For professionals in the construction industry, obtaining a Florida general contractor’s license is a major milestone that opens doors to new opportunities and career growth. Kasie Kelson, an experienced construction and interior design professional, recently achieved this goal with the help of Gold Coast School of Construction.
This blog and video below shares Kasie’s inspiring story, her challenges, and the strategies she used to pass her Florida general contractor exam and earn her license. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your contractor licensing journey, her experience offers valuable lessons to help you achieve your goals.
Who is Kasie Kelson?
Kasie Kelson has dedicated over two decades to the construction and interior design industries, working on a range of projects from small renovations to large-scale developments. As an owner’s representative, she managed construction crews, hired contractors, and oversaw teams, all while incorporating her expertise as a designer.
For Kasie, pursuing a general contractor’s license was the next natural step in expanding her consulting business, allowing her to broaden her expertise and take her career to new heights.
“It was the natural progression of our business for me to get the Division One General Contractor’s License,” she explains.
Challenges Along the Way
Even with her years of experience, Kasie faced significant challenges as she prepared for one of the toughest licensing exams in Florida.
Balancing Work, Family, and Exam Prep
Kasie’s plate was already full when she decided to pursue her contractor’s license. She was managing multiple projects of varying scales, caring for her son who was in elementary school and active in athletics, and maintaining the day-to-day balance of home life.
“To juggle everything, I had to create a really good schedule,” Kasie recalls. She made time for studying despite social commitments, practices, and work deadlines. Discipline became her superpower.
Overcoming Exam Hurdles
Florida’s Division One General Contractor exams are widely regarded as challenging. They consist of three sections covering project management, construction knowledge, and business and finance. Together, these exams require studying a wide range of complex topics, mounds of reference materials, and mastering intricate formulas.
“If you can see all the books on the shelf, there’s a lot of information,” Kasie says, emphasizing the importance of knowing how to locate specific details during the tests.
The Gold Coast Solution for the Florida General Contractor Exam
While the exams were rigorous, Kasie credits much of her success to the resources and support she received from the Gold Coast School of Construction.
Comprehensive Resources
Gold Coast provided Kasie with both live and pre-recorded classes, which suited her packed schedule. She could attend live classes when possible and watch recordings at her convenience, pausing to process complex information or revisit key lessons.
“Gold Coast offered so many classes, not only live but also pre-recorded. So, when I couldn’t attend a live class, I could watch the recording at my convenience. It was helpful to be able to pause and review material as needed,” Kasie noted.
Expert Instruction
The instructors at Gold Coast brought invaluable real-world experience to their teaching. Many had worked in the construction industry, so they didn’t just cover the exam material; they explained how to apply these principles in real-life scenarios.
Kasie recalls, “The Gold Coast instructors were awesome. They taught not just ‘what’ to study but how to approach the exam with confidence.”
The Power of Simulated Exams
One of the standout features of Gold Coast’s program, according to Kasie, was the simulated exams. These mock exams replicated the experience of the real thing, complete with timed conditions.
“At first, I thought they were just a marketing tool,” she admits, “but I realized they were key to my success. Many of the questions in the simulated exams appeared on the actual tests.”
These simulations not only sharpened Kasie’s knowledge but also helped her manage exam stress and time effectively.
Kasie’s Winning Strategies for Exam Success
Beyond the resources provided by Gold Coast, Kasie adopted her own strategies for effective prep and success:
Stick to a Schedule
Kasie emphasized creating a disciplined routine. She blocked time for study daily, ensuring she put in several hours each day to master the material fully.
Laser Focus on the Goal
“I’m a firm believer that you get out of it what you put into it,” Kasie says. She made sacrifices, turning down weekend plans to stay focused on her objective.
Use Pre-Recorded Classes Wisely
Kasie relied on pre-recorded classes for flexibility, reviewing sessions during quiet hours when she could fully concentrate.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Simulated exams became non-negotiable. By practicing multiple versions of the tests, Kasie learned how to locate answers efficiently and gained confidence in her abilities.
Stay Calm on Exam Day
Kasie advises prospective students to stay focused, trust their preparation, and approach test day with a calm mindset.
What Can You Learn from Kasie’s Journey?
Kasie’s hard work paid off. She passed all three sections of the Division One Florida general contractor exam on her first attempt, a feat that many find difficult to achieve.
“I’m ready to take our consulting business to the next level in the construction industry.”
Kasie Kelson’s story demonstrates that with the right tools, dedication, and support, passing your contractor’s license exam is entirely possible—even on the first try.
Her advice?
- Commit to a consistent study schedule.
- Take advantage of Gold Coast’s pre-recorded and live classes.
- Use their simulated exams for practice.
- Stay focused on your goal.
If you’re thinking about earning your general contractor’s license, Gold Coast School of Construction offers everything you need to pass with confidence. With expert instructors, tailored resources, and a proven track record, they can help you achieve your goals just like Kasie.
Take the First Step Toward Your Florida General Contractor License
Are you ready to begin your own licensing success story? Gold Coast School of Construction is here to help. Trust their proven program to guide you toward exam day success and open new doors for your career in construction.
Start your licensing preparation today with Gold Coast School of Construction!