Full Service Package: General Contractor License Exam Prep
$4,999.00
CEI makes general contractor license exam preparation easy with our comprehensive prep courses. You’ll receive access to live, classroom instructor-led courses plus online learning for your Florida General Contractor license exam preparation. This course prepares you for both Trade Knowledge and Business & Finance exams and includes:
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Online Video Modules — Study and review at your own pace with on-demand lessons anytime, anywhere.
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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.
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Live Instructor Interaction — Learn from highly qualified Florida General Contractor license exam preparation instructors with proven success rates, ensuring you're guided by experts who have helped countless students pass their Florida General Contractor license exams.
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Interactive Quizzes — Test your knowledge as you progress through our Florida General Contractor license exam preparation materials. Our interactive quizzes reinforce key concepts and track your progress, helping you feel more confident on exam day.
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Practice Exams—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.
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Tabbed & Highlighted Exam Books — A huge advantage: You can bring these specially prepared books into the exam with you, saving you time and ensuring you're fully prepared.
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Class Overview
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Exam Overview
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Books
General Contractor License Exam Preparation Course
Course Introduction:
Obtaining your General Contractor's license in the state of Florida allows you to kickstart your career in the construction of commercial or residential buildings of any height, including any accessory buildings and related sitework.
Our Full Service Course provides everything you need to get licensed. From in-person and online classes, a complete set of tabbed and highlighted books to pass your open-book exams, and expert guidance to navigate the licensing process.
License Requirements
To obtain your General Contractor license, you must meet the following requirements:
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.
Licensing Steps
Application Process
Step 1. Register for one of our comprehensive exam preparation courses and select the exam-ready book purchase option. Please note: You are allowed to use the exam-ready books at the open-book Florida General Contractor State exam!
Step 2. Register for your Florida General Contractor State exam. Let us help you with your exam registration — call CEI at 800-423-7058. If you are confident about the required registration process and steps, you can register through Professional Testing Inc. at www.floridaexam.com.
Step 3. Prepare for and pass your exam!
Step 4. Mail your application with your passing exam scores to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You will receive your license within approximately 60 days after submitting the completed application.
For detailed information, take a look at our Florida general contractor requirements blog.
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 License Exam Preparation
Course Details
Sarasota, FL
August 19–22, 2024 | October 21–24, 2024 | November 18–21, 2024
Orlando, FL
September 10–13, 2024 | October 8–11, 2024 | December 3–6, 2024
Fort Lauderdale, FL
September 23–26, 2024 | November 4–7, 2024 | December 16–19, 2024
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 are now fully licensed Florida General Contractors succeeding in the field.
Our full-service Florida General Contractor license exam prep course is designed to be the only resource you’ll ever need to pass the Florida General Contractor license exam! You’ll walk into the exam room prepared, armed with every book highlighted and tabbed, the most commonly asked question types already mastered, and be on your way to your future career as a Florida General Contractor in no time.
Our course covers everything—from mastering the complexities of business and finance to navigating the intricate construction laws and regulations that will define your career. You'll gain cutting-edge project management techniques that set you apart from the competition and hands-on technical skills that ensure you're ready for any challenge the exam presents.
The Florida 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: 19 essential textbooks and accompanying study guides are included.
The General Contractor license exam is an open-book exam. Our books are professionally highlighted and tabbed to indicate the answers to common Florida General Contractor License exam questions. 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.
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 fully licensed and experienced instructors, students receive 4 full-day live classes offered in multiple locations throughout Florida. These sessions cover test-taking tips, key strategies, and book review for a total of 32 hours of classroom training. This includes live class handouts with practice quiz questions.
Self-Paced Online Courses: Students receive access to online general contractor learning modules dedicated to each book to cover key concepts, interactive elements to reinforce key topics and refine test-taking strategy, and online quizzes and exams. The online Florida General Contractor learning modules are a perfect complement to your live, in-person classes.
