welcome to the forum andrew. i don't know much about your test (seeing how i'm from mississippi right now), but from what i heard from everyone when i was getting ready to take my test...the best thing to study is the california hawkers study guide. it is set up as a multiple choice test, but gives the correct answer after the options, and then gives a real good explination of why. you can usually get it on ebay for around $15. the thing about the test before sponsor/sponsor before test...really depends on the person that's going to sponsor you. I had my sponsor before taking the test, but then there are those that just won't sponsor anyone who hasn't taken the test to prove they are really interested. i'd ask around and see what the potential sponsors had to say though. good luck getting started....and i hope i helped a little.