The answers to the examination questions will be based on the editions listed below. Some of the questions will also be based on field experience and knowledge of trade practices. Editions earlier or later than those listed below can be brought to the examination but AT YOUR OWN RISK. However, ONLY ONE COPY of each reference will be allowed into the examination. Photocopies will not be allowed unless the appropriate authorities (DBPR and the publishers) have given written authorization. Hand-written and typewritten notes are NOT allowed. Existing handwritten notes must be blackened out or whitened out completely, by the candidate, prohibiting legibility. Moveable tabs (e.g., Post-it® Flags) are NOT allowed. You will not be permitted to make any marks in your references during the examination. To speak to a Pearson Vue customer service representative about an exam reservation, please call 888-204-6230
"Plumbing contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the plumbing trade and includes contracting business consisting of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design plumbing. A plumbing contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design the following without obtaining an additional local regulatory license, certificate, or registration: sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, water and sewer plants and substations, venting systems, public or private water supply systems, septic tanks, drainage and supply wells, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems, and solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and related venting, and storm and sanitary sewer lines. The scope of work of the plumbing contractor also includes the design, if not prohibited by law, and installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of air-piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems; fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers if authorized by law; ink and chemical lines; fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants; and pneumatic control piping systems, all in a manner that complies with all plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations applicable. The scope of work of the plumbing contractor applies to private property and public property, including any excavation work incidental thereto, and includes the work of the specialty plumbing contractor. Such contractor shall subcontract, with a qualified contractor in the field concerned, all other work incidental to the work but which is specified as being the work of a trade other than that of a plumbing contractor. This definition does not limit the scope of work of any specialty contractor certified pursuant to s. 489.113(6), and does not require certification or registration under this part of any authorized employee of a public natural gas utility or of a private natural gas utility regulated by the Public Service Commission when disconnecting and reconnecting water lines in the servicing or replacement of an existing water heater. A plumbing contractor may perform drain cleaning and clearing and install or repair rainwater catchment systems; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services.
The answers to the examination questions will be based on the editions listed below. Some of the questions will also be based on field experience and knowledge of trade practices. Editions earlier or later than those listed below can be brought to the examination but AT YOUR OWN RISK. However, only one copy of each reference will be allowed into the examination. Photocopies will not be allowed unless the appropriate authorities (DBPR and the publishers) have given written authorization. Hand written and typewritten notes are NOT allowed. Existing hand written notes must be blackened out or whitened out completely, by the candidate, prohibiting legibility. Moveable tabs (e.g., Post-it Flags) are NOT allowed. You will not be permitted to make any marks in your references during the examination.
Construction Industry Licensing Board Examination At A Glance
Plumbing Contractors General Trade Knowledge Examination Content Information
Must have four years total experience in the installation of roof and storm drainage, waste piping, backflow prevention devices, sanitary drainage, water distribution systems and lines, drainage venting, and natural gas and liquid petroleum piping and venting systems. Additional experience that MAY demonstrate substantial compliance (you will be called before the board) includes the maintenance and repair of the above components. One year must be supervisory experience.
The plumbing (trade knowledge) examinations are administered in paper and pencil format multiple times per year in Orlando only. To register for the exam visit www.floridaexam.com
| Exam Date | Deadline | Exam Location |
| February 27-28, 2023 | January 29, 2023 | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
| April 11-12, 2023 | March 12, 2023 | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
| June 26-27, 2023 | May 28, 2023 | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
| August 15-16, 2023 | July 16, 2023 | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
| October 17-18, 2023 | September 17, 2023 | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
| December 12-13, 2023 | November 12, 2023 | Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building |
A "certified contractor" is a statewide contractor licensed at the state level. Certified license numbers begin with the letter "C".
A "registered contractor" is a contractor who has a county license (or multiple) who then had to register that license with the state because it was a major trade. Registered contractors can only work in the county in which they have a competency card. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter "R".
The Construction Industry Licensing Board does not have a reciprocal agreement with any other state, but applicable out-of-state work history will work toward your experience requirements.
The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board will allow reciprocation for the Unlimited License with North Carolina, California, and Georgia. *restrictions apply
Experience is valid no matter where it was done as long as it was done legally in that area at that time and projects meet the minimum requirements.
For Construction Licenses, no one needs to sign. The Board requests project details now that meet certain requirements.
For Electrical Licenses if you worked under a Florida License holder who is willing to sign, your application will not require project details for that time frame. If the individual won’t or can’t sign, then notarized letters and project details are able to be submitted in its place.
There are a number of variables that can come into this. It depends on the severity, number of incidences and how recent these incidences are. Call us to learn more.
No, we don't have direct access to your background records as they are only made available to the Construction Industry Licensing Board; however, there are sources for obtaining your background history. If the incident in question was in Florida, you can purchase a report from FDLE (approx. $25), or if it’s outside Florida, you can obtain a full FBI background report (approx. $50).
Construction licenses do not require a minimum net worth. Instead, the requirement is based on your credit. Applicants with a FICO score lower than 660 will be required to complete a financial responsibility and stability course. In addition, an applicant must be free of unresolved liens/bankruptcies/judgments to be eligible for licensure.
Electrical licenses do require minimums:
The applicant must have a positive net worth, regardless of which license they apply. EC, EG, and EF licenses require a $10,000 net worth of the business entity if there is one. All Specialty Electric Licenses require $5,000 net worth of the business.
The Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board does not allow the license holder to alleviate financial responsibility unless they are a secondary qualifier.
The Construction Industry Licensing Board will allow for a license holder to alleviate their financial responsibility by designating a third party, but this does not alleviate the financial stability requirement of a public record search and bond if they do not meet a minimum score.
General Liability should be in place for the license to be issued.
Since Worker’s Compensation Exemptions are filed after the license is issued, the state gives you up to 30 days after the issuance to have Worker’s Comp in place.
Certified Contractors need to complete 14 hours board-approved continuing education every 2 years by August 31stof an even-numbered year.
Registered Contractors renew in odd-numbered years by August 31st.
No, the only time this information is provided to the board is in the course of submitting an application.
No, you must license the Fictitious Name separately from the owner.
No, you would have to apply to qualify the joint venture just like you would any other business
Yes, but the joint venture must obtain approval of the Construction Industry Licensing Board’s Executive Director prior to submitting the bid on a construction project. The joint venture must provide the Executive Director a copy of the written joint venture agreement and a statement of authority signed by an officer of each company giving the proposed qualifying agent full authority to conduct the contracting business of the joint venture.