California CSLB C-9 — Drywall Exam Prep

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Your access starts when you do: the days begin the first time you open the course, not at checkout (or 14 days after purchase, whichever comes first).

Business & Law is 75% off with this classification. Add it only if you want it, for the same term: $24.75 for 30 days, $32.25 for 60 days, $42.25 for 90 days.

Official sitting

California CSLB C-9 Drywall exam at a glance

The California CSLB C-9 Drywall exam has a time limit of 3 hours 30 minutes, and it is closed book. CSLB also requires a separate Law and Business exam. Figures are from CSLB’s published exam information, checked September 26, 2026.

Time3 hours 30 minutes

Confirm question count, time, open-book rules, and passing score on the live board bulletin before you sit. We do not guarantee a passing result. Source: CSLB C09StudyGuide.pdf (on/after 12/1/2025), checked September 26, 2026. How we source exam facts

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What’s included

18,000+ word study guide

Worked calculations, code-section breakdowns, exam traps, a key-terms glossary and a 30/60/90-day plan.

5 full-length practice exams

Original questions weighted to match the topic mix of the real exam.

500 practice questions

Every one with a written explanation and the code section behind the answer.

Same study guide and four exams on every term. You are choosing how long you can log in.

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What’s on the California CSLB C-9 Drywall exam

CSLB’s study guide divides the C-9 exam into five weighted sections. Installation and Repair carries the most weight at 32%, and together with Safety (19%) it makes up 51% of the exam. Preparation, Framing, and Layout is the smallest share at 14%.

California CSLB C-9 Drywall exam sections and their share of the exam
SectionShare of exam
Planning and Estimating18%
Preparation, Framing, and Layout14%
Installation and Repair32%
Finishing17%
Safety19%

The C-9 exam is closed book: no reference materials may be used during the test. Questions are multiple choice with four options, and there is no penalty for guessing, so leave nothing blank.

Source: CSLB Drywall (C-9) examination study guide. These weightings are the Board’s own, not our estimate. Contractor Pathway is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by CSLB.

What this prep covers

  1. 8 Estimating and Layout
  2. 6 Contractor Financial Limits
  3. 4 Fastening Requirements
  4. 6 Metal Framing for Drywall
  5. 2 Framing Layout and Preparation
  6. 10 Board-Foot and Linear-Foot Measurement
  7. 7 Furring and Resilient Channel
  8. 2 Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies
  9. 3 Sound-Rated Assemblies (STC Ratings)
  10. 3 Ergonomic Hazards in Drywall Work
  11. 4 Stilt Safety
  12. 5 Scaffolding Requirements
  13. 7 Permits and Inspections
  14. 4 Multi-Layer Application
  15. 6 Texturing
  16. 7 Drywall Repair Techniques
  17. 1 Sample Questions by Subject Area
  18. 1 Key Code References
  19. 2 Quick-Reference Numbers
  20. 1 CBC Chapter 25 -- Gypsum Board and Plaster
  21. 5 Joint Treatment and Levels of Finish
  22. 1 Jobsite Conditions and Storage
  23. 3 Board Hanging Techniques
  24. 5 Finishing Techniques
  25. 9 Common Defects and Quality Control
  26. 1 Cal/OSHA Overview
  27. 2 Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
  28. 6 Fall Protection
  29. 7 Silica and Dust Exposure
  30. 8 Hazard Communication (HazCom)
  31. 9 Electrical Safety
  32. 10 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  33. 1 CSLB Licensing Requirements
  34. 2 Contractor Bond Requirements
  35. 3 Home Improvement Contracts
  36. 4 Mechanics Liens
  37. 5 Contractor Disciplinary Actions
  38. 10 Advertising Requirements
  39. 8 Insurance Requirements
  40. 9 Employee vs. Independent Contractor

Related California CSLB exams

Common questions about this exam

Do I also need the Law and Business exam in California?

Yes. CSLB requires every applicant to pass the separate Law and Business exam in addition to the C-9 trade exam. That exam has 3 hours 30 minutes. California CSLB Law & Business prep is 75% off when you add it to this classification for the same term.

How much practice does this prep include?

It includes 5 full-length practice exams and 500 practice questions in total. Every question has a written explanation naming the code section the answer comes from.

How long is the study guide?

The California CSLB C-9 Drywall guide runs to roughly 18,001 words in 40 sections, starting with “8 Estimating and Layout” and ending with “9 Employee vs. Independent Contractor”.

How long do I get access?

Choose 30, 60 or 90 days at checkout. Your days do not start at checkout: they begin the first time you open the course (or 14 days after purchase, whichever comes first). Access works on any device, and you can retake every practice exam as often as you like. Days remaining are shown in your dashboard and you can extend at any time.

Is this an official California CSLB C-9 Drywall exam?

No. This is independent preparation material. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state licensing board or exam vendor, and it does not contain real exam questions. Always confirm current requirements with your licensing board.

About this prep

This prep is built specifically for the C-9 — Drywall examination and includes a 18,000+-word study guide written for this exam, 5 full-length practice exams and 500 practice questions, each with a written explanation.

How access works

You are paying for access length (30, 60, or 90 days). The study guide and four timed exams are the same on every term. Your days start the first time you open the course, not at checkout (or 14 days after purchase, whichever comes first), and access works on any device for that term.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by any state licensing board or exam vendor. For exam-preparation purposes only.