Florida Underground Utility Contractor Exam Complete Book Set - Trade Books - Highlighted & Tabbed

Prepare for the Florida Underground Utility Contractor General Trade Knowledge examination with a complete collection of professionally highlighted and tabbed trade references. This package brings together the listed books covering ductile iron pipe, PVC pressure pipe, excavation, trenching, concrete pipe, box culverts, utility accommodations, underground damage prevention, directional boring, jack-and-bore construction, plumbing requirements, estimating, and OSHA construction safety.

The books are prepared with highlighting and permanently attached navigation tabs to support focused study and faster reference lookup. Highlighting helps selected definitions, tables, procedures, requirements, and technical information stand out during review. Tabs provide visible access points to major chapters and frequently used subjects, helping candidates become more familiar with the organization of each reference.

Underground utility construction requires knowledge of much more than pipe placement. Candidates may need to understand project planning, utility locating, site inspections, excavation safety, traffic control, soil conditions, trench protection, dewatering, pipe bedding, backfill, compaction, pressure piping, gravity systems, drainage structures, valves, fittings, pump stations, trenchless installation, testing, disinfection, and project closeout.

This highlighted and tabbed book set supports preparation across those connected areas. It includes industry standards and manuals for ductile iron, PVC, concrete pipe, excavation, utility work, underground damage prevention, directional boring, jack-and-bore work, estimating, workplace safety, and applicable Florida plumbing requirements.

Because the Florida Underground Utility Contractor trade examination is open book, candidates must know how to work efficiently with a large technical library. The prepared tabs and highlighting can help reduce unnecessary searching, but they do not replace studying. Candidates should still learn which reference applies to each subject, read the surrounding provisions, practice calculations, and complete timed lookup exercises.

This listing is for the complete highlighted and tabbed Trade Knowledge book set. Business and Finance references, online courses, application services, and licensing services are not included unless specifically stated in another package.

The additional processing period allows the books to be prepared before shipment. Candidates should account for this time when selecting an examination date and planning their study schedule.

Please allow an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed trade book package orders.

Exam Details

The Florida Underground Utility Contractors General Trade Knowledge examination is administered through computer-based testing. The trade examination consists of 80 equally weighted questions and allows five hours for completion.

Questions are multiple choice and may require candidates to read and interpret construction plans, profiles, cross sections, specifications, technical standards, equipment information, installation procedures, and code provisions. Candidates should also be prepared to complete basic construction mathematics involving fractions, decimals, percentages, area, volume, grade, slope, quantities, conversions, and simple algebra.

The published examination outline divides the trade examination into the following areas:

• Pre-Installation: 20%
• Traffic Control: 5%
• Excavating, Backfill and Compaction: 20%
• Pipe Installation and Repairs: 15%
• Piping, Valves and Fittings: 15%
• Testing, Disinfecting and Job Closeout: 10%
• Drainage Systems: 5%
• Equipment: 10%

Pre-installation preparation may include site inspections, plan review, material quantities, soil conditions, groundwater, utility locating, equipment selection, pipe storage, project specifications, erosion control, burial depth, alignment, slope, profiles, elevations, and coordination with existing underground facilities.

Traffic-control topics may involve signs, cones, barricades, detours, temporary pavement markings, flagger coordination, emergency access, work-zone setup, and stockpile placement within or near public rights-of-way.

Excavation, backfill, and compaction preparation may include trench width, soil classification, protective systems, shoring, shielding, sloping, benching, dewatering, well points, trench boxes, access and egress, bedding, filter fabric, compaction, finish grades, invert elevations, surface restoration, and support of existing utilities.

Pipe installation and repair topics may involve pressure pipe, gravity sewer pipe, ductile iron pipe, PVC pipe, concrete pipe, fittings, joints, thrust restraint, bedding, deflection, manholes, lift stations, catch basins, pump piping, slip lining, directional boring, jack-and-bore construction, and repair procedures.

Piping, valve, and fitting preparation may include hydrants, meters, pumps, motors, backflow protection, wall penetrations, underwater piping, supports, coatings, taps, mechanical joints, restraint systems, cathodic protection, flow control, and leak detection.

Testing, disinfection, and closeout topics may include hydrostatic testing, flushing, chlorination, bacteriological sampling, infiltration testing, exfiltration testing, low-pressure air testing, mandrel testing, television inspection, as-built drawings, operating manuals, maintenance information, final signoffs, and project documentation.

