Complete Guide to Scheduling Your Florida Contractor Exam

Scheduling your Florida contractor exam is straightforward but requires careful planning. Here’s a quick summary to get started:

1. Understand Exam Dates: You may take most construction licensing exams any time of year. Plumbing exams are the exception—they are held six times a year. 
2. Submit Application Early: Apply and pay fees at least 30 days before your desired exam date.
3. Know the Costs: Exam registration costs $135, plus $80 for each exam you schedule. 
4. Prepare Documents: On testing day, you’ll need to bring with you a valid photo ID and the required reference books.
5. Schedule via Pearson VUE: Once approved, create an account on Pearson VUE to book your exam sections.

Key Tip: Plan ahead to secure your preferred date and avoid delays. If you need to reschedule, do so at least two days before the exam to avoid losing fees.

For detailed steps, fee breakdowns, and preparation tips, read on!

FL Contractors Exam PearsonVue Registration Process

Types of Contractor Exams Available

The exam is divided into several parts, including Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge, and sections tailored to specific specialties. Depending on the category, exam durations range from 5 to 7.5 hours. General, Building, and Residential contractors are required to complete three main sections: Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management. Specialty contractors, like Tower Specialty or Demolition Contractors, take exams focused on their specific expertise.

Pearson VUE administers the exam through computer-based testing, offering flexible scheduling, instant score results, and a secure testing setting. Each section requires separate registration and payment through their system. This setup allows candidates to plan their exams based on their readiness.

Understanding the exam’s structure is key to scheduling effectively. You’ll need to allocate enough time for each section and align your study plan with the available test dates.

Documents and Fees for Exam Scheduling

Exam Registration

Visit Professional Testing‘s website to register for your exam. Completed applications for test registration must be submitted at least 30 days before your preferred exam date. Once processed, you’ll get a Registration Receipt via email, which you’ll need to schedule your exam with Pearson Vue.

Exam Fees and Payment Information

The Florida contractor exam involves separate fees for its various components:

Fee Type	Amount	Payable To
Registration Fee	$135.00	Professional Testing, Inc.
Business and Finance	$80.00	Pearson VUE
Trade Knowledge	$80.00	Pearson VUE
Contract Administration	$40.00	Pearson VUE
Project Management	$40.00	Pearson VUE

Payment Methods: You can pay online using a credit card or send separate checks/money orders to the respective organizations. For paper-based tests, there’s an additional $80 exam site administration fee, payable to the Florida DBPR.

Important Notes: Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Keep your payment confirmations, as all fees must be cleared before you can schedule your exam. A $25 penalty applies for returned checks or declined card payments.

Once your documents are submitted and fees are paid, you’re all set to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. The next section will guide you through the scheduling process step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Scheduling the Exam

Scheduling Through Pearson VUE

After registering with Professional Testing and receiving confirmation, follow these steps to schedule your exam:

1. Create Your Pearson VUE Account
   Head to the Pearson VUE website and set up an account. Make sure to use your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. Any mismatch could result in being turned away on exam day.
2. Choose Your Exam Sections and Schedule
   Log into your Pearson VUE account and select the exam sections you need (such as Business and Finance, Trade Knowledge, Contract Administration, or Project Management). Pick a testing center and appointment date from the available options. You can schedule your exam as late as one day in advance, depending on availability.

Rules for Rescheduling or Canceling

Carefully plan your exam date to avoid unnecessary complications. If you need to change your schedule, make sure to do so at least two days ahead of your exam to avoid losing your fees. Keep in mind that last-minute changes can limit your options and delay the licensing process.

Rescheduling Guidelines:

• Adjust your schedule online through your Pearson VUE account or by phone.
• No extra fees are charged for changes made more than two days before the exam.
• Changes made within two days of the exam result in forfeited fees.
• If you miss your exam, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fees again.

Important Deadlines:

• For specialized exams, refer to the bi-monthly schedule.
• Confirm your application status with Professional Testing before the listed deadline.

Once your exam is scheduled, the focus shifts to preparation – make sure you’re ready to perform your best.

Getting Help with Scheduling Issues

If you run into problems during registration or scheduling, there are reliable support options to help you out:

• Pearson VUE Support: Reach out to Pearson VUE at 888-204-6230 for help with scheduling, rescheduling, or technical issues. You can cancel or reschedule without a fee if you do so at least two full calendar days before your test date.
• DBPR Assistance: For more complex concerns, like application status or licensing questions, contact DBPR at 850-487-1395.

Most testing centers are located in Central Florida, and the exact location will be listed on your admission slip. Staying in touch with these support channels can help you navigate any hiccups in the scheduling process.

Resources to Help You Prepare for the Exam