The journey to becoming a licensed General Contractor in the state of Florida is marked by a significant milestone: passing the required Florida Contractor Exam. This three-part exam, known for its rigorous standards and comprehensive coverage of various construction-related topics, is a testament to the state’s commitment to ensuring the highest level of professionalism and competence in the construction industry.
So, is it hard to pass the Florida Contractor Exam? The difficulty of the exam is subjective and largely depends on your preparation, understanding of the subject matter, and ability to navigate the reference books.
Gold Coast School of Construction offers the training and test prep you need to succeed. Find online general contractor courses to pass the exam in Florida.
Understanding the Florida Contractor Exam
The Florida Contractor Exam is an open-book exam divided into three parts: the Business and Finance Exam, the Contract Administration Exam, and the Project Management Exam. Each part focuses on a different aspect of the construction industry and Florida laws and rules, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of a candidate’s knowledge and skills.
Business and Finance Exam
This exam covers topics such as establishing contracts, managing administrative duties, and understanding financial management. It tests a candidate’s understanding of the business side of construction, ensuring that they can effectively manage a construction business.
Contract Administration Exam
This exam focuses on the specifics of contract administration in the construction industry. It covers topics such as contract negotiation, project scheduling, and project documentation. This exam ensures that a candidate can effectively manage contracts and handle the administrative aspects of a construction project.
Project Management Exam
This exam tests a candidate’s ability to manage construction projects. It covers topics such as project planning, project execution, and project control. This exam ensures that a candidate can effectively manage a construction project from start to finish.
Each of these exams is designed to ensure that licensed contractors possess the necessary knowledge
and skills to perform their duties effectively and safely. They cover a wide range of topics, from construction laws and regulations to building codes and construction techniques.
The Challenge of the Exam
The three parts of the Florida General Contractor Exam are considered challenging due to their breadth and depth. They require a solid understanding of both business principles and trade-specific knowledge. Each part is also known for its length:
- Business and Finance – 6.5 hours
- Contract Administration – 4.5 hours
- Project Management – 4.5 hours
Moreover, the three-part exam is not about memorization. These are open-book exams, which means you must become proficient in how to navigate the reference books. They test your ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. This means that you need to understand the concepts thoroughly and be able to use them in practical situations presented on the tests.
How Many Questions Are on the Florida General Contractor Exam?
The Florida Contractor Exam consists of three tests with a total of 240 questions:
- Business and Finance – 120 questions
- Contract Administration – 60 questions
- Project Management – 60 questions
The Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management portions of the exam are usually taken on separate days. Each exam is proctored through a Pearson Vue testing center.
The Gold Coast School of Construction Exam Prep Program
To help candidates prepare for Florida Division I and Division II Contractor exams, Gold Coast School of Construction offers several popular exam prep programs. Our exam prep program is designed to provide comprehensive training for most Florida Contractor Exams.
The Gold Coast programs offer a variety of resources to help you prepare:
- Live class sessions every weeknight offered on campus or via Zoom
- Comprehensive study guides
- Unlimited practice exams
- Monthly weekend cram workshops
- On-Demand Video Library – watch recorded classes anytime 24/7
- All included in one low tuition price which is valid for 1 full year of access
The program is designed to cover all the topics that will be tested in the exams, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the Business and Finance Exam, the Contract Administration Exam, and the Project Management Exam. The Gold Coast program offers flexibility to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. It offers both in-person and Livestream Zoom classes plus On-Demand videos, allowing you to choose the option that works best.
The Gold Coast School of Construction Exam Prep program provides the necessary resources and training to help you prepare for the test effectively, even a general contractor exam simulator . Remember, the key to passing is not memorizing facts, but understanding how to efficiently navigate the reference books. Get started on your journey to a Florida Contractor’s license today.
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Written by Chris Clausing. Chris Clausing is the Program Director for Gold Coast School of Construction and Curriculum and Program Innovation for Colibri Group’s Construction Education Ecosystem. Chris is a Certified General Contractor (CGC1515171) in the State of Florida with over 20 years of experience in the Construction and Inspection industries. Chris also sits as a Consensus Committee Member for the IECC helping shape the energy codes of the future as well as a LEED GA. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris directly at Contractor@GoldCoastSchools.com.