Understanding the CSLB’s statistics and structure is eye-opening. The reality is that their primary function is to award (or "sell") contractor licenses and to fine unlicensed contractors or those out of compliance with workers' compensation requirements. These actions are the most cost-effective for the CSLB and help minimize their own risk and exposure. The system is intentionally structured this way. Even their public-facing website contains loopholes that prevent true transparency regarding a contractor’s license history — unless you know how to access properly.