OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

CSLB General Engineering (A) Trade Examination — Information & Free Practice

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Start free practice →

Exam Review

About CSLB General Engineering (A) Trade Examination

CSLB General Engineering (A) Trade Examination · US-CA

Key exam facts

Provider
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) creates and maintains the examinations; PSI Exams administers them.
Format
In-person computer-based, closed-book examination; four choices per question with one best answer. Some questions require calculations; a calculator is provided.
Time limit
3.5 hours (210 minutes) to complete the examination; early arrival/check-in is separate.
Passing score
The required percentage of correct answers is disclosed at the test site. CSLB does not give a fixed A-exam cut score in the checked public exam guide, FAQ or trade preparation page.
Exam fee
USD 51.43 per A-exam registration; USD 51.43 for a retake, paid separately to PSI. This excludes application and license fees.

Topics covered

  • Planning and Estimating (15%)

    • Reviewing plans and specifications
    • Code compliance
    • Evaluating job sites
    • Coordinating projects with other trades
    • Estimating costs for materials, equipment, and labor

  • Structural Principles (6%)

    • Constructing structures
    • Seismic requirements
    • Basic engineering

  • Earthwork and Surveying (15%)

    • Surveying job sites
    • Preparing job sites
    • Assessing soil conditions
    • Assessing soil compaction and expansion

  • Subsurface, Surface, and Elevated Piping Work (21%)

    • Shoring and sloping excavations
    • Preventing erosion
    • Tunneling, drilling, and boring
    • Installing pipelines
    • Connecting and testing systems
    • Connecting dry utilities

  • Foundation and Concrete Construction (11%)

    • Constructing forms and falsework
    • Placing and finishing concrete
    • Installing pilings and foundations

  • Buildings, Structures, and Related Work (9%)

    • Installing mechanical systems
    • Installing plumbing pipes
    • Installing electrical systems
    • Demolition, disposal, and recycling

  • Roadwork and Paving (5%)

    • Base for highways, roads, and parking lots

  • Safety (18%)

    • Personnel and job site safety
    • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • Hazardous material safety

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

In-person computer-based, closed-book examination; four choices per question with one best answer. Some questions require calculations; a calculator is provided.

How long is the exam?

3.5 hours (210 minutes) to complete the examination; early arrival/check-in is separate.

What is the passing score?

The required percentage of correct answers is disclosed at the test site. CSLB does not give a fixed A-exam cut score in the checked public exam guide, FAQ or trade preparation page.

How much does the exam cost?

USD 51.43 per A-exam registration; USD 51.43 for a retake, paid separately to PSI. This excludes application and license fees.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.