What Jobs Can You Bid with a B-2 License?
The B-2 Residential Remodeling license is for individuals or companies in California that specialize in residential home remodeling or handyman services.
There are a variety of jobs you can bid on if you have this license, including:
- Residential improvements
- Home renovations
- Home improvement & repair
- Trellises
- Patio/Patio Covers
- Painting and Cosmetic Touch-ups
- Remodeling and repairs
- Handyman services
- Maintenance Services
- Property Management
- Interior Remodeling Services
- Remodeling Contractors
- Kitchen & Bath
- Renovations & Maintenance
- Removing Plumbing and Electrical Fixtures
- Painting Staining and Coating
- Interior Wall Covering
- Producing Shop Drawings, Plans, and Specifications
- Light Roof Repairs
- Kitchen Design
- Woodcraft
- Damage Restoration
- Backsplashes
- Plaster & drywall services
- Remodeling Exterior Walls
- Window services
- Installing Customer Purchased Materials
- Inspections and Estimating
- Tile and Countertops
- Fixtures
- Lighting and Painting
- Cosmetic fixes
B2 Residential Remodeling Contractors and the CSLB
The B-2 license is one of 74 classifications available in California. Contractors in the state of California are governed by the CSLB(Contractors State License Board)
There are 4 major classification categories:
- A-General Engineering
- B-General Building
- B-2 Residential Remodeling
- C-Specialty
- C-61 Limited Specialty
Common Pairings for the B2 Contractors License

Contractors in California can hold multiple classifications.
The most common pairings for the B-2 license are:
B2 contractor license requirements
To become licensed with the CSLB you must meet the following basic requirements:
- 18 Years of Age
- 4 Years of Journeyman Level Experience
- Social Security or ITIN #
- Not Currently on Probation or Parole
- Signature from a licensed contractor, fellow employee, supervisor, or business associate
What residential remodeling concepts do I need to know for the exam?
You will definitely want to be prepared for any curveballs that could come up on the B-2 license exam.
You may be presented with questions related to the light electrical and plumbing work that could be unfamiliar.
Take the time to review every possible question and concept.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know:
Planning and Estimating (15%)
- Scope of work and code compliance
- Design and construction error identification
- Shop drawings, plans, and specifications
- Field inspection performance
- Project coordination
- Cost estimation for materials, equipment, and labor
Job Site Preparation (13%)
- Remove non-load-bearing walls
- Remove cabinets and countertops
- Remove plumbing and electrical fixtures
- Deliver and store materials
Finish Trades Remodeling (18%)
- Cabinets
- Countertops and backsplashes
- Painting, staining, coating, and interior wall
- covering
Exterior Remodeling (13%)
- Roof Repairs
- Remodeling Exterior Walls
- Doors and Windows
Safety (16%)
- Personnel safety
- Job site safety
- Demolition and material safety
What's the B-2 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
- 115 Questions Law & Business
- 115 Questions Residential Remodeling
- Multiple Choice
- Closed Book
- 3 Hours to Complete each section
- Taken via Computer at a Testing Facility
- Exam Centers located all over the state of California
Math Skills
There will be math on your CSLB law & business and trade exam.
On the law side, questions will be presented to you as if you are a General Building Contractor with multiple projects running simultaneously with several employees.
You can expect math questions related to:
- Arithmetic
- Cost Estimation
- Percentages and Decimals
The math you can expect on the B2 contractor's license exam may vary. Be prepared for questions that may include:
- Basic Geometry
- Units of measurement
Blueprint Reading Skills
Blueprint reading is a fundamental skill for all contractors.
Knowing how to interpret plans is a key part of the job if you are working within a construction crew.
Interpreting building plans is critical.
Some aspects of plan reading may also be your examination.
For a deeper look at blueprint reading concepts, check out this free blueprint reading guide.
CSLB law & business exam
Our complete course is a guide for aspiring California remodeling contractors.
A step-by-step break down all of the essential knowledge you need to be successful on your CSLB law & business examination.
In addition to passing your exam, those looking to get the B-2 contractor license will be equipped with a crash course on how to run a profitable business.
You will learn:
- Company organization
- How to bid effectively
- Understanding cost control
- Various contract types
- Cash management
- Estimation fundamentals
- CAL/OSHA
- Business Structures
- Worker’s Compensation and Taxes
- Insurance Types in Construction
- Labor Laws and Employee Rights
- Hiring and Firing Practices
- Contractor Bonds
- Mechanics Liens
- State Laws and Statutes
- Project Management 101
- Prevailing Wages and Public Works
- And Much More!