CSLB Law and Business exam topics and weights
The CSLB Law and Business exam covers seven official sections. Each card shows the official weight and a short description. Drill into a section to see its subtopics, an original study note, and the California sources behind our practice questions.
The weights are approximate shares of the exam, as listed in the official CSLB Law and Business study guide. Use them alongside your practice results: review every section, then give extra attention to sections where you miss questions, especially those with a larger weight. The weights are not a passing score or an exact question count.
Law snapshot date: September 27, 2026. The study notes cite selected official sources from this dated library.
Business Organization and Licensing
Official weight: 13%
Forming the business entity, license classifications, and maintaining an active contractor license.
Study this sectionBusiness Finances
Official weight: 15%
Records, taxes, payroll, and financial management for a contracting business.
Study this sectionEmployment Requirements
Official weight: 20%
Workers' compensation, independent contractors, and jobsite employment rules.
Study this sectionInsurance and Liens
Official weight: 12%
Required insurance coverages and mechanics' lien rights and procedures.
Study this sectionContract Requirements and Execution
Official weight: 21%
Home improvement contracts, disclosures, and contract execution requirements.
Study this sectionPublic Works
Official weight: 5%
Prevailing wage, certified payroll, and public-works registration.
Study this sectionSafety
Official weight: 14%
Jobsite safety programs, Cal/OSHA obligations, and hazard controls.
Study this section
Planning your study by topic
What do the CSLB exam topic weights mean?
Each percentage is the approximate share assigned to that section in CSLB's study guide. A larger weight makes that section a useful study priority, but smaller sections still belong in your preparation.
Which section should I study first?
Start with a mixed practice test to see how you do across the seven sections. Review missed answers and their citations, then use the section pages above to work on unfamiliar rules and weaker areas.
Can I practice one section at a time?
Yes. Open a section page and follow its practice link, or choose a section when setting up a full practice test. Full tests are free after sign-in. The anonymous 7-question sample covers all seven sections.