What's involved in the Florida Contractors License Exam?

This is a 2-day, 18-hour test. Each exam consists of three (3) separate sections administered over two (2) days. Each day consists of a 4 hour and 30 minute AM session and a 4 hour and 30 minute PM session.

 

The builder exam is open book. We highly recommend that you prepare as if the test were closed book. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers some very specific guidelines as to what construction reference materials you may bring to the contractors license exam and how you may mark the pages in the books. The reference materials must be listed on the reference list. Your materials may be underlined and/or highlighted. The books may not contain post-it notes, pull-off labels, or removable tabs.

 

If you forget the answer to a question during the contractors license exam, having the reference books will allow you to quickly find the answer and complete the builder exam within the time allowed. Going into the construction exam with your toolbox filled and organized will give you the greatest chance of success. The old construction saying, "Measure twice, cut once," applies here as “Study twice, test once.”

 

One the biggest, if not the main reason, roughly 70% of people fail this exam is because their ego gets the better of them. What test-takers fail to understand is that the test is designed to filter out and financially punish those who are not paying close enough attention to the details of each question. The state generates revenue with each administered test so its advantageous of the state to make the test a little tricky, while at the same time it guarantees the contractors truly know the material. The several thousand dollar investment is substantial. We want you to pass the exam the first time so be ready to read in detail.

In Balance can help you answer the following questions and many more:
1. What type of license do I need?
2. What are the requirements to qualify for the license?
3. Do I need to invest in a home study, if so what should I look for?
4. How do I register with the state to take the exam?

 

After you pass all the required parts of the exam you are allowed to apply for certification. To apply for certification you will need to provide the appropriate licensing fee, proof of insurance, and any other applicable documents.

 

Contact us to learn more about the exam, or to receive Florida Contractors License Application Assistance and Preparation Materials. We follow the old adage with a twist, “Prepare twice, apply once,” to exceed your expectations and make the daunting process as easy as possible.

 

In Balance, Inc. will handle all your registration paperwork and explain the requirements for the application process once you have passed the exam.

 

I passed the exam now what do I do?
In Balance Inc. will process and expedite your application In order to obtain your state contractor's license number in order to legally work in the State of Florida as a Certified Contractor in the following categories:

License Categories:

• General
• Building
• Residential
• Sheet Metal
• Roofing
• Class A & B Air Conditioning
• Air Conditioning Service
• Mechanical
• Commercial Pool/Spa
• Residential Pool/Spa
• Swimming Pool/Spa Service
• Plumbing
• Underground Utility and Excavation
• Residential Solar Water Heating Specialty
• Solar
• Specialty Structure
• Pollutant Storage System Specialty
• Gypsum Drywall Specialty
• Gas Line Specialty
• Internal Pollutant Storage Tank Lining Applicator
• Precision Tank Tester
• Specialty Glass and Glazing
• Swimming Pool Specialties

Applicants can apply as a Registered Contractor or a Certified Contractor as classified by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

A "Registered Contractor" means the applicant has taken and passed a local competency examination and can practice only within that locale.
A "Certified Contractor" meants the applicant has taken and passed an examination and can practice throughout Florida.

 

Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions about the exam, requirements, and Florida contractors licensing in general for more information, or give us a call (239-774-5100) or email today.