Step 5: My Original Exam Application was Accepted

    This step helps you understand the process when your exam application is accepted.

    What can I expect when my exam application has been accepted?

    This step will outline some of the procedures you can expect when your exam application is accepted.

    • You will receive a Fingerprinting Live Scan packet (see step 6 for further information.)
    • You will receive a Notice to Appear for Examination. You should receive your examination notice at least three weeks prior to the examination date.

    Alert symbol IMPORTANT - Applicants with a disability requiring special testing accommodations must complete the Special Accommodation Request For Examination form 13E-77. The form is a part of the application packet and is also available at any CSLB office. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, the CSLB provides "reasonable accommodations" for applicants with disabilities that may affect their ability to take required examinations. It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the CSLB of alternative arrangements needed. The CSLB is not required by the ADA to provide special accommodations if they are unaware of specific needs.

    What if I need a translator for the examination?

    If you have difficulty understanding or reading the English language, the CSLB may allow you to use a translator to read the examination for you. The translator you choose must be approved in advance by the CSLB. If you would like to use a translator during your examination, please notify the CSLB in writing. Include your Application Fee Number in all correspondence.

    Where are the examinations given?

    To make the examination procedure more convenient for applicants, testing is performed at PSI Exams. PSI has locations throughout the state and offer testing six days a week.

    The Notice to Appear for Examination mailed to you will provide detailed information regarding self-scheduling of your exam through the PSI Exams Website.

    What should I bring to the examination site?

    • You must also bring picture identification (a current valid driver's license, Department of Motor Vehicles identification card, or military identification card).
    • Pencils, scratch paper, calculators and scale rulers will be provided at the test center.
    • No personal calculators, cell phones, pagers or other electronic devices are permitted in the testing area.
    • All personal items must be placed in a common storage area at your own risk. You are advised to leave articles of value locked in your vehicle since the test center staff does not watch the storage area.

    What is involved with the computer-assisted testing (CAT) system?

    You will be taking your examination on the easy-to-use computer-assisted testing (CAT) system. No prior experience with computers is necessary--the test monitor guides all test-takers through a short exercise to help them feel at ease with the computer.

    How long does the examination take?

    You will be given 3 -1/2 hours to complete each examination. Failure to arrive at the test site on time may result in your seat being given to another candidate.

    When will I know if I passed?

    Test-takers receive their score results before they leave the test site. Successful test-takers are told only that they have passed the examination, they are not given detailed information about the score.

    Unsuccessful test-takers are given a statement showing how well they performed in each section of the test. These sections are described in greater detail in the Study Guide for that examination so the test-taker will know what areas to emphasize in preparing to retake the examination.

    What if I fail to appear for an examination?

    • If you fail to appear for an examination, you must pay a $100 rescheduling fee.

    What if I fail the Law and Business and/or Trade examination?

    • If you fail the Law and Business examination and/or your trade examination, you must pay a $100 fee each time you are rescheduled. You are given 18 months to pass the examinations. If you do not pass within 18 months after your application is accepted by the Board, your application is considered void, and you will have to submit a new application with new fees.
    • The void date on an application may be extended up to 90 days if you provide documented evidence that the failure to reschedule the exam was due to a medical emergency or other circumstance beyond your control.

    How do I reschedule an examination?

    • To file for rescheduling, complete the application on the bottom of the notice informing you that you failed to pass the examination and submit it with the $100 fee to the CSLB. (Please note any address change on this form.) You will be sent a notice informing you that you are again eligible to schedule an exam through PSI Exams.

    How do I cancel an examination

    Alert symbolIMPORTANT - - If you must cancel an examination, you should notify the PSI Exams 24 hours before the exam date. If you wait until later, your application may be void, see Section 7074.

    If you have not cancelled an examination on this application in the past you may not be required to pay the $100 rescheduling fee. If you have already cancelled a prior examination you will be required to pay the $100 rescheduling fee.

    To cancel the examination you must do one of the following:

    • Call CSLB call center 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) and use the menu option for the Testing Unit or speak to a live person.
      • You must leave your NAME, APPLICATION RECEIPT NUMBER, a day time telephone number and a short message that you need to cancel the exam.
      • You will be contacted by someone from the Testing Unit. They will cancel your examination and reschedule you for a new date if you do not have to pay the $100 rescheduling fee. If you need to pay the $100 rescheduling fee, you will need to submit your notice to appear form and the $100 rescheduling fee before you will be rescheduled. You need to send it to the address listed below. The $100 fee must be paid before a new examination is scheduled. Once you are scheduled for a new exam date you will be mailed a notice to appear.
    • Mail your notice to appear form or a written request stating you need to cancel the examination to the CSLB. The letter needs to contain your NAME, APPLICATION RECEIPT NUMBER and the $100 rescheduling fee if you have cancelled a prior examination on this application. If you haven't cancelled a prior examination you do not have to pay the rescheduling fee. Send your notice to appear form or written request to the following address:
      • Contractors State License Board
        P.O. Box 26000
        Sacramento, CA 95826
    • Fax your notice to appear form or a written request stating you need to cancel the examination to the CSLB. The letter needs to contain your NAME and APPLICATION RECEIPT NUMBER. If you haven't cancelled a prior examination you do not have to pay the rescheduling fee. If you have cancelled a prior examination on this application you will need to submit the $100 rescheduling fee before you can be scheduled for a new exam date. Fax your notice to appear form or written request to:
      • CSLB fax number (916) 255-3816.

    May I review the test questions after the examinations?

    Test questions and answer keys are not available for review. You may file a written protest or critique of any examination question(s) after you have completed your examination and before you turn in your examination materials to the proctor.

    Are there any penalties for disclosing the contents of a state examination?

    Conduct which violates the security of the examination includes providing information about test questions to any school, person, or business; removing examination materials from the examination site (includes copying examination questions by any means for future use); communicating with other examinees during an examination; copying or permitting your answers to be copied; having in your possession any written material other than test materials provided for the examination; or taking the examination on behalf of another applicant.

    Penalties for conduct that violates the security of the examination include prosecution on misdemeanor charges resulting in a fine of $500, payment of damages of up to $10,000 plus the costs of litigation, and a sentence in the county jail. You would also be subject to automatic test failure; any fee(s) paid to the State of California would not be refunded; and you would not be allowed to apply for any license classification for a period of one year from your examination date.

    Alert symbolIMPORTANT - Examination results are good for five years. If you pass either the trade or the Law and Business examination but fail the other, you need only take the examination you failed as long as you retake the examination within five years.

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