Choose your trade and get the courses, reference books, and instructor support behind our 90%+ pass rate.
Trusted in Florida since 1970
Each Florida contractor exam uses different reference books.
Choose your trade to compare course access, pre-tabbed books, and instructor support built for your licensing exams.
Select your trade to unlock your package
Different books, exams, and fees. Pick yours and we'll help you find only what you need.
General Contractor
Compare exam-prep options for your General Contractor license.
Building Contractor
Your Building Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Residential Contractor
Your Residential Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Roofing Contractor
Your Roofing Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Plumbing Contractor
Your Plumbing Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Electrical Contractor
Your Electrical Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Air A/B Contractor
Your Air A/B Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
A/C Mechanical Contractor
Your A/C Mechanical Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Pool & Spa Contractor
Your Pool & Spa Contractor package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Home Inspector
Your Home Inspector package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Building Inspector
Your Building Inspector package is ready - everything DBPR requires for your license.
Exam prep course
Live or self-paced
Test-site books
You bring them in
Practice exams
Timed simulations
Tutoring + Application Help
Available as add-ons
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Our most-chosen package for Roofing Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Plumbing Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Electrical Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Air A/B Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for A/C Mechanical Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Pool & Spa Contractor candidates.
License type
Our most-chosen package for Home Inspector candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Building Inspector candidates.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Choose the package that matches the books and level of support you need.
Our most-chosen package for Roofing Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Roofing Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Plumbing Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Plumbing Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Electrical Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Electrical Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Air A/B Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Air A/B Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for A/C Mechanical Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for A/C Mechanical Contractor candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Pool & Spa Contractor candidates.
License type
Our most-chosen package for Pool & Spa Contractor candidates.
License type
Our most-chosen package for Pool & Spa Contractor candidates.
License type
Our most-chosen package for Pool & Spa Contractor candidates.
License type
Our most-chosen package for Pool & Spa Contractor candidates.
License type
Our most-chosen package for Pool & Spa Contractor candidates.
License type
Our most-chosen package for Home Inspector candidates.
Our most-chosen package for Building Inspector candidates.
Yes - Florida DBPR requires verifiable experience (usually 4 years for most trades, 6 for unlimited electrical). But you can start exam prep while you're still accumulating hours. Pick your trade above and we'll show you the exact requirements.
That depends on scope and project size. General handles unlimited vertical. Building tops out at 3 stories. Residential is homes only. Pick a trade above to see the scope summary - or call 1-800-732-9140 and we'll walk you through it.
Most candidates pass exams within 3–6 months of starting prep, then 4–6 more weeks for DBPR board review. Full licensure typically lands inside 6–9 months.
Exam prep ranges $495–$995 depending on format. State fees add roughly $250 application + $135 per exam part + your insurance. Pick your trade above for a precise breakdown.
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
3 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for General still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
3 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
240 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
2 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Building still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
3 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
220 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
2 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Residential still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
3 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
210 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
2 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Roofing still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
2 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
200 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
2 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Plumbing still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
2 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
200 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
3 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Electrical still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
2 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
200 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
3 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Air A/B still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
2 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
Class A: 250 Total Questions · Class B: 200 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
3 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for A/C Mechanical still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
2 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
250 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll build
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
2 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Pool & Spa still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
2 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
Commercial / Residential: 200 Total Questions · Service: 120 Total Questions
Passing score
70%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll inspect
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
3 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Home Inspector still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
1 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
120 questions
Passing score
75%
Time limit
Per exam
Scope summary
What you'll inspect
Financial floor
Credit
Also needed
3 items
Quick check - do you have all of this?
Florida administers the exam through Pearson VUE. It's open-book, but the statewide pass rate for Building Inspector still sits around 64% - preparation matters.
Exams
2 separate exams
Format
Open-book
Questions
200 Total Questions
Passing score
75% per part
Time limit
Per exam
TRICK™ is the 5-step method we teach for every question.
TopicIdentify the main topic and keywords from the question.
ReferenceKnow which book holds the answer before you open one.
IndexUsing the index is your fastest route - if your book has no index, use the table of contents.
ConfirmVerify the page actually answers the question asked.
Keep MovingMark it, answer it, move on - never re-read.
Classrooms at our Florida campuses, with live Q&A.
Same instructor, same schedule - from your home or office.
Study on your schedule, 24/7, and replay any section.
Your books arrive pre-tabbed and highlighted - or grab the step-by-step guides and do it yourself.
Short modules that mirror the exam topics, so you can review what matters fast.
Every construction course is taught by a licensed Florida contractor or building professional. These are the professionals who teach our live classes and help shape our on-demand content.
Construction Instructor
Luis joined Gold Coast in 2016 and teaches General Contractor exam prep. He is an Architect, licensed General Contractor, and LEED Accredited Professional.
Construction Instructor
Lauren is the owner of Space Coast Pool School and a PHTA® Authorized Instructor. She holds a B.S. in Biology from UCF and is a Registered Sanitarian.
Construction Instructor
Orlando is a construction professional with over 30 years of experience managing private and public projects. He holds a bachelor's in Architecture and an M.B.A.
Construction Instructor
Gilberto is a Certified Building Contractor since 1976, Certified Roofing Contractor since 2005, and Certified Home Inspector since 2010.
Construction Instructor
Dawn is Gold Coast's Instructional Delivery and Support Manager. She started as a General Contractor exam prep student in 2014 and joined the instructor team in 2015.
