FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Wow, that’s a big question! Let’s cover some basic information and please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.

The Business & Finance Exam is an open-book computer-based examination administered by Pearson-Vue authorized testing centers. These centers are located throughout the United States and you do not need to be in Florida to take the exam. You simply schedule a time and location that works for you.

The exam will consist of 120 graded questions and 5 pilot questions; (these are new questions that do not count for or against you). You will have 6.5 hours to complete the examination, which gives you approximately 3 minutes to answer each question.

Remember, the exam is open book! Therefore you need to be familiar with layout and content of each book on the exam in order to be able to find the correct page and paragraph, and answer the question correctly within 3 minutes.

The Trade Knowledge Exam is an open-book sit-down examination administered by Professional Testing, Inc. every even month throughout the year. These exams are administered in only 3 locations in Florida: Tallahassee, Kissimmee, & Miami.

For General, Builder & Residential Licenses, the exam will consist of 2 separate exams given back-to-back on the same day. You will have 4.75 hours to complete each examination, which includes Contract Administration in the morning and Project Management in the afternoon. Collectively, these 2 exams are called “Trade Knowledge”. Each exam will feature a set amount of graded questions plus 5 pilot questions; (these are new questions that do not count for or against you).

  • General: 60 graded questions per exam / 4.4 min. per question
  • Building: 50 graded question per exam / 5.2 min. per question
  • Residential: 45 graded question per exam / 5.7 min. per question

For most other license types, the exam consists of a single “Trade Knowledge” exam, and this will either be computer-based or a sit-down exam, depending on the license type. You can get more information at myfloridalicense.com

Remember, the exams are open book! Therefore you need to be familiar with layout and content of each book on the exam in order to be able to find the correct page and paragraph and answer the question correctly within 4 to 5 minutes (for General, Building & Residential exams).

The following are general requirements for any license type:

Age: You must be at least 18.

Examination: You must pass the Business & Finance Exam and the Trade Knowledge Exam with a minimum score of 70% prior to submitting your application.

Experience/Education: You need to have 4 years of construction experience or a combination of education and experience. 1 year of your experience must be in the role of a foreman or supervisor in the category of licensure you are applying for!!

Financial/Credit: You must submit a credit report that includes a FICO derived credit score of 660 or higher as proof of financial stability and responsibility. Additional actions must be taken if your credit score is below 660.

Fingerprints: You must have a criminal background check and electronic fingerprinting done as part of the application process.

Insurance: You must attest to the fact that you have obtained public liability and property damage insurance, as well as workers’ compensation insurance or an appropriate exemption thereto.

Fee: You must pay the application fee.

For more specific qualifications go take a look at the application center for the license categories listed below:

  • Air Conditioning: Class A, B & C
  • Building
  • General
  • Internal Pollutant Storage Tank Lining Applicator
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing
  • Pollutant Storage Systems
  • Pool/Spa
    • Class A – Commercial
    • Class B – Residential
    • Class C – Service
  • Precision Tank Tester
  • Residential
  • Roofing
  • Sheet Metal
  • Solar
  • Specialty
    • Drywall
    • Demolition
    • Gas Line
    • Glass and Glazing
    • Industrial Facilities
    • Irrigation
    • Marine
    • Residential Pool/Spa Servicing
    • Solar Water Heating
    • Structure
    • Swimming Pool Decking
    • Swimming Pool Excavation
    • Swimming Pool Finishes
    • Swimming Pool Layout
    • Swimming Pool Piping
    • Swimming Pool Structural
    • Swimming Pool Trim
    • Tower
  • Underground Utility and Excavation

We support every student and allow access to our (Learning Program) by the original purchaser for six months from the date of order. This timeline corresponds with the typical time blocks the State uses to specify Exam Reference Books. Students should NOT buy books or learning material if they are not able to prepare for and complete their exams in the near future or definitely within this six month time frame. The book versions change and the information on the exams change.

All licensees must pass a Business & Finance section and a Trade Knowledge section.
The Business & Finance section is the same exam for all license classification.
The Trade Knowledge section is obviously unique to each individual trade.
For Residential, Builder, and General contractors, the Trade Knowledge section is broken into two separate examinations. A Contract Administration exam and a Project Management exam which both must be passed individually to obtain a license

A minimum score of 70% is required on all exam sections.

Yes. This is an open book test and exam reference books are required.

Yes you can definitely save money with our exam-ready book rental.
However we sell the exam book package at a discounted price and contractors who intend on activating their license will purchase most of these books to utilize in their profession. Such as the Florida Building Codes, Florida licensing laws, the OSHA regulations, etc.

No. An integral step in preparing for the exam is going over the information you will be tested on. Out of over 8,000 pages of material, we’re showing you exactly which 20-25% to zero in on. You do not want to wait until exam day to look at this information. You should review the highlighted & tabbed pages and get experience of using the reference books to locate answers. This will give you the best chance of passing. You must embrace the concept of an open book test, and the more familiar you are with the books prior to the exam the easier it will be to pass.

Yes. We definitely encourage you (try before you buy) and we allow you to experience a fully functional demo. We would also worn students to be highly skeptical of any school which does not allow you to do the same or simply shows you a small sample of what they are offering you.
To view a fully functional demo, please click here.

If you follow our proven teaching methods you can prepare for the exam on your schedule, at your pace, and using the best in interactive e-learning technology. Want to know more? Watch the Video.