Passing your B-2 Residential Remodeling test in California can be harder than you think.
Not only will you be tested on the various aspects of your trade and remodeling. You will also need to be familiar with California construction law.
Which can be quite extensive.
We have helped thousands of contractors get licensed in California.
This guide will breakdown everything you need to know about California’s newest B-2 Residential Remodeling license and the examination.
1. Know What Is On The B-2 Contractors License Test
Seems pretty obvious, but you would be surprised how many people go into the examination without even knowing what will be covered.
It’s no surprise how that typically turns out…
If you take a few moments to just understand the basics of how the exam will be laid out, it can be incredibly helpful.
The B-2 license test will be:
- 115 Questions LAW
- 115 Questions TRADE
- Multiple Choice Exam
- Close Book
- 3 Hours To Complete Each Section
- Taken On A Computer at A State Testing Center
LAW & Business
- Business Organization
- Business Finances
- Employment Requirements
- Contract Requirements and Execution
- Licensing Requirements
- Safety
- Public Works
Trade
- Planning and Estimation
- Job Site Preparation
- Core Trades Remodeling
- Finish Trades Remodeling
- Exterior Remodeling
- Safety
Online Practice Tests and Answers
Recommended Courses
2. Accurate Practice Tests
In my experience, the biggest problem most guys face is that many have not taken a test in years. If this sounds like you… just know you are not alone!
I’ve worked with students that did not finish high school or had immigrated to the United States recently, and were maybe still learning English. One of the best study tools for them was to use Online Practice Tests. These are simulated online tests that are based on the state exam.
There are several places where you can find online practice tests for the B-2 home remodeling license in California.
Some things to keep in mind when using online test questions are
- Do not memorize the questions: Contractor license schools do not have the exact questions that you will see on the state exam.
- They are simply questions based on information they have gathered about the test from people who have taken it. The CSLB draws from thousands of different possible questions.
- Understand what the question is asking you: Try to categorize the question into a particular area of LAW or Trade.
- For example if the question is asking you about potential job site safety hazards. Go do your research on OSHA.
- Be Consistent: Get into the exams every single study and study as consistently as possible. Get into the habit of taking exams and answering questions.
3. Use a B-2 License Exam Prep Book
A big mistake I see students make is relying solely on the test questions.
While online test questions are beneficial, you have to understand the concepts that the questions are based on.Exam prep books for the B-2 Residential remodeling License cover a wide range of topics and can be incredibly helpful to refresh your memory on home renovation topics you will need to know.
Free contractor license study guides often cover just a snapshot of what you need to know.
Invest in yourself and look for B-2 contractor license study guide that cover topics such as:
- Scope of work and code compliance
- Design and construction error identification
- Project coordination
- Cost Estimation for materials
- Removing non-load-bearing walls
- Delivering and storing materials
- Interior walls, ceilings, and trimwork
- Flooring and stairs
- Cabinets
- Painting, staining, and coating
- Roof repairs
- Doors and windows
- Electrical and Mechanical
- Removing plumbing and electrical fixtures
- Demolition and material safety
- Personnel Safety
4. Contractor Classes
The term “Contractor Classes” is a loose term for a LAW class for construction contractors.
These are mainly law and business-focused exam prep classes offered by contractor license schools.
It is essential to understand the distinction between a contractor license and a trade school.The B-2 Residential Remodeling license is for journey level tradesman who has a solid understanding of their job.
Contractor classes are not meant to teach you how to remodel a house.
Exam prep classes teach you the law concepts we spoke about earlier. Contractor Classes are highly beneficial for those of us who haven’t been in school for a while but need to prepare for a specific examination.
Contractor Classes are:
- Taught by Contractors or construction veterans
- Live Instruction format with questions and answers
- Bilingual (depending on the school you chose)
- In depth classes that cover important exam concepts
Contractor License schools offer several services that can help you get everything taken care of quickly and easily.
Check out this article for a more in depth look at how to choose the right school.
5. Sample B-2 Contractors License Test Questions
Below are some sample questions from the residential remodeling examination in California. The correct answer has a (*).
1. According to the California Residential Code, what is the MINIMUM allowable width of a residential hallway?
a. 44 inches
b. 40 inches
c. 36 inches
*d. 32 inches
2. A contractor is removing acoustic tile from a vaulted ceiling. The scaffold rental is $65 per day. He calculates a 6-day rental with a 15% markup. What would the equipment cost be for this part of the job?
a. $448.50
*b. $405.00
c. $390.00
d. $339.133.
When should a steel nail plate be applied to a wood stud?
a. When a hole is within 1″ of the edge
*b. When a hole is within 1-1/4″ of the edge
c. When a hole is within 1-1/2″ of the edge
d. When a hole is within 1-3/4″ of the edge
None of this works without consistent study. You are trying to get the B-2 contractor license to make more money, achieve a goal or move up in some way.
If you have been putting this off, right now is a good time to get started as the residential remodeling license only just became available on June 1st 2021.The key is to get some accurate material and be consistent about studying them. Professional athletes, artists, and other top-level tradesmen will all tell you the same thing.
Developing mastery is about doing a bunch of little things over and over again.
Studying as little as 10 minutes a day consistently between the day you send off your application and when you go and take the test will increase your confidence in ways you cannot imagine.
I’ve worked with thousands of contractors all over the country, and I have seen many fail the test multiple times because they crammed instead of studied consistently.
If you commute, invest in an audio program, you can listen while you drive. If you are a native Spanish speaker and prefer to watch a recorded class, invest in a bilingual program.
There are a lot of options out there to get you the information you need to know so you can get where you want to be FAST!
If you have found this article helpful, feel free to check out some of our other free content.
Drop us a comment and let us know what other topics you would like to see videos or blog posts on!