California C10 Electrical License Free Practice Exam

You’ll be sitting for the actual state C-10 exam at PSI, and let’s be real, it’s a closed-book deal (PSI Exams info here). You can’t just thumb through your dog-eared Ugly’s Electrical on the spot. So, the practice you do before test day—timed, no shortcuts—is what gives you an edge.

That’s why this practice exam is 15 questions, 30 minutes, and you have to hit 72% to pass. It pulls from a question bank of 450, drawing just enough to keep you honest and sharp, not just memorizing. Don’t settle for old PDFs. The point of a timed, interactive quiz is simple: Pressure teaches better than a flat page ever will.

You’re not just answering questions; you’re managing the clock. Our practice exam gives you a taste of this reality: 15 questions in 30 minutes. It forces you to think on your feet, just like the real thing. It’s designed to see if you can hit that 72% passing score when the pressure’s on. The exam itself covers a lot of ground, and you need to be prepared for all of it. The CSLB breaks it down into five key areas:

1. Planning and Estimating (24%): This is about more than just numbers. It’s about reading blueprints, understanding project specs, and putting together a solid plan.
2. Rough Wiring (26%): The backbone of any job. Think raceways, box installation, wire and cable systems, and grounding.
3. Finish Wiring and Trim (12%): This is where you bring the project to life—installing devices, lighting, and trim.
4. Startup, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance (20%): What happens when things don’t go as planned? This section covers testing, troubleshooting, and keeping systems running.
5. Safety (18%): This is non-negotiable. It covers everything from job site safety to handling hazardous materials, and you can bet you’ll see questions on it.

A PDF with a list of questions just doesn’t cut it. It’s like reading about how to swim instead of actually getting in the water. A timed practice exam builds the muscle memory you need for test day.

So, what should you study? Here’s the actual list—no fluff, just the stuff the CSLB expects you to know inside and out:

• 2022 California Building Code
• 2022 California Electrical Code
• 2022 California Energy Code
• 2022 California Residential Code
• 2022 California Fire Code
• American Electricians’ Handbook
• Photovoltaic Systems
• State of California General Industry & Electrical Safety Orders
• Ugly’s Electrical References

If you don’t have a copy of the California C10 Study Guide, start there. It’s official, updated, and covers every section you’re tested on.

You bet there is. You can be the best electrician in the state, but if you don’t know the business side of things, you’re going to have a hard time. Every C-10 contractor must also pass the California Law and Business exam. It covers topics like business organization, financial management, employment requirements, and contracts. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with a practice exam for that, too.

(Oh, and if you want to double-dip on practice, check out the Free California Business Law Exam or the Free Cal OSHA Exam.)

Want a little preview? Here are a few sample multiple-choice questions that have the same flavor as the real exam.

1. According to the CEC, what is the minimum cover depth for a direct-buried PVC conduit that is not encased in concrete and is located under a residential driveway?
a) 12 inches
b) 18 inches
c) 24 inches
d) 6 inches

Answer: b) 18 inches. This is a classic code question you just have to know. It comes from CEC Table 300.5, which outlines minimum cover requirements.

2. Which of the following is required for a 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle installed in a commercial kitchen?
a) Tamper-resistance
b) Weather-resistance
c) GFCI protection
d) A dedicated circuit

Answer: c) GFCI protection. CEC 210.8(B) requires GFCI protection for almost all receptacles in commercial kitchens. It’s a critical safety rule.

3. In a box fill calculation, how many conductors is a single-gang device yoke, like a switch or receptacle, counted as?
a) One conductor
b) Two conductors
c) Zero conductors
d) Four conductors

Answer: b) Two conductors. CEC 314.16(B)(4) states that each device yoke counts as a two-conductor volume allowance, based on the largest conductor connected to the device.

The path to getting your C-10 isn’t just about passing one test. You’ll need to:

1. Have at least four years of journey-level experience (or equivalent)
2. Complete an application with the CSLB
3. Pass a criminal background check
4. Pay the required fees
5. Pass two exams:
   • The trade exam (C-10 Electrical)
   • The business and law exam

I get this question a lot. Both involve electrical work, but there’s a key difference:

• The C-10 license covers general electrical contracting for buildings and structures
• The C-46 is specifically for solar energy systems

If you’re focusing exclusively on solar installations, the C-46 might be sufficient. But for the full range of electrical work, the C-10 is what you need. Many contractors actually get both to maximize their service offerings.

If you’re starting from scratch, don’t lose hope. Join an apprenticeship program through a union like the IBEW or a non-union contractor. You’ll need those four years of hands-on work before you can even think about the C-10 license. Trade schools can help too, giving you the basics on everything from conduit bending to code compliance. It’s a grind, no doubt, but picture this: a few years down the line, you’re running your own crew, wiring up skyscrapers or cozy homes. Worth it, right?

Here’s the thing: No, you don’t need decades of experience to start. The basics—be at least 18, work under a licensed C-10 contractor, put in the hours or schooling (usually four years of journeyman-level experience, or equivalent), then apply to take the exam via the CSLB.

Tough part? You need documented experience, recommendations, and to pass BOTH the trade and business law exams. Some folks get in through trade school; others, weekend courses, boot camps, or just “learning the hard way.” There’s no single path, so don’t sweat if yours looks different from someone else’s.

Let’s be honest, you’ve probably thought about it a hundred times. You’re out on a job, pulling wire, maybe wrestling with a panel upgrade, and you think, “I could be running this show.” You’ve got the skills, the experience, and the drive. The only thing standing between you and your own electrical contracting business in California is that C-10 license.

Getting that license is a game-changer. It’s the official stamp that says you know your stuff, from A/C wiring and panel changes to full-scale new construction and even pool and spa circuits. The California State License Board (CSLB) puts it this way: an electrical contractor is someone who “places, installs, erects or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells or any part thereof…” You get the picture. It’s the whole shebang.

But getting there means you have to pass the CSLB state exam, and that’s where things can get a little tricky. It’s not just about knowing your trade; it’s about proving it in a timed, high-pressure setting.

Taking the leap to get your C-10 license is a big step, but it’s one that can completely change your career. It opens the door to higher earnings, more control over your work, and the satisfaction of building something of your own. So, take the time to prepare properly. See how you stack up with some free C-10 electrical questions, and get ready to pass that exam. You’ve got this.