Cram Package: General Contractor License Exam Prep

$3,299.00

CEI’s Florida General Contractor License Cram Package is an intensive, in-person 4-day FL GC course offered in a live classroom setting to help set you up for success. Our live, instructor-led exam course prepares students for both Trade Knowledge (Contract Administration and Project Management) and Business & Finance exams and includes the following:

In-Person Classroom Setting - Benefit from face-to-face learning with peers and instructors in a supportive, structured environment where you can ask questions and deep-dive into the critical thinking required for the Florida General Contractor license exam. Our 4-day Live Cram Class format includes 2 Full 8-hour days dedicated to the Business & Finance exam and 2 full 8-hour days on the Contract Administration and Project Management exams.
Live Instructor Interaction - Learn from highly qualified expert instructors with exam-proven strategies, ensuring you're guided by experts who have helped countless students pass their Florida General Contractor license exams.
License Exam Sample Questions - Test your knowledge through our practice exams, which simulate the real exam experience to build confidence in Florida General Contractor license course material and time management on exam day to improve your chances of success. Our sample questions reinforce key concepts and track your progress, helping you feel more confident on exam day.
Tabbed & Highlighted Exam Books - A huge advantage: You can bring these specially prepared books into the exam with you, complete with pre-printed tabs to help you navigate to commonly referenced areas quickly during the exam and pre-highlighted books that will save you over 40 hours of study time.

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Cram Package: Business and Finance Exam Preparation Course (Class Date and Location)

Contract Administration and Project Management Exam Preparation Course (Class Date and Location)

Cram Package: General Contractor License Exam Prep

Class Overview
Exam Overview
Books

General Contractor License Exam Preparation Course

Course Introduction:

This Cram Package is carefully crafted and taught by expert and experienced licensed industry professionals and is designed to help you not only pass your Florida General Contractor license exams but also enter your new role as a General Contractor with confidence.

Our Cram Package provides everything you need to get licensed in an expedited timeline. Get exam-ready with 4-day in-person classes, a complete set of approved, tabbed, and highlighted books to pass your open-book exams, and expert guidance to navigate the licensing process.

License Requirements

Obtaining a General Contractor License in Florida

CEI takes the guesswork out of applying and preparing for your General Contractor License exams. Our step-by-step guide outlines all the information needed, including eligibility requirements, exam structure, and the application process.

License Scope

A licensed general contractor can perform structural construction without height restrictions on all types of buildings, including residential, condominium, apartment, commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings.

This license offers the most flexibility in terms of the scope of work that can be undertaken. General contractors can take on any sort of building work, from the ground up, to be as broad as site and structural work, or as limited as a bathroom remodel. General contractors are responsible for liaising with architects, subcontractors, and clients, ensuring that all facets of a project come together seamlessly. A Florida General Contractor license gives you a plethora of flexibility and exciting opportunities in the construction industry.

State Regulations
Florida’s general contractor license requires you to:

Be at least 18 years old.
Complete the contractor application form and pay the necessary application fee.
Pass the state certification exam.
Complete a background check via Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE
Submit credit reports for yourself and business entities, including FICO-derived credit score. You must have a credit score of 660 or higher. If you do not have a credit score of 660 or higher, you can complete an approved 14-hour financial responsibility course.
Obtain public liability, property damage, and workers' compensation insurance or exemptions.

Method of Qualification

To obtain your General Contractor License, you must meet one of the following criteria:

4 years as a worker or 1 year as a foreman

Has a total of at least 4 years of active experience as a worker who has learned the trade by serving an apprenticeship as a skilled worker who is able to command the rate of a mechanic in the particular trade or as a foreman who is in charge of a group of workers and usually reports to a superintendent or a contractor or his or her equivalent, provided, however, that at least 1 year of active experience shall be as a foreman.

4-year degree in a construction-related field and 1 year of experience

Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college in the appropriate field of engineering, architecture, or building construction and has 1 year of proven experience in the category in which you seek to qualify. For the purpose of this exam a minimum of 2,000 person hours shall be used in determining full-time equivalency.

1 year as a foreman and 3 years of college credits

Has a combination of no less than 1 year of experience as a foreman and not less than 3 years of credits for any accredited college-level courses. All junior college or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses.

1 year as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, and 2 years of college credits

Has a combination of no less than 1 year of experience as a skilled worker, 1 year of experience as a foreman, and no less than 2 years of credits for any accredited college-level courses. All junior college or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses.

2 years as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, and 1 year of college credits

Has a combination of no less than 2 years of experience as a skilled worker, 1 year of experience as a foreman, and no less than 1 year of credits for any accredited college-level courses. All junior college or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses.

