Guides and Publications
Please select what type of guides and pamphlets you would like to search for:
For Consumers...
Construction Project Checklist
Tips to find a contractor, get bids, and about the contract. (PDF Other PDFs: Spanish)
Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up
( PDF Order | other PDFs: Spanish | Chinese | Korean | Russian | Vietnamese )
Checklist for Prescreening Contractors
( PDF )
Mandatory Arbitration Program Guide
Describes the mandatory arbitration program provided by CSLB for complaints about damages of $25,000 or less
( PDF | other PDFs: Spanish )
Voluntary Arbitration Program Guide
Describes the voluntary arbitration program provided by CSLB for complaints about damages between $25,000 and $50,000
( PDF | other PDFs: Spanish )
A Consumer Guide to Asbestos
What consumers need to know about asbestos removal
( PDF | Order )
What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor
Provides information for seniors on hiring and doing business with contractors
( PDF | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor
Provides information on hiring and doing business with contractors
(Order | English | Spanish
)
A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints
Describes how to file complaints against contractors with CSLB
( PDF | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )
A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts - Terms of Agreement
Information for homeowners about the requirements of home improvement contracts
( PDF | Order )
Fast Facts: What Jobs a "B" General Contractor Can/Cannot Perform
Fast Facts: Rebuilding After a Disaster
Tips on protecting yourself after a disaster
( PDF | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )
Choosing the Right Landscaper
Information about selecting a landscaper
( PDF | Order )
A Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Mechanic's Liens
Describes what a homeowner needs to know to prevent a lien against his/her property
( PDF | other PDFs: Spanish )
Conditional and Unconditional Waiver and Release Forms
( PDF )
Owner-Builders Beware!
Your responsibilities as an owner-builder
( PDF | Order | other PDFs: Spanish)
Consumer Guide to Filing a Small Claims Court Construction Claim
Basic information about filling a small claims court construction claim
( PDF
)
The Small Claims Court - A Guide to its Practical Use
Department of Consumer Affairs Publication describes procedures used in most small claims courts, as well as answers to frequently asked questions
( PDF | Order )
Before You Dive Into Swimming Pool Construction...
Basic steps for hiring and working with swimming pool contractors
( PDF | Order )
What is a Stop Order?
What consumers and contractors should know about stop orders
( PDF | other PDFs: Spanish )
Traveling Contractor Scams Tip Sheet
How to protect yourself from transient criminals' door-to-door scams
( PDF )
Building a Rewarding Career Protecting California Consumers
Learn about the variety of CSLB job opportunities
( PDF )
For Contractors...
Advertising Guidelines for Contractors
Tips and guidelines for contractor advertising
( PDF )
Asbestos: A Contractor's Guide and Open Book Examination
All new applicants for a license must complete the asbestos open book examination if it has not been done previously. The examination and verification form must be completed and submitted to CSLB prior to licensure. If the form is not submitted, CSLB cannot issue a license. (Business and Professions Code section 7058.5)
The open book examination does not certify a contractor to engage in asbestos-related work. The purpose of the guide and the examination is to make contractors aware of the risks of dealing with asbestos and to provide the knowledge base necessary to respond appropriately to construction situations where asbestos is or may be present.
Note: Only the Qualifier can take the Examination.
A Guide to Contractor License Bonds
A contractor is required to have on file with CSLB a contractor’s bond in the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). The bond may be obtained from a surety company or held by CSLB in the form of a cashier’s check.
Basic information about surety bonds is available here
( PDF
)
Description of Classifications
Description of all CSLB classifications
( PDF | other PDFs: Spanish )
Fast Facts: Classifications Related to Heat Pumps
The classifications currently licensed to install, maintain, or service of heat pump water heaters and HVAC system heat pumps.
( PDF)
Contracting for Success - Guide to Home Improvement Contracts
Detailed information for contractors about the requirements of home improvement contracts
( PDF
)
Get Licensed to Build: A Guide to Becoming a California Licensed Contractor
Answers to common questions about getting a contractor license
(PDF | Other PDFs:Spanish
)
A Guide to Accessible Parking for the Construction Industry
A toolkit created by the California Commission on Disability Access with assistance from CSLB
( PDF )
Becoming an Industry Expert
Information on how to become a CSLB Industry Expert
( PDF)
Becoming a Subject Matter Expert
Information on how to become a CSLB Subject Matter Expert
( PDF)
Study Guides for Licensing Exams
Study guides describe general content of exams, sample questions, and resources for study
( Link )
What is a Stop Order?
What contractors and consumers should know about stop orders
( PDF | other PDFs: Spanish )
California Contractors License Law & Reference Book - 2024 Edition
The 2024 edition of the California Contractors License Law & Reference Book is now available for purchase or can be viewed online for free. The book includes information you need to become a licensed contractor, maintain your existing license, and run a successful contracting business. The cost is $54.00, plus tax, shipping, and handling. The book can only be purchased directly from the publisher.
Click here to purchase a copy of the book
Click here to view a copy of the book online
The California Contractors License Law & Reference Book is not sold at any Contractors State License Board office.
For Building Departments...
Building Official Information Guide
Helpful information about license classifications and filing complaints
( PDF )
Contractor License Requirements for Creation and Installation of Artistic Works
( PDF)Department of Consumer Affairs Legal Guides
(K-10) Contracting with a Contractor: The Homeowner's Right to Cancel
Helpful information for consumers who want to cancel contract with contractors to improve, remodel or repair their homes.
( PDF )
