A Complete Guide to the Florida Construction Contractor Licensing Exams

Getting licensed as a contractor in Florida is a major milestone — and it begins with passing one or more DBPR (Department of Business & Professional Regulation) exams. At Palm Construction School, we prepare students for these tests, and in this post, we’re breaking down how the exams work, what they cover, and how to get ready.

1. Overview: Which Exams You’ll Need

According to Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board:

• Division I contractors (General, Building, Residential) must pass three exams:
  1. Business & Finance
  2. Contract Administration
  3. Project Management

• Division II contractors (specialty trades) take two exams:
  1. Business & Finance
  2. Trade Knowledge (for their specialty)

All exams are computer-based (except some paper-and-pencil options for certain trade tests) and are open-book.

2. Exam Details: The Business & Finance Portion

This is required for nearly every contractor license in Florida. Here’s the breakdown:

• Format: Multiple-choice
• Number of Questions: ~120–125 (some include pilot items)
• Time Limit: 6.5 hours (390 minutes)
• Passing Score: 70% (you need to get about 84 correct out of 120 scored questions)
• Content Areas:
  1. Establishing the Contracting Business (~11%)
  2. Administrative Duties (~26%) — bidding, overhead, contracts
  3. Trade Operations (~10%) — scheduling, inventory, safety
  4. Accounting Functions (~32%) — cash flow, payroll, job cost tracking
  5. Human Resources (~6%) — hiring, management policies
  6. Regulatory Compliance (~15%) — state/federal law, licensing, insurance

3. Exam Details: Trade / Specialty Exams

Here’s how the trade-specific exams work, depending on your contractor type:

General / Building / Residential Contractors (Division I)

• Trade portion split into:
  • Contract Administration: ~50 questions, 4.5 hours
  • Project Management: ~50 questions, 4.5 hours
• Candidates must usually pass all three parts (Business & Finance, Contract Administration, Project Management) within a 4-year window.
• Exam fee & scheduling: Administered via Pearson VUE / Professional Testing, Inc.

Specialty / Trade Contractors (Division II)

• These include trades such as Air Conditioning (A/C), Pool/Spa, Roofing, Solar, Plumbing, Structural, and more.
• There is one trade exam for Division II contractors—the time limit and number of questions in the exam varies by trade.
  • Example — Residential Pool & Spa Contractor:
    • Trade Knowledge: ~80 questions, 5 hours; covers excavation, plumbing, electrical, tile, maintenance, equipment
  • Example — Specialty Structures Contractor:
    • Trade Knowledge: ~80 questions; covers siding, gutters, roof structures, foundations, insulation, and more

4. Exemptions & Special Cases

• If you hold a bachelor’s degree in building construction and a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you may be exempted from the Trade Knowledge portion of the exam.

5. How to Register & Schedule Your Exams

• Visit Professional Testing, Inc. (PTI) to register for your exam.
• Testing is done at Pearson VUE centers for computer-based parts.
• Be sure to submit your application and fees at least 30 days before your desired exam date.

6. Tips for Success

• Use Approved Reference Books: The exam is open-book, so know which Florida-approved texts are allowed.
• Time Management Matters: With long exams (e.g., 6.5 hours), practice pacing yourself.
• Practice Exams Pay Off: Use full-length timed practice tests to simulate test day.
• Study Strategically: Focus heavily on high-weight topics like accounting, business structure, and administrative tasks.
• Leverage Prep Services: Consider class prep, tutoring, or study groups.

Final Thoughts

The Florida contractor exam process is rigorous, but knowing exactly which parts you need to pass, how much time you’ll spend, and what topics carry the most weight can make your preparation much more effective. Whether you’re preparing for a building, pool, or specialty trade license, having a structured study plan is key. If you’re ready to go all in on your exam prep, Palm Construction School is here to support you every step of the way — from live courses to tutoring and study aids.

Resources to Help You Prepare for the Exam

5 Reasons to Get Your Contractors License This Year

As we step into 2025, there’s no better time to set your sights on obtaining your Florida contractor’s license. Whether you’re just starting out in construction or looking to grow your existing business, earning your license can open up new opportunities and solidify your reputation in the industry. Here are the top reasons why now is the perfect time to make licensing your top priority.

1. Unlock Bigger and Better Projects

A contractor’s license is your ticket to bidding on larger, more lucrative projects. Licensed contractors are eligible to work on state and federally funded jobs, commercial developments, and high-value residential projects. These types of opportunities can significantly boost your earnings and help your business grow. Without a license, you may be restricted to smaller, lower-paying projects, limiting your potential for success.

In Florida, where construction demand continues to rise due to population growth and economic development, having a license ensures you can compete for the best jobs in a thriving market.

2. Gain Credibility and Trust

Being a licensed contractor sets you apart as a professional who meets the industry’s standards for knowledge, safety, and ethics. For homeowners, developers, and business owners, hiring a licensed contractor provides peace of mind that their project will comply with regulations and be completed by someone who is qualified.

Having a license isn’t just a requirement—it’s a marketing tool. Displaying your license number on your website, business cards, and proposals demonstrates transparency and professionalism, making it easier to attract clients who value quality work.

3. Comply with Legal Requirements

In Florida, performing contracting work without a license isn’t just risky—it’s illegal. Unlicensed contractors face heavy fines, legal action, and even the potential shutdown of their operations. By obtaining your license, you not only protect yourself from these risks but also ensure your work adheres to state regulations.

Moreover, licensed contractors are eligible to pull permits, a key requirement for many types of construction projects. Without a license, you may find yourself limited in the scope of work you can perform, potentially missing out on major projects.

4. Boost Your Earning Potential

A contractor’s license can significantly increase your earning potential. Licensed contractors have more access to higher-paying projects and are often able to command higher rates for their services.

Additionally, being licensed opens the door to business ownership. You can hire employees, take on subcontractors, and expand your operations, leading to even greater profitability. The investment of time and money in obtaining your license pays off in the form of long-term career growth and financial security.

5. Position Yourself for the Future

As the construction industry evolves, licensing is becoming more important than ever. Regulatory standards are increasing, and more clients are requiring proof of licensure before hiring contractors. By getting your license now, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and position yourself for long-term success in a competitive market.

Make Licensing Your 2025 Resolution 

The Florida contractor’s licensing exam may be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. With the right preparation—such as enrolling in courses, utilizing tutoring services, and practicing with mock exams—you can pass the test and secure your license.

Don’t wait until the opportunities pass you by. Make 2025 the year you elevate your career by getting licensed. Ready to get started? Palm Construction School is here to guide you every step of the way!