Most contractor license applicants have to pass two exams: a trade/classification exam and a separate Business & Law exam covering contract law, licensing regulations, insurance, taxes, and business management. Contractor Pathway builds an original, exam-focused study guide plus four full-length practice exams for the states that require a dedicated Business & Law (or Business & Finance) exam.
Business & Law prep is 75% off with any trade purchase
If you’re buying a trade-classification course from us (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, general building, or another classification that sits that exam) for a state that requires a Business & Law exam, our Business & Law study guide and practice exams can be added at 75% off. Bought alone, the course is full price. The standalone Business & Law courses listed below are for candidates who want only the business/law exam prep (for example, if you’re renewing a business-only credential, or already have trade exam prep from elsewhere).
Business & Law requirements vary by state
Not every state tests business and law as a separate exam — some states fold basic business questions into the trade exam itself, and others don’t test it at all at the state level. Where a state does require it, the exam vendor, question count, and specific statutes/regulations covered are unique to that state’s contractor licensing law. Always confirm the current exam format and passing score with your state board before you schedule — Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with any state board or testing vendor.
Choose your state
The standalone courses below are grouped by state. Remember: if you’re also buying a trade classification for the same state, you likely already have Business & Law access included.
This is the business exam (Law & Business, CMS, or Business & Finance) — a second paper, not a trade license. It does not by itself let you bid electrical, plumbing, or building work. If you buy a classification that sits this exam, this paper is 75% off where we offer it.
Business & Law exam prep — frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy Business & Law separately?
Not if you’re buying a trade-classification course for a classification that sits that exam — you can add it at 75% off where we offer it. Buy the standalone course only if you specifically need business/law-only prep.
What does the Business & Law exam cover?
Typical topics include contract law and lien rights, licensing statutes and regulations, workers’ compensation and insurance requirements, tax obligations (state and federal), safety regulations (including OSHA where applicable), and general business management and estimating. The exact statutes tested are specific to each state — our guides are built against your state’s own licensing law.
Is the Business & Law exam open book?
This varies by state and exam vendor — some allow a reference book or state statute book, others are closed-book. Confirm the exact format with your state board or testing vendor’s candidate bulletin.
How long should I study?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on their experience — which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan for whichever term you choose.
I don’t see my state listed — what should I do?
Many states don’t require a separate Business & Law exam, or the business content is tested inside the trade exam itself. Check your trade classification’s course description, or your state’s state page, to confirm whether Business & Law prep is already included.