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how to pass your C34 license exam for california pipeline contractors through the CSLB

5 Tips To Pass The C-34 License Test!

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Passing the C-34 License Test on your first try can actually be harder than you think, but if you follow these steps it can be easy. In California, thousands of people apply for the pipeline contractor license each year.

The Contractor State License Board offers 73 different classifications in addition to the C-34 License. Read this to see if you qualify to get an exam date. We have helped thousands of people pass the exam on their first try, and these 5 Quick tips are based on the information we have gathered over the years that I know works.

a pipeline in the ground with several workers around it. to pass the C-34 license test you need to be familiar with what will be on the exam


1. What Is Going To Be On The C-34 License Test?

Preparation is everything, many tradesmen I work with apply for the exam without actually knowing what will be on the test. Taking the time to look at some basic information about the exam is very helpful.

The C-34 License exam includes:

  • 115 Questions LAW
  • 115 Questions PIPELINES
  • 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

Pipelines

  • Planning and Estimation (22%)
  • New Pipeline Installation (36%)
  • Removal, Repair, and Maintenance of Existing Systems (11%)
  • Specialty Pipeline Projects (11%)
  • Safety (20%)

For a complete guide to the Contractor License LAW concepts, you must know to pass the C-34 Pipeline contractor license exam.


2. Take C-34 License Practice Tests

an image of a several gas pipelines with a sunset in the background. when applying for the C-34 license, you should use practice tests to prepare

While running a contractor license school, I learned that the biggest difficulty my students faced was that most of them had not taken an exam in years.

  • Some of my students did not finish high school or had immigrated to the United States recently, and were still learning English. 
  • One of the best study tools for them was to use Online Practice Tests. Simulated online tests are based on the state exam. 

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C-34 License Practice Test Questions

2. What method should be used to install electrical and telephone conduits in the same trench?

a) Electrical over telephone conduit with a concrete barrier and 4” between them

b) Electrical over telephone conduit with a separation of at least 12” in between

c) Telephone over electrical conduit secured together every 12”

d) Telephone over electrical conduit with a separation of at least 12” in between


3. When replacing pavement over a trench, what is meant by “overcutting”?

a) All wide spots and bell holes are cut square before paving.

b) Paving is installed one inch thicker than the paving that was removed.

c) The trench is base-paved and capped later.

d) The paving is cut outside the ditch line by a few inches.


3. Use Pipeline Contractor License Study Guides

Test questions are great, but relying on them as your only study source is a big mistake. If you are not into reading, you can find C-34 license exam study books in audio or video format.

Practice test questions for the pipeline license exam do not give you the theory behind what the question is asking you. Use a book or study guide as a reference. Exam prep books for the C-34 license cover a wide range of topics. They can also be incredibly helpful to refresh your memory on core topics you may have forgotten. Free contractor license study guides often cover just a snapshot of what you need to know.

Invest in yourself and look for C-34 pipeline license study guides that cover topics such as:

  • Job site preparation
  • Installing pipeline projects
  • Underground work
  •  Planning pipeline projects
  • Estimating pipeline projects
  • Locating and isolating repairs


4. Contractor Classes

When you see the term “Contractor Classes” you should understand that they are only LAW & BUSINESS classes for construction contractors.

Contractor license schools offer state-specific exam prep classes that cover the basics of construction LAW. It is essential to understand the distinction between a contractor license and a trade school. The C-34 license test is for journey-level tradesman who has a solid understanding of the pipeline construction trade.

Contractor classes are not meant to teach you your trade. Contractor Classes are highly beneficial for those of us who haven't been in school for a while

an image of a frustrated contractor, blog covers what you will learn in a contractor class

  • 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 Classes are:

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!


How to study for the Contractor License Test!

You are trying to get the C-34 license to make more money, achieve a goal or move up in some way. It is totally understandable if the idea of taking an exam is intimidating.

  • Remember that most of the people there on test day are in the exact same position as you. 
  • 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.
  • Get Online Practice Tests

5. Study!

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!

Featured image for a blog post about the C34 license for pipeline contractors

If you have found this article helpful, feel free to check out some of our other free content.

For a complete guide to the C-34 Pipeline Contractor License see this article!