Course Expertise:
Licensed Instructors: Your instructors are experienced professionals with industry knowledge. CEI instructors have helped thousands of students prepare for — and pass — their licensing exams.
Interactive Support Sessions: Receive support from your instructors through Q&A sessions, virtual office hours, webinar sessions, and personalized email assistance.
Course Format:
- 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.
- Interactive Lectures: Engaging and informative presentations from licensed 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.
- Learn Key Strategies: Instructors share exam secrets and tricks to navigate books and keywords during your open-book exam. 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.
- Online Video Modules: Online video modules dedicated to each of the 19 books complement the in-person instruction by allowing you to review key concepts at your own pace. This helps reinforce what you’ve learned in class and ensures a deeper understanding of the material.
Course Assessment and Feedback:
- Regular Book Quizzes: These written practice quizzes will help you to test your skills of 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: Unlimited access to practice exams with a randomized bank of questions from all of the 19 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.
- IOH session: Students can work through problems they struggle with.
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. At the conclusion of this, you’ll be fully prepared after mastering the nuances of the actual exam.
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. Parts 1 and 2 are only offered during specific testing windows and in specific locations as follows: in February, April, June, August, October, or December in Tallahassee, Orlando, or Miami. Part 3 can be taken at any time and is also only available at an approved testing facility, which you can select when you register for your Florida General Contractor license exam preparation course on our website today.
Contract Administration and Project Management Exams
The Contract Administration and Project Management examinations (Parts 1 & 2) each contain 60 questions for a total of 120 questions. Each computer-based exam must 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 (Part 3) 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:
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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 |
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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.
This course provides you with absolutely everything you need to feel confident and prepared to pass your Florida General Contractors license exam with flying colors!
Don’t wait to take control of your career.
Start your journey to becoming a licensed General Contractor in Florida.
100% One Year Course Guarantee
Students receive access to all of the online materials for their Florida General Contractor License Exam course for a full year from the date of their registration!
EXAM BOOKS
Access to the Full Florida General Contractor License Exam Book Set
The Florida General Contractor License Exam is an open-book exam. CEI’s packages provide access to all the books required to prepare for and pass the general contractor license Florida exam. 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 (Highlighted & Tabbed for the Exam)
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 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.
General Contractor license exam book set includes all references required for all 3 Parts of the Exam:
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AIA Documents: (A-201, A-401, A-701)
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Builder's Guide to Accounting
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Florida Contractor's Manual
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Florida Statutes Chapter 455
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Code of Federal Regulations. OSHA Title 29, Part 1926
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Building Estimator's Reference Book
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Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
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Placing Reinforcing Bars
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Principles of Commercial Construction
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Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products
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Energy-Efficient Building Construction in Florida
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Building Component Safety Information
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Florida Building Code, Building
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Florida Building Code, Residential
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Florida Building Code, Existing Building
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Florida Building Code, Accessibility
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Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation
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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 and succeed on the field. 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 this Full Service course, all of the required state reference books are included with key concepts highlighted and tabbed 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?
Expert Application Assistance services (start-up consultation, application processing, expert assistance to navigate the licensing process)
The Full Service and Online Packages include:
- Full set of exam books highlighted and tabbed
- Learning modules dedicated to each book
- Interactive elements to reinforce key topics and refine test-taking strategy
- Practice quizzes to increase familiarity with books and concepts
- Practice exams to test retention and help simulate state exams
- Unlimited practice exams within our online platform
How many questions are on the Florida General Contractors License Exam?
The General Contractor License Florida exam has three separate parts. The Project Management and Contract Administration parts 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. Our general contractor license Florida classes are the ideal way to prepare and feel confident on your Florida General Contractor License 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 classes provided you with pre-highlighted and tabbed books.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Florida?
Once you have passed your licensing exam (score 70% or higher), you will receive your license within approximately 60 days after submitting the completed application.
For additional information on starting and advancing your contracting career, you might want to explore how much general contractors make, the process of obtaining a contractor license in Florida, and how to renew your Florida contractor's license if you're an out-of-state contractor.