Is an active certified building contractor with 4 years of experience

An active certified building contractor is eligible to take the general contractor examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 4 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.

Is an active certified residential contractor with 4 years of experience

An active certified residential contractor is eligible to take the general contractor examination if he or she possesses a minimum of 4 years of proven experience in the classification in which he or she is certified.

Additionally, if you served in the military, your experience may count toward the contractor license requirements, and fee waivers, reimbursements, or discounts may be available to you.

For additional information about license or experience qualifications, feel free to book a start-up consultation here to make sure that you are signing up for the correct license based on your experience!

General Contractor Course Florida Course Details

Sarasota, FL
Dates: August 19–22, 2024 | October 21–24, 2024 | November 18–21, 2024
Location: CEI Office at 5016 Calle Minorga, Sarasota, FL 34242

Orlando, FL
Dates: September 10–13, 2024 | October 8–11, 2024 | December 3–6, 2024
Location: Spring Hill Suites by Mariott at 5828 Hazeltine National Drive, Orlando, FL, 32822

Fort Lauderdale, FL
Dates: September 23–26, 2024 | November 4–7, 2024 | December 16–19, 2024
Location: Tamarac Campus of Gold Coast at 5600 Hiatus Road, Tamarac, FL 33321

General Contractor License Exam Preparation

Course Content:

CEI’s General Contractor License Exam Prep course provides everything you need to complete your exam successfully! Thousands of prospective general contractor students have benefited from this course, and passed on their first attempt.

The General Contractor License Exam Prep course includes the following content:

Business and Finance: Covering financial management, accounting principles, and business laws.
Construction Laws and Regulations: State-specific laws, building codes, and safety standards.
Project Management: Techniques for planning, executing, and closing construction projects.
Technical Skills: Hands-on sessions on blueprint reading, estimating, and construction methods.

Course Learning Materials:

Books and Guides: All approved essential textbooks and accompanying study guides are included. The General Contractor license exam is an open-book exam. Our Cram Package provides you with highlighted textbooks and tab inserts you can install that will allow you to find the necessary information during your open-book exams quickly. These highlights and tabs provide quick reference points to the most commonly asked questions on the Florida General Contractor License exam questions.
Practice Exams: Mock exams to test retention and simulate the real test environment will prepare you for exam day.

Live Intensive, In-Person Classes: Led by expert and experienced instructors, students receive 4 intensive full-day live classes offered in multiple locations throughout Florida. These sessions cover 2 days of Business and Finance exam preparation and 2 days of Contract Administration and Project Management preparation. Throughout this general contractor course in Florida, you’ll also benefit from test taking tips, key strategies, and book reviews for a total of 32 hours of classroom training. This includes live class handouts with practice quiz questions.

Instructor Expertise for the General Contractor Course Florida

Expert Instructors: Your instructors are fully licensed experts and experienced professionals with industry knowledge. CEI instructors have helped thousands of students prepare for and pass their licensing exams.

Florida General Contractor Cram Package Course Format:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging and informative presentations from expert and experienced instructors create space for dynamic discussions and hands-on activities that clarify complex construction and business management concepts, using real-world examples tailored to the Florida General Contractor's exam.
Hands-On Learning: In-person classroom experience at one of our on-site locations, conveniently located throughout the state of Florida. Our classroom experiences make the Florida General Contractors license preparation come alive, helping the information stick with you for lasting retention.
Exam-Cram Activities: Instructors share Florida General Contractor license exam secrets and tricks to navigate books and keywords during your open-book exams. These test-taking strategies will boost your confidence and help you manage your time effectively during these timed exams.
Practical Training: Learn practical exercises to apply learned concepts, such as practicing complicated math and accounting problems during class to ensure you have a firm grasp and real-world understanding of these concepts.

Course Assessment and Feedback:

Regular Book Quizzes: These written practice quizzes will help you to test your skills in explaining specific topics, examples, and concepts. These quizzes will also help to ensure you are thoroughly familiar with where to locate all sections and answers for your open-book Florida General Contractors exams.
Simulated Exam: In-class practice exams with a randomized bank of questions from all of the approved books with each new attempt. These exams mimic the real exam environment, helping you become familiar with the format, manage your time effectively, and identify areas where you need further review of the material. This practice builds confidence and significantly increases your chances of passing the actual exam.

Cram Pack General Contractor Florida License Course Final Review:

Comprehensive Review: Set yourself up for success on exam day with a final review and preparation tips. The review zeroes in on the most challenging topics that frequently appear on the Florida General Contractors license exam. It includes a rigorous walkthrough of the exam’s most complex questions, detailed solutions to previous exam problems, and targeted tips for mastering the time management necessary for success.

The road to success begins here. Get licensed and start building your legacy today!

