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Prepare for All 3 Florida Building Contractor Exams

Choose self-paced online preparation, live instructor-led training, or a complete package combining both, along with tabbed and highlighted reference books and expert guidance.

  • Order today and your book set ships the next business day
  • Reference books arrive tabbed and highlighted for you
  • Study online, by Zoom, or in a classroom

Backed by the CEI Pass Promise

¿Prefieres prepararte en español? Ver opciones en español.

99% exam pass rate
200,000+ professionals trained

Choose your prep

Three Options. One Goal: Pass All Three Exams.

Every package covers Business & Finance, Contract Administration and Project Management. Choose the format that fits your schedule and the level of support you want.

Online Package

Sale price $2,699.10 Regular price $2,999

Save $299.90 with code 10OFF

Best for: Flexible, independent study

Prepare on your own schedule with self-paced lessons, quizzes and practice exams.

  • Self-paced online course
  • Tabbed and highlighted reference book set
  • Practice quizzes and simulated exams
  • 12 months of online course access

CEI Pass Promise eligibility

Online access after enrollment; reference materials ship separately.

View complete details
  • Learning format: Self-paced online
  • Online course access: 12 months
  • Practice tools: Quizzes and simulated exams
  • Live instruction: Not included
Choose Online Prep

Live Package

Sale price $2,789.10 Regular price $3,099

Save $309.90 with code 10OFF

Best for: Structured, instructor-led preparation

Work through an intensive live program with direct instructor interaction.

Adds live classes with an instructor, in a Florida classroom or on Zoom.

  • Live instructor-led classes
  • In-person or Zoom attendance
  • Tabbed and highlighted reference book set
  • Instructor-led reference and exam strategies

CEI Pass Promise eligibility

Seat confirmed at enrollment; class dates are listed on the product page.

View complete details
  • Learning format: Live instructor-led
  • Attendance: In person or Zoom
  • Self-paced online course: Not included
View Live Class Options

Best Value

Full Service Package

Sale price $4,229.10 Regular price $4,699

Save $469.90 with code 10OFF

Best for: Complete online and live preparation

Bring flexible online study, live instruction and prepared materials together.

Combines online preparation and live instruction in one package.

  • Online and live preparation
  • Tabbed and highlighted reference book set
  • Practice quizzes and simulated exams
  • 12 months of online course access

CEI Pass Promise eligibility

Online access after enrollment, plus live seat scheduling.

View complete details
  • Learning format: Online and live
  • Attendance: In person or Zoom
  • Online course access: 12 months
  • Practice tools: Quizzes and simulated exams
Choose Full Service
Feature comparison of CEI Florida Building Contractor preparation packages
Feature Online Package $2,699.10 $2,999 Live Package $2,789.10 $3,099 Full Service Package $4,229.10 $4,699
Learning format
Self-paced online lessons Included Not included Included
Instructor-led sessions Not included Included Included
In-person or Zoom attendance Not included Included Included
Course access
Online course access period 12 months Not included 12 months
Reference materials
Exam-permitted reference set Included Included Included
Tabbed and highlighted reference books Included Included Included
Practice tools
Practice quizzes Included Not included Included
Simulated exams Included Not included Included
Instruction and support
Instructor support Included Included Included
Student services support Included Included Included
Pass Promise
CEI Pass Promise Eligible* Eligible* Eligible*

*Eligibility and terms apply.

CEI Pass Promise: More Time to Prepare—If You Need It

Eligible students who do not pass may receive one complimentary three-month extension to the online portion of their CEI course. Score-report, exam-timing and submission requirements apply.

Review Pass Promise terms

CEI Pass Promise terms

The Pass Promise gives eligible students additional time to prepare. It does not guarantee a passing result.

What eligible students may receive

  • One complimentary three-month extension to the online portion of the CEI course.
  • The extension applies to online course access only.

Requirements that apply

  • Exam-timing requirements: exams must be taken within the timeframe stated in your course terms.
  • Course-access requirements: your CEI course access must be current.
  • Submission requirements: an official score report must be submitted as instructed.

What the Pass Promise is not

  • It is not a refund.
  • It is not a guarantee of passing.
  • It is not unlimited access or a free exam retake.

Eligibility, timing and submission details are confirmed by CEI at enrollment. Review the complete terms before enrolling.

What Every Package Includes

These materials come with all three packages. Instruction and support vary by format.

Exam-permitted reference set

The references you are allowed to use during the exams.

Tabbed and highlighted for you

CEI tabs and highlights every book before it ships, so study time goes into learning instead of marking pages.

Next-business-day shipping

Book sets ship the next business day, so you can start studying right away.

Start-up guidance

Where to begin and how to work with your reference set.

Instructor support

Ask questions about the material as you study.

Instruction and support by format

Self-paced online course

Lessons organized by exam section, available after enrollment.

Practice quizzes and simulated exams

Timed practice built around the exam format.

Live instruction

Live classes with an instructor, in person or via Zoom.

Supplemental study references

Study aids that sit alongside the exam-permitted references.

Licensing start-up consultation

A guided session on the licensing and application process.

Self-paced online course

Lessons organized by exam section, available after enrollment.

Practice quizzes and simulated exams

Timed practice built around the exam format.

Live instruction

Live classes with an instructor, in person or via Zoom.

Exam books

Books Allowed Into the Florida Building Contractor Exams

All three exams are open book. CEI packages include the tabbed and highlighted reference set you bring into the exam room, so you spend your study time learning instead of prepping books.

