Contractor State License Sch

What Contractor State License Sch does

Contractors State License Schools (CSLS) is a private California-based postsecondary education institution founded in 1984 that provides exam preparation, application processing, and business formation services for individuals seeking California contractor licenses issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The company serves aspiring and existing licensed contractors across all major license classifications — Class A (General Engineering), Class B (General Building), and 40+ Class C specialty classifications including C-10 Electrical, C-20 HVAC, C-27 Landscaping, and C-36 Plumbing — with a stated 98-99% first-attempt exam pass rate among its students and over 200,000 total graduates. CSLS distributes its offering through a hybrid model combining 25+ physical school locations across California (with both in-person live instruction and online delivery), a self-serve online practice exam platform at online.contractorexamschools.com, and inside sales via phone and web inquiry forms. The core product portfolio includes the All-Inclusive Program, Live Online Program, Crash Course Program, and Home Study Program, each capped at $2,500 per enrollment agreement under the company's BPPE-exempt status, plus continuing education seminars (Blueprint Reading, California Electrical Certification, EPA-RRP, Mold Remediation, Home Inspection, ICC inspector certification) and affiliated business services including bonding, insurance, and corporation formation delivered through Construction Insurance Agency (CIA). The company is privately held with no parent company, no funding rounds, no M&A activity, and one documented restructuring (the 2025 Santa Rosa location consolidation), and provides bilingual English/Spanish programs to capture California's diverse contractor applicant pool.

Name

Contractor State License Sch

Legal name

Contractors State License Schools

Website

https://contractorslicensingschools.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Contractors State License Schools (CSLS) is a 41-year-old California private postsecondary institution that prepares aspiring contractors for the CSLB licensing exam through 25+ physical locations, online practice exams, and continuing education, serving over 200,000 graduates across all license classifications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade License Exam Preparation Services

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction, Engineering & Skilled Trades Licensure Prep (EDAAANAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH), Certification & Exam Prep eLearning Modules (EDAGAEAL), Professional Licensure & Certification Exam Prep (Bar/CPA/NCLEX/PMP, etc.) (EDAGADAD)

Keywords

• Contractor license exam prep
• CSLB exam preparation
• Trade license education
• Construction licensing courses
• Contractor continuing education

Headquarters

HQ city

Van Nuys

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices31 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Exam Preparation Programs: CSLS generates revenue primarily through sale of exam preparation programs including All-Inclusive, Live Online, Crash Course, and Home Study programs. These are one-time enrollment fees covering instruction, study materials, and access to practice exams for the California contractor licensing exam. Maximum tuition charges per enrollment agreement cannot exceed $2,500 as per terms and conditions.
2. CSLB Application Processing Services: CSLS charges a nominal fee for assisting contractors with CSLB application preparation and submission. The state application fee ($450 for original license, $230 per additional classification) is separate and paid directly to CSLB, but CSLS facilitates the process for a service fee.
3. Business Services (Bonds, Insurance, Corporation Setup): CSLS offers affiliated business services including contractor bonding through CIA (Construction Insurance Agency), insurance products (general liability, workers comp, commercial auto, health), and corporation formation services. Revenue is generated through service fees and commissions from affiliated providers.
4. Seminars and Continuing Education: CSLS offers seminars including Blueprint Reading, California Electrical Certification, EPA-RRP Lead Paint Certification, Mold Remediation, Home Inspection, and ICC Certification. These are standalone continuing education courses generating revenue per enrollment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

CSLS delivers California contractor license exam preparation through instructor-led live classes (in-school and online), self-paced home study kits, and an online practice exam platform covering 40+ CSLB license classifications. It complements exam prep with CSLB application processing, contractor bonding, insurance, and corporation formation services. The portfolio is anchored by a money-back guarantee and reports a 98-99% first-attempt pass rate among enrolled students.