Preparing for the General Contractor’s Exam in Florida

Preparation is critical and knowing what to expect is the first step! The general contractor license Florida exam is divided into three parts. Each part of the general contractor license Florida exam has its own computer-based exam to be completed in one session. All Florida General Contractor License Exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed.

Reference books should be brought to all three open-book parts of the Florida General Contractor License Exams. Permanent book tabs and highlighting in books are allowed for the examinations.

What to Expect on the Florida General Contractor Exam

You must pass a 3-part exam with a score of at least 70% on each exam

Parts 1 and 2: Project Management and Contract Administration
Part 3: Business & Finance Exam

All exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed.

Reference books should be brought to all three open-book exams. Permanent book tabs and highlighting in books are allowed for the examinations.

You can take each part at a state-approved testing facility and register directly with them. We recommend that you split the test over three days, as each part is quite lengthy; splitting them up likely gives you the best chances for success. Each exam can be scheduled at a date, time, and location convenient for the test taker,

All exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed.

Reference books should be brought to all three open book exams. Permanent book tabs and highlighting in books are allowed for the examinations.

Contract Administration and Project Management Exams

The Contract Administration and Project Management examinations (Part 1 & 2) each contain 60 questions. Each computer-based exam will need to be completed within the 4.5 hour time limit.

The Contract Administration examination will consist of 60 questions covering the management and operation activities of a construction company.

The Project Management examination will consist of 60 questions covering managing, controlling, and conducting projects.

Business & Finance Exam

The Business & Finance Exam is a 6.5-hour computer-based exam and consists of 120 questions. It will be administered in one session via computer in the calm atmosphere of a convenient testing center at a time of your choosing.

Detailed information about which questions and topics will be on the Business & Finance exam to evaluate your knowledge in a variety of business and finance areas:

Content Area A: Establishing the Contracting Business	Content Area B: Managing Administrative Duties	Content Area C: Managing Trade Operations	Content Area D: Conducting Accounting Functions	Content Area E: Managing Human Resources
business structure laws and regulations fiduciary responsibilities of officers and directors open vs. closed corporations organizational charts and chain of responsibilities state and local licensure requirements tax advantages and/or liabilities for various business structures accounting practices local marketplace scope of contractor license accountant specialization attorney specialization insurance types and limitations underwriting requirements for bonding advantages/disadvantages of business location advantages/disadvantages of lease vs. purchase accounting practices advantages/disadvantages of various types of insurance coverages and limitations of insurance	availability of staffing for business operation income sources markets and market share FICA advertising costs (business cards, dues, printing, etc.) communication costs (cell phones, land lines, etc.) cost of sales (travel expenses) federal unemployment (FUTA) general liability rates lease expenses loan financing expenses (interest, etc.) Medicare rates rent costs state unemployment (SUTA) utility costs worker’s compensation accounting principles AIA documents business projections/goals current status company overhead contract documents contract law cost of financing projects costs associated with growth general conditions costs of projects how to review contracts how to write offer insurances associated with labor rates labor productivity statute of frauds taxes associated with labor rates components of valid contract depreciative costs fundamentals of Uniform Commercial Code inventory system operation (FIFO, etc.) invoice approval systems negotiating skills purchasing systems receiving systems state sales tax laws statute of frauds vendors in area	basic math skills calculation of percentage of work completed contract/subcontract documents how to prepare invoices/draw requests lien laws drug testing regulations MSDS sheets OSHA regulations general terms and definitions used in policies insurance policies limits of insurance various types of insurance various types of risk contract law contract scope job completion schedules lien laws mediation and arbitration processes local building code requirements tort law risk management critical path method (CPM) delivery times manufacturing times requests for information (RFI) sequencing trades submittals/approval/fabrication process document/record retainage requirements knowledge penalties for non-compliance with OSHA accounting skills basic math skills job schedules negotiation skills organizational skills plan reading skills quality control quantity take-offs terms and abbreviations on invoices	types of building materials cost of operation of equipment depreciation equipment operation forecasted use of purchased equipment interest costs for financing maintenance salvage resale values support equipment required for equipment tax credits associated with purchases training needs for equipment transportation costs for equipment equipment maintenance procedures inventory methods accounting principles basic math skills computer skills lien laws accounting principles basic math skills computer skills how to calculate discounts lien laws accounting banking basic math skills financial ratios accounting principles basic math federal tax laws property tax laws record keeping requirements sales tax laws state tax laws	accounting principles basic math accounting state & federal tax laws basic math employment laws employment/labor laws hierarchy of garnishments employment laws discrimination laws interviewing skills required forms for new hires background checks employment/labor laws OSHA chain of custody (drug tests) insurance regulations employment/labor laws FEMA (immigration components) OSHA tax laws National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) environmental laws Chapter 455 F.S.(Business & Professional Regulation) Chapter 713 F.S. (Liens) 61G4 F.A.C. Worker’s Compensation Laws/DOR Sales/Use Tax Chapter 489, Part 1 F.S (Construction Contracting) required continuing education CEU credit records license holder responsibilities

Preparing for Your Florida General Contractor Exam

A quality exam preparation class is the best way to prepare for the general contractor Florida exam. CEI has trained over 200,000 construction professionals and every year, Colibri educates over 1 million professionals in careers like construction and real estate.

