Contractor License Exam Study Guide
Prepare for your general contractor or specialty contractor licensing exam with free practice tests and study guides covering business law, estimating, and building codes.
- 3 Topics
- Free, online
- Plain-English explanations
Curriculum Structure
3 modules
Module 1 Business and Law
FreeStudy business and law for the Florida contractor licensing exam. Covers Chapter 489, lien law, workers' comp, contract law, and OSHA requirements.
Start with Module 1Module 2 Estimating
FreeStudy construction estimating for the contractor license exam. Covers quantity takeoffs, unit costs, overhead, profit, markup vs. margin, and bid calculations.
Module 3 Building Code
FreeStudy building code for the Florida contractor exam. Covers FBC, occupancy classification, means of egress, fire resistance, and wind and flood rules.
The Study Route
Contractor exams typically split into a business-and-law section and a trade or project-management section, and candidates usually underprepare for whichever one is farther from their daily work. This guide alternates between them.
Step 1. Get the official reference list and the exam split
Most contractor exams are open book with an approved reference list. Confirm the list, the sections, and the passing score in your state's candidate bulletin; see the Florida and California pages for what we verified.
Step 2. Business and law (weeks 1 to 2)
Read the Business and Law topic and answer its checkpoint questions. Tab the statute or reference chapter that answers each question if your exam allows references.
Step 3. Estimating and takeoffs (weeks 3 to 4)
Read the Estimating topic, then work through quantity takeoffs without double-counting. Every takeoff problem on the exam is an arithmetic problem with a trap in the setup; the guide shows the traps.
Step 4. Building code (week 5)
Read the Building Code topic and practice locating sections in the code edition your state names.
Step 5. Timed practice (weeks 6 and up)
Take the free contractor practice test under time, then use the practice list. Keep a miss log split by section so you can see which half of the exam needs the next week.
Guides for this Exam
Practical articles that go deeper than a single topic page.
This guide is for study purposes only. Always confirm current exam content and requirements with the official licensing authority in your state.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Florida contractor licensing exam cover?
The Florida general contractor exam covers business and law (contracts, liens, workers' compensation, licensing rules) and trade knowledge (estimating, project management, and building codes). The two parts may be taken separately.
Is the contractor exam open book?
Some contractor exams permit reference materials during the test. Check with your state licensing board and the approved exam provider for the current rules before your exam date.
How many questions are on the contractor licensing exam?
Exam length varies by state and license type. Florida's general contractor exam typically includes around 120 questions split across two sections. Confirm the current format with the official licensing board.
What passing score is required for the contractor exam?
Most states require a score of 70 percent or higher. Exact thresholds can differ by exam section and license type. Always verify the passing score requirement with your state licensing authority.
How long does it take to get a contractor license after passing the exam?
Processing times vary by state and volume of applications. After passing the exam, you typically submit your application, proof of insurance, and financial documents. Allow several weeks for review and approval.