Blueprints, a hard hat and drafting tools on a workbench

Reference set

  • Florida Contractor's Manual
  • Builder's Guide to Accounting
  • AIA A201 2017 — General Conditions of the Contract for Construction
  • AIA A401 2017 — Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor
  • AIA A701 2018 — Instructions to Bidders
  • Code of Federal Regulations (OSHA) 29 Part 1926
  • Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida
  • BCSI-ED2-D “Guide to Good Practices for Handling, Installing and Bracing of Metal Connected Wood Trusses”
  • Florida Building Code — Building
  • Florida Building Code — Accessibility
  • Florida Building Code — Residential
  • Florida Building Code — Existing Building
  • Florida Building Code — Energy Conservation
  • Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction

Permanent tabs and highlighting are allowed in the exam room. Every package includes the tabbed and highlighted set for all three exams.

View the book set on its own

Licensing overview

What It Takes to Become a Licensed Florida Building Contractor

A Florida certified building contractor can build, remodel and repair commercial and residential buildings of up to three stories. The state confirms your experience, financial responsibility and technical knowledge before issuing the license. CEI's programs help you prepare for the three required state exams.

Three contractors reviewing plans on a laptop at a job site

Experience or education pathway

Florida accepts several combinations: four years of experience (at least one as a foreman), a four-year degree in engineering, architecture or building construction plus one year of experience, or a mix of experience and college credit. A certified residential contractor with three years of licensed experience may also qualify.

Financial and background review

Applicants must meet financial responsibility requirements, including credit reports, and pass a fingerprint-based background check. The DBPR sets the exact criteria and may require additional documentation.

Pass all three exam sections

Every candidate must pass Business & Finance, Contract Administration and Project Management with a 70% or higher. All three exams are open book and taken at a state-approved testing center.

Insurance

Once approved, candidates must carry general liability and property damage insurance and workers' compensation coverage, or an exemption, before activating the license.

Check your license path

How it works

From Enrollment to Exam Day

  1. Choose your preparation format

    Online, live or full service, based on your schedule and the support you want.

  2. Receive access and materials

    Get started online or reserve your class dates, and receive your prepared reference set.

  3. Follow your study plan and practice

    Work exam by exam, then test yourself with timed practice.

  4. Schedule and sit for your exams

    Register for your exams and apply what you have studied.

Reviews

What Candidates Say

Why contractors choose CEI

Why Florida Contractors Choose CEI

CEI helps candidates prepare for the Florida Building Contractor exams with structured instruction, prepared reference materials and flexible learning formats.

Florida-specific exam preparation

Preparation built around the Florida Building Contractor exams and the references they permit.

Reference books tabbed and highlighted for you

Your reference set arrives tabbed and highlighted so you can find answers quickly under time pressure.

Online and instructor-led formats

Study self-paced, attend live in person or on Zoom, or combine both in one program.

Experienced instructional support

Instruction covers the exam material and how to work with your references on exam day.

¿Prefieres prepararte en español?

Explora las opciones de preparación disponibles en español para contratistas de Florida.

Ver opciones en español

FAQ

Questions Candidates Ask Before Enrolling

What is the difference between the online, live and full service packages?

Online is self-paced study with practice tools. Live is instructor-led preparation, in a Florida classroom or on Zoom. Full Service combines both formats. Compare every feature in the packages section above.

Do I qualify for a Florida Building Contractor license?

Florida determines license eligibility, not CEI. The state reviews areas such as minimum age, an experience or education pathway, the exams, and background, financial responsibility and insurance requirements. Use the license path guide on this page for an overview, or speak with a licensing specialist.

How long is each Florida Building Contractor exam, and how many questions are there?

Business & Finance is 120 questions in 6.5 hours. Contract Administration is 50 questions in 4.5 hours. Project Management is 50 questions in 4.5 hours. Each exam is open book and multiple choice, and requires a 70% score to pass.

Is the exam open book?

Yes. Florida contractor exams are open book, and permanent tabs and highlighting are allowed. The permitted reference list is set by the state, so check the current list for your exam date.

Can I purchase an exam-ready book set without taking a course?

Yes. The tabbed and highlighted book set can be purchased on its own.

View the Building Contractor book set

How do I find upcoming live class dates and locations?

Current class dates, locations and Zoom options are listed on the Live Package and Full Service Package product pages. If you need to change dates or locations, call customer service.

How does the CEI Pass Promise work?

Eligible students may receive one complimentary three-month extension to the online portion of their course if they do not pass. Eligibility and terms apply; review the full terms in the Pass Promise section on this page.

What is the difference between a building and a general contractor license?

A general contractor has no limit on building size or height. A building contractor is limited to commercial and residential buildings of up to three stories, and a residential contractor is limited to one-, two- and three-family homes of up to two habitable stories.

Can I speak with someone before I enroll?

Yes. Call (800) 423-7058 to talk with a licensing specialist about which option fits your schedule and goals. The CEI office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.

Can CEI help me register for my state exam?

Yes. Call (800) 423-7058 for CEI customer service and support with exam registration.

Can I upgrade my online course to include live classes later?

Yes. Students may upgrade to any package above the one they originally purchased. Call (800) 423-7058 and a member of the staff can process the upgrade fee.

Are Spanish preparation options available?

Yes. Spanish-language preparation options for Florida contractors are available in the Spanish collection linked on this page.

Ready to Start Preparing?

Compare preparation formats and choose the level of instruction and support that fits your schedule.

CEI provides exam preparation and licensing education. Florida determines license eligibility and issues contractor licenses.

License guidance

Check Your Florida License Path

Answer a few questions to understand which requirements you may need to review. CEI can provide education and application guidance, but Florida determines final license eligibility.

Step 1 of 4

Which license are you working toward?

CEI provides education and licensing guidance. Florida determines final eligibility and issues contractor licenses.

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