSI's guide states it.[3] The board does not publish the passing score: it says the percentage needed varies by exam and candidates can ask the board.[4] See what is on the exam.

Does ContratistaListo help with my application or a real contract?

No. It is practice for the exam only. We give no legal, tax or immigration advice. For the application, read the board’s guide Get Licensed to Build.

Sources

CSLB, 2025 Accomplishments and Activities Report, 26 (read November 13, 2026)
PSI, Licensing Examination Information Guide: Law and Business (CSLB), 1; 1-2 (read November 13, 2026)
CSLB, Law and Business Study Guide, 13E-LAW (03-2026), 1-2 (read November 13, 2026)
CSLB, Get Licensed to Build (May 2025 edition), 25 (Q15) (read November 13, 2026)

Reviewed November 13, 2026. Published by ContratistaListo. The sources above are the authority. This is a summary in our own words: check the source before you act on it.