An important step in preparing for your exam is getting familiar with all of your exam books. You must know how to properly read the test questions and quickly locate the answers within your book. Since these exams are open-book and allow book tabs and highlighting, it is crucial to know which books to use for each content area.

Our Cram Package course provides you with absolutely everything you need to feel confident and prepared to pass your Florida General Contractors license exams with flying colors!

Don’t wait to take control of your career.

Start your journey to becoming a licensed General Contractor in Florida.

Access to the Full Florida General Contractor License Exam Book Set

The Florida General Contractor License Exam is an open-book exam. CEI’s Cram Course package provides all of the approved books required to prepare for and pass the Florida general contractor license exams. We take it one step further to ensure you're ready to learn more thoroughly and feel confident during exam day with our Exam Ready Books!

Exam Ready Books - Save 40 Hours!

CEI’s Exam Ready Books make passing your general contractor license Florida exam easier. Our books are professionally highlighted and tabbed to indicate the answers to common Florida General Contractor License exam questions. This creates a more focused and simplified general contractor course test prep and is a great way to ensure all test takers feel prepared during the exam. Book tabs will help you find the correct section of the books much more quickly when looking for the answer to an exam question and highlight detailed parts of the books from where questions are often asked.

Our Florida General Contractor license Cram Package course provides you with an exam book set that includes all references required for the Trade and Business & Finance exams:

AIA Documents: (A-201, A-401, A-701)
Builder's Guide to Accounting
Florida Contractor's Manual
Florida Statutes Chapter 455
Code of Federal Regulations. OSHA Title 29, Part 1926
Principles of Commercial Construction
Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida
Building Component Safety Information
Florida Building Code, Building
Florida Building Code, Residential
Florida Building Code, Existing Building
Florida Building Code, Accessibility
Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation

General Contractor License Preparation FAQs

Am I required to take a class to get my Florida General Contractors license?

No, you are not required to take a class to obtain a general contractor license. A class is highly recommended to feel confident and increase your likelihood of success on the Florida general contractor license exam, however. By enrolling in a Florida general contractor license exam prep course, you are equipped with the information, strategies, and expertise needed to pass your exam. Approximately only half of all students who sit for the Florida General Contractors exam pass. By taking our course, you’ll significantly increase those odds, as we have helped thousands of students successfully through this process.

Do I actually need a contractor’s license?

Yes. In order to legally work as a general contractor in Florida, you need a Florida General Contractors license.

Do I need to purchase the state reference books?

No! When you purchase our Online Package, all of the required state reference books are included as well as instructions for highlighting key concepts and pre-printed tabbing for easy reference during your open-book Florida General Contractors exam.

What study materials and resources are available with CEI Florida general contractor license exam courses?

The Cram Package includes:

Full set of approved exam books highlighted and tabbed for you! (saves you up to 40 hours of time!)
Live intensive in-class sessions for 4 days
Licensed expert and experienced instructors
Live class handouts for hands-on training
Practice quizzes to reinforce concepts and book familiarity

How many questions are on the Florida General Contractors License Exam?

The General Contractor License Florida exam is divided into three separate exams. The Project Management and Contract Administration exams each have 60 questions, and the Business & Finance Exam has 120 questions.

How many people pass the Florida General Contractors License Exam?

The pass rate for the Florida General Contractor License Exam can vary from year to year. Many factors contribute to the pass rate of the exam, including the preparation of the candidates. Historically, the pass rate has been between 50-60% for applicants, which highlights the need for ample preparation before taking the exam.

Is the Florida residential contractor exam an open book exam?

Yes, all exams are open-book, multiple-choice, and timed. Highlighted and tabbed books are allowed and recommended to increase your confidence and chances for success! Our Cram Package provides you with all approved books needed for the open-book exams, highlighted and tabbed for you to make locating the information on exam day stress-free. Our courses give you the best opportunity for success on the Florida general contractor exams.

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

Once you have passed your licensing exam (score 70% or higher) and obtained all required experience, you will receive your license within approximately 60-90 days after submitting the completed application. Learn more about how to become a general contractor in Florida in our comprehensive guide.