Product overview

Contractors State License Services (CSLS) offers a comprehensive suite of contractor licensing exam preparation products and business services for California construction professionals. The core offering consists of multiple exam prep programs—All-Inclusive Program, Live Online Program, Crash Course Program, and Home Study Program—complemented by an Online Practice Exams platform (online.contractorexamschools.com) with simulations for 40+ license classifications. Continuing education is delivered through seminars including Blueprint Reading, California Electrical Certification, EPA-RRP Lead Paint Certification, Mold Remediation, Home Inspection, and ICC Building Inspector Certification courses. Business formation services encompass application processing, contractor bonding, corporation services, and insurance products (via CIA Insurance Agency). The company also provides Spanish-language programs and scholarship opportunities. The portfolio is structured as a unified exam prep platform with supplementary add-on modules for specialized certifications and business services, all operating under California Private Postsecondary Education Act provisions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• All-Inclusive Program Comprehensive exam preparation program for the California contractor license exam, combining live instruction, home study materials, and online resources. Includes application processing and submission to CSLB on the student's behalf, backed by a money-back guarantee. Designed for individuals seeking to pass the CSLB Law & Business and trade exams on their first attempt.
• Live Online Program Instructor-led online classes delivering real-time exam preparation for the California contractor license exam. Provides remote students with live interaction and structured pacing comparable to in-school classes, covering Law & Business and trade-specific content.
• Crash Course Program Intensive, short-duration exam preparation program offering a focused review of the highest-priority topics for the California contractor license exam. Designed for students seeking to reinforce key content shortly before their scheduled CSLB exam date.
• Home Study Program Self-paced home study kit program with physical books, practice exams, and study guides shipped directly to students. Includes online practice exam access for self-motivated learners preparing for the California contractor license exam.
• Online Practice Exams Web-based digital exam simulation platform offering practice tests for all California contractor license types including Class A General Engineering, Class B General Building, and 40+ Class C specialty classifications. Accessible 24/7 via online.contractorexamschools.com with free demo and paid subscription access.
• Law & Business Online Course Self-paced online study program covering the Law & Business portion of the CSLB examination, including California contractor law, business management, and safety regulations. Sold as a standalone course for students preparing specifically for the Law & Business section.
• License Classification Programs Exam preparation programs covering all California contractor license classifications including General Engineering (A), General Building (B), and 40+ Specialty (C-series) licenses such as C-10 Electrical, C-20 HVAC, C-27 Landscaping, C-29 Masonry, and C-36 Plumbing.
• Spanish Language Programs (Clases en Español) Full contractor license exam preparation courses and services delivered in Spanish, including program descriptions, application assistance, and business services. Targets Spanish-speaking applicants, with a reported 98% first-time pass rate among Spanish-speaking students.
• Blueprint Reading Seminar Instructor-led introductory seminar covering blueprint fundamentals for residential and light commercial projects, including how to prepare accurate material and labor cost forecasts. Offered as a standalone continuing education course for construction professionals.
• California Electrical Certification Exam Prep Exam preparation program for experienced electrical workers preparing for the California Electrical Certification Exam required for electricians working for C-10 licensed contractors. Available in Home Study Guide and Crash Course formats.
• EPA Certified Renovator Training (EPA-RRP) EPA-approved lead-safe certification training meeting federal Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) requirements for anyone renovating, repairing, or painting pre-1978 homes or child-occupied facilities. Includes initial certification and 5-year refresher courses, delivered by an EPA-approved vendor.
• Mold Remediation Course Specialized training course covering mold remediation techniques and procedures for construction and renovation settings. Offered as a standalone continuing education seminar for licensed contractors.
• Professional Home Inspection Course Professional home inspection industry training covering inspection processes, evaluation of heating, electrical, and plumbing systems, report writing, and business development. Approved by CREIA (California Real Estate Inspectors Association) and ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), and addresses NAHI and NACHI certification requirements.
• ICC Building Inspector Certification International Code Council (ICC) certification exam preparation for Residential Building Inspector (B-1) and Commercial Building Inspector (B-2) certifications. Covers building materials, construction methods, code requirements, and practical exam application under the International Building Code.
• Application Processing Services Expert assistance preparing and submitting contractor license applications to the California State License Board (CSLB), including exam application, certification of work experience, and project list documentation. CSLS submits the application on the student's behalf, ensuring accuracy to avoid processing delays.
• Contractor Bonding Services Bond procurement services for California contractors delivered through the affiliated Construction Insurance Agency (CIA), covering the $25,000 minimum contractor license bond as well as performance and bid bonds.
• Corporation Services Business incorporation services for California contractors, including articles of incorporation filing, corporate setup, and ongoing compliance support. Corporation formation can typically be completed in 3-5 business days.
• CIA Insurance Services Comprehensive insurance products for California contractors delivered through the affiliated Construction Insurance Agency, including commercial general liability, workers compensation, commercial auto, tools and equipment, builders risk, health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98-99% of students pass the California contractor licensing exam on their first attempt
• +3 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Construction Insurance Agency (CIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIA is an affiliated company providing contractor bonding and insurance services to CSLS students. Located at 6228 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91411, CIA works with numerous bonding companies to provide competitive rates and expertise in contractor bonding. CIA has been providing services to contractors for over 41 years, matching CSLS's tenure. The partnership enables CSLS to offer a comprehensive 'start to license' service including exam prep, application processing, and bonding/insurance from a single source.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Ashworth College: Accredited online career school offering construction and contractor-related programs. Comparable as a low-cost online credential provider targeting similar career-changer demographics.
• Trade School (e.g., Universal Technical Institute): Large publicly-listed vocational education provider for skilled trades. Comparable as a regulated, accredited trade-school business model, though not California-license-specific — represents the broader category of formal vocational training.
• Penn Foster: Online career and trade school covering construction, electrical, HVAC and other skilled trades with self-paced programs. Comparable as a national online alternative that could pressure CSLS's online practice exam and home study channels.

Direct peers

• Builders License Training Institute: Multi-state contractor licensing school with deep California coverage, providing exam prep and business services (bonding, insurance). Directly comparable in offering scope and target candidate.
• Sunset Learning Institute: California contractor license exam prep provider with classroom and home study options. Competes head-to-head with CSLS on price and curriculum across the CSLB Class A/B/C license spectrum.
• California Contractors Academy: Independent California contractor license school offering exam preparation, application processing, and live classroom instruction. Closely overlaps CSLS on curriculum, geography, and target customer (aspiring CSLB licensees).
• Contractor License Consultants (CLC): California-focused contractor license exam prep and application services. Directly comparable product set (Law & Business, trade-specific prep, CSLB application filing) targeting the same CSLB candidate pool.

Others

• International Code Council (ICC): Standards body whose building inspector certifications CSLS prepares students for (B-1, B-2). Comparable as an adjacent/ecosystem participant whose curriculum and exams CSLS monetizes via prep courses.
• State Farm / Hiscox (small commercial insurance carriers): Insurance carriers underwriting contractor GL, workers comp, and commercial auto policies. Comparable as adjacent participants in the contractor business-services stack CSLS monetizes through CIA.

Emerging players

• Coursera / edX (career certificate programs): Large online learning platforms adding project management, construction, and trades-aligned certificates. Comparable as an emerging low-cost digital alternative for adult learners seeking credentialed skills, though not specifically California contractor licensing prep.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CSLScontractors
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/contractor-state-license-sch
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ContractorStateLicenseS

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Contractor State License Sch