California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

What document must a contractor submit to initiate a payment for completed work?

1. A final Certificate of Payment

2. A proposal for change

3. A final Application for Payment

4. A lien release

The correct answer is: A final Application for Payment

The document required to initiate a payment for completed work is the final Application for Payment. This document serves as a formal request from the contractor to the client or owner, indicating that the work described has been completed in accordance with the contract. It typically includes information such as the amount due, details of the work performed, and may be accompanied by supporting documentation such as invoices or receipts. Submitting a final Application for Payment is a critical step in the payment process, representing the contractor's assertion that all conditions for payment have been met and final work is satisfactory. It enables the client to review the work completed and ensure all contractual obligations have been fulfilled before releasing funds. Other options, such as a final Certificate of Payment and a proposal for change, are different stages or aspects of the contract management process and do not directly initiate payment. A lien release relates to the contractor's assurance that there are no further claims against the property but is also not the document that triggers the payment process.