How to Ace the Exam for a General Contractor’s License in Florida

Florida can be a great place to live and work, especially for those whose businesses rely in part on the weather. The construction industry is thriving in the Sunshine State. But for someone starting out, the process of attaining a contractor’s license can seem daunting. One requirement that must be mastered is the contractor’s exam. Here are some tips for preparing for and passing the test.

The Most Important Florida Contractor’s License Requirement

There are a lot of steps to follow in the  licensing process. Most of it is a matter of getting paperwork and documents together, and making sure one is carrying proper insurances. But no matter how many past employers sign an application, new contractors still must prove their skills. This is where the all-important contractor’s exam comes in. To obtain a shiny new certified contractor’s license in Florida, all parts of this test must be passed.

Components of the Florida Contractor’s Licensing Exam

The contractor’s exam contains sections covering the following topics:

  • Business finance
  • Contract administration
  • Project management
  • Estimating
  • Bidding
  • Permitting
  • Site conditions
  • Soil
  • Masonry
  • Framing
  • Building codes and standards
  • Inspections and safety standards

The contractor’s exam is an open-book test. This means applicants can take study materials into the testing area with them. But this is not an excuse to wait until the same day to look at those materials. Preparing beforehand is always a good idea with any kind of exam, especially one that determines the future of your career. Study materials can be bought online, or borrowed from a library. An excellent idea is signing up for an online contractor test course. There are plenty to choose from that vary in length and scope. Those with on-the-job experience should consider taking a refresher course to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the testing room.

Making the Arrangements for Your Test

The contractor’s exam is offered six times per year. Contractors need to set up the testing date and time themselves; the state does not set this up. Professional Testing Inc., handles testing for Florida contractor exams. Making the appointment a month or two in advance is recommended. There is a $135 testing fee which must be paid 30 days prior to the exam. The test is a two-day, open-book, multiple choice, completely paper-based exam, and all parts must be passed. If you fail one section, you must redo the entire test.

Applicants should arrive at the testing location early. There is a registration process that must take place before your allotted testing time can begin.

Those taking the test should bring along their application packet, any supporting documents, and necessary identification. Any instructions provided when applying or making the appointment should be reviewed and followed precisely.

Passing the Test

Beginning a new career as a general contractor can be very rewarding, with the right experience and the drive to pursue it. Attaining a contractor’s license in Florida doesn’t have to be complicated, either. With the right amount of preparation, the license is as good as yours.

At Contractors Reporting Services, our expertise is helping new contractors take and pass their exam and then get all their paperwork and compliance requirements handled for them so the process is easy and simple with CRS at your side. If you want our expertise in all phases of your Florida Contractors Exam process, please give us a call today at (800) 487-2084.

Contractors Reporting Services
13795 N Nebraska Ave,
Tampa, FL 33613
1-800-487-2084
https://activatemylicense.com

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