Construction Instructor
Doug brings real-life field applications to the classroom to help with understanding. His classes are fun and informative as he passes on decades of experience.
Construction Instructor
Simone is a Licensed Certified General Contractor and Owner/President of SD General Construction LLC, founded in 2016. She holds a bachelor's in Supervision and Management.
Construction Instructor
Miguel is an experienced Building Code Professional, General, and Roofing Contractor with a history in construction and public administration.
Construction Instructor
Florida-licensed construction professional.
Construction Instructor
Florida-licensed construction professional.
Construction Instructor
Hans, originally from Santiago de Chile, has been in construction since 2005. He is President/Owner of An American Dream Home Inspection.
Construction Instructor
Miguel earned a bachelor's in Civil Engineering Technology in 1969 and has held his General Contractor license since 1981. He also holds Roofing and Home Inspector licenses.
Construction Instructor
Dominick is a licensed Florida Architect and General Contractor. He studied at the Boston Architectural Center and opened his own firm in 1973.
Construction Instructor
Senior Home Inspection Instructor and IFREC Home Inspection Series Author. Bill holds Florida Home Inspector License HI 1354.
Construction Instructor
Dan is a registered architect who has been drafting since 1994. A sole-practitioner focused on single-family residential with 20+ years of experience.
Construction Instructor
David brings 40 years of experience in General Contracting, owner representation, consulting, and expert witness testimony.
Construction Instructor
Pedro, born in Brazil and raised in the US, has been in the electrical trade for over 15 years.
Construction Instructor
Luis joined Gold Coast in 2016 and teaches General Contractor exam prep. He is an Architect, licensed General Contractor, and LEED Accredited Professional.
Construction Instructor
Lauren is the owner of Space Coast Pool School and a PHTA® Authorized Instructor. She holds a B.S. in Biology from UCF and is a Registered Sanitarian.
Construction Instructor
Orlando is a construction professional with over 30 years of experience managing private and public projects. He holds a bachelor's in Architecture and an M.B.A.
Construction Instructor
Gilberto is a Certified Building Contractor since 1976, Certified Roofing Contractor since 2005, and Certified Home Inspector since 2010.
Construction Instructor
Dawn is Gold Coast's Instructional Delivery and Support Manager. She started as a General Contractor exam prep student in 2014 and joined the instructor team in 2015.
Construction Instructor
Doug brings real-life field applications to the classroom to help with understanding. His classes are fun and informative as he passes on decades of experience.
Construction Instructor
Simone is a Licensed Certified General Contractor and Owner/President of SD General Construction LLC, founded in 2016. She holds a bachelor's in Supervision and Management.
Construction Instructor
Miguel is an experienced Building Code Professional, General, and Roofing Contractor with a history in construction and public administration.
Construction Instructor
Florida-licensed construction professional.
Construction Instructor
Florida-licensed construction professional.
Construction Instructor
Hans, originally from Santiago de Chile, has been in construction since 2005. He is President/Owner of An American Dream Home Inspection.
Construction Instructor
Miguel earned a bachelor's in Civil Engineering Technology in 1969 and has held his General Contractor license since 1981. He also holds Roofing and Home Inspector licenses.
Construction Instructor
Dominick is a licensed Florida Architect and General Contractor. He studied at the Boston Architectural Center and opened his own firm in 1973.
Construction Instructor
Senior Home Inspection Instructor and IFREC Home Inspection Series Author. Bill holds Florida Home Inspector License HI 1354.
Construction Instructor
Dan is a registered architect who has been drafting since 1994. A sole-practitioner focused on single-family residential with 20+ years of experience.
Construction Instructor
David brings 40 years of experience in General Contracting, owner representation, consulting, and expert witness testimony.
Construction Instructor
Pedro, born in Brazil and raised in the US, has been in the electrical trade for over 15 years.
Real notes from Florida-licensed contractors who prepped for their exam with Gold Coast.
"Thanks to the past year of support from you and the GC staff, I have just successfully received the certified building license which now qualifies our company to begin working for the future."
"I am grateful for your personal commitment, instruction, support, and guidance through the entire process; from the test prep, to understanding the application process, and all the way through to the board review."
"I passed all my exams! Thank you so much for everything you do day in and day out, to help your students be successful. Just recently I was offered a project manager position with a large company."
"Gold Coast's help with the videos and practice exams made it so much easier to prepare for this test. I wanted to thank you for providing such a good service."
50+ years of helping Florida contractors get licensed and stay licensed. One team to guide you from eligibility through renewal, no matter your trade.
50+ years of helping Florida contractors get licensed and stay licensed. One team to guide you from eligibility through renewal, no matter your trade.
All three are CILB licenses with the same exam - the differences are scope, height, and insurance.
| License | What you can build | Height | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General
CGC
|
Unlimited - commercial, residential, multi-family, any use | Any height | $300k GL + WC |
|
Building
CBC
|
Commercial, single & multi-family residential | Up to 3 stories | $300k GL + WC |
|
Residential
CRC
|
Detached 1- & 2-family dwellings (single-family, duplexes, townhomes) | Up to 3 stories | $100k GL + WC |
Pro tip · exam up later
Take the General exam now, even if you don't qualify yet. All three licenses use the same Contract Administration, Project Management, and Business & Finance exam. If you pass the General but only qualify by experience for Building or Residential today, you can apply for those now - then move up to Building or General later with no second exam.
