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Prepare for All 3 Florida General 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
Compare Prep Packages Check License Eligibility

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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.

Most Popular

Online Package

$2,699.10 $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

$2,789.10 $3,099

Save $309.90 with code 10OFF

Best for: Structured, instructor-led preparation

Work through an intensive live program with direct instructor interaction.

Only $100 more than Online and includes 32 hours of live instructor-led preparation.

  • 32 hours of live instruction
  • 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
  • Live instruction: 32 hours
  • Attendance: In person or Zoom
  • Self-paced online course: Not included
View Live Class Options

Best Value

Full Service Package

$4,229.10 $4,699

Save $469.90 with code 10OFF

Best for: Complete online, live and licensing support

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

Combines online preparation, live instruction and additional licensing support.

  • Online and live preparation
  • Tabbed and highlighted reference book set
  • Supplemental study references
  • Licensing start-up consultation

CEI Pass Promise eligibility

Online access after enrollment, plus live seat and consultation scheduling.

View complete details
  • Learning format: Online and live
  • Live instruction: 32 hours
  • Online course access: 12 months
  • Licensing support: Start-up consultation
Choose Full Service
Feature Online Package $2,999 Live Package $3,099 Full Service Package $4,699
Learning format
Self-paced online lessons
Instructor-led sessions
In-person or Zoom attendance
Course access
Online course access period12 months 12 months
Live preparation hours 32 hours 32 hours
Reference materials
Exam-permitted reference set
Tabbed and highlighted reference books
Supplemental study references
Practice tools
Practice quizzes
Simulated exams
Instruction and support
Instructor support
Student services support
Licensing guidance
Licensing start-up consultation
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

32 hours 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

32 hours with an instructor, in person or via Zoom.

Exam books

Books Allowed Into the Florida General 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 14-book tabbed and highlighted set; Full Service adds 4 supplemental references.

View the book set on its own

Licensing overview

What It Takes to Become a Licensed Florida General Contractor

Florida's general contractor license is one of the most important credentials in construction. The licensing process confirms that you have the experience, financial responsibility and technical knowledge needed to manage large projects. CEI's programs help you prepare for the three required state exams while you work through the application path with the DBPR.

Three contractors reviewing plans on a laptop at a job site

Experience or education pathway

The state reviews several combinations of construction experience, supervision and education. Common pathways include at least four years of qualifying experience or a combination of experience and college credit.

Financial and background review

Applicants must meet financial responsibility requirements and pass a criminal background review. 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 and bonding

Once approved, candidates must satisfy the state's insurance and bonding requirements 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 and receive your prepared reference set.

  3. Follow your study plan and practice

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

  4. Schedule and sit for your exams

    Register for your exam sections and apply what you have studied.

Reviews

What Candidates Say

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Why contractors choose CEI

Why Florida Contractors Choose CEI

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

Florida-specific exam preparation

Preparation built around the Florida General 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 adds 32 hours of instructor-led preparation, in person or on Zoom. Full Service combines both formats and adds licensing support. Compare every feature in the packages section above.

Do I qualify for a Florida General 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 about your situation.

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. Students must meet exam-timing, course-access and score-report submission requirements. The Pass Promise is not a refund, guarantee of passing or unlimited extension. Review the complete terms before enrolling.

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

Business & Finance is 120 questions in 6.5 hours. Contract Administration is 60 questions in 4.5 hours. Project Management is 60 questions in 4.5 hours. All three are open book, multiple choice and require a 70% score to pass, and each one is taken at a state-approved testing center.

Is the exam open book?

Yes. All Florida contractor exams are open book, and a complete book set for referencing questions and answers during the exam is required. The permitted reference list is set by the state, so check the current list for your exam date.

How do I find upcoming live class dates and locations?

Current class dates and locations are listed on the Live Package and Full Service Package product pages. Students attend the location they register for; if you need to change locations, call customer service.

Can I speak with someone before I enroll?

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

Why should I enroll with CEI?

CEI programs pinpoint the most current topics and questions from the state exam, and the curriculum is written by a team of licensed instructors who have taken the exams themselves.

What experience is required?

Florida recognizes several combinations of construction and supervisory experience, with education able to substitute for part of it in some cases. Because the qualifying combinations are set by the state and change over time, confirm your pathway with the state or with a CEI licensing specialist before applying.

What are the three exam sections?

Business & Finance (120 questions), Contract Administration (60 questions) and Project Management (60 questions). Every CEI package on this page is designed to prepare you for all three.

What score do I need to pass?

A score of at least 70% is required, and each of the three exams is scored separately.

Which reference books are required?

The state publishes the reference list for each exam section and updates it periodically. CEI supplies a prepared reference set for the exams covered on this page; the titles and editions included with your package are listed on the product page.

Do exam-ready books arrive tabbed and highlighted?

Yes. CEI exam-ready books arrive professionally tabbed and highlighted, including the books for the Business & Finance exam.

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

Yes. The book set can be purchased on its own.

View the General Contractor book bundle

Is the self-paced package with the books enough to pass my exam?

It is designed to be comprehensive, covering all areas and components of the exam, for students who prefer to prepare at their own pace and on their own schedule. Telephone access to instructors is also included.

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

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

Can CEI help me register for my state exam?

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

Which payment methods are accepted?

All major credit cards are accepted for registration.

What work can a Florida certified general contractor perform?

A certified general contractor may build, remodel, repair or demolish commercial and residential structures without limits on size or height, including work on structural elements such as foundations, load-bearing walls and roofs. Building and residential contractor licenses cover narrower scopes, so confirm which classification matches the work you plan to do.

What is the difference between a certified and a registered contractor in Florida?

A certified contractor passes the state exam and holds a statewide license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which can be used anywhere in Florida. A registered contractor holds a local competency license and may only work in the jurisdictions where that license is recognized. CEI programs prepare candidates for the state certification exams.

How long does it take to get a Florida general contractor license?

Timelines vary by candidate. Most of the schedule is set by how quickly you prepare for and sit the three state exams and how long the state takes to review your application, experience documentation and financial responsibility materials. Self-paced students often study over several weeks, while live classes run on scheduled dates listed on the product pages.

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.

Compare Prep Packages Talk to a Licensing Specialist

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

Ready?

Talk to an Advisor

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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