Drainage preparation may address storm pipe, box culverts, underdrains, perforated pipe, retention and detention systems, bedding, connections, cleaning, inspection, and protection of completed drainage installations.

Open Book Test

The Florida Underground Utility Contractor Trade Knowledge examination is open book. Candidates may use approved references that comply with the applicable examination-room requirements.

An open-book examination still requires substantial preparation. The five-hour testing period does not provide enough time to search every book from the beginning for every question. Candidates should recognize the subject, identify the correct reference, locate the applicable chapter or standard, and confirm the answer efficiently.

The professionally highlighted and tabbed books in this package are designed to support that process. Tabs provide visible entry points to major topics, while highlighting helps selected information stand out during study and exam preparation.

Candidates should review every tab before test day and learn what type of information is located behind it. Practice should include using tables of contents, indexes, diagrams, installation tables, definitions, specifications, and code sections.

Useful timed lookup subjects include pipe dimensions, joint assembly, allowable deflection, trench protection, utility marking requirements, backfill procedures, bedding details, directional-bore procedures, jack-and-bore requirements, testing methods, disinfection procedures, and estimating calculations.

Prepared references are most effective when candidates read the surrounding text. The correct answer may depend on an exception, table note, limitation, definition, illustration, or related section that is not highlighted. Understanding the full context remains essential.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the contractor classification. Confirm that the Florida Certified Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor classification matches the work you intend to perform.
2. Review the qualification requirements. Evaluate the applicable experience, education, financial, insurance, background-screening, and business requirements.
3. Register for the required examinations. Complete the applicable registration process for Trade Knowledge and Business and Finance.
4. Prepare with the approved references. Study the official content areas and practice using the highlighted and tabbed books.
5. Schedule the examinations. After receiving authorization, schedule the computer-based testing appointments.
6. Pass the required examination parts. Complete the examination requirements that apply to the contractor classification.
7. Submit the licensing application. File the appropriate Florida contractor application with the required documentation.
8. Provide supporting records. Submit applicable experience verification, education records, fingerprints, financial information, insurance documents, workers’ compensation information, and business qualification materials.
9. Complete remaining requirements. Address any additional items requested during the state licensing review.

State Requirements

Florida applicants seeking certification as Underground Utility and Excavation Contractors must satisfy the examination and licensing requirements associated with the classification. Passing the required examinations is an important step, but examination results alone do not issue a contractor license.

Applicants must submit the appropriate licensing application and provide the supporting information required for their circumstances. The process may include documentation of qualifying construction experience or an accepted combination of education and experience.

The licensing process may also involve fingerprint-based background screening, financial responsibility documentation, credit information, liability insurance, property-damage insurance, workers’ compensation coverage or an applicable exemption, and business qualification records.

The correct application depends on the applicant’s situation. Different forms may apply to an individual seeking licensure, an applicant qualifying a business, a contractor qualifying an additional business, or an applicant using another available licensing pathway.

Candidates should coordinate exam preparation with application planning. Gathering employment history, financial documents, business records, insurance information, and other required materials early can help reduce delays after the examinations are completed.

Reference Books

• Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe, 2021
  A technical installation guide addressing ductile iron pipe handling, trench preparation, bedding, joint assembly, cutting, fittings, thrust restraint, backfill, testing, and recommended installation practices.
• AWWA Standard for Polyvinyl Chloride Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings, 4 Inches Through 60 Inches, for Water Transmission and Distribution, C900, 2022
  An industry standard covering PVC pressure pipe and fabricated fittings, including materials, dimensions, testing, quality requirements, product specifications, and performance criteria.
• Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book, Walker's, 33rd Edition
  A construction-estimating reference containing labor, material, equipment, quantity, measurement, and cost information useful for excavation, piping, concrete, and site-work calculations.
• Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
  The federal construction-safety regulations covering excavation, trench protection, competent-person responsibilities, confined spaces, ladders, equipment, personal protective equipment, material handling, and workplace hazards.
• Concrete Pipe & Box Culvert Installation, 2007–2019
  An installation reference covering concrete pipe and box culvert unloading, storage, excavation, bedding, placement, joining, backfill, compaction, inspection, and construction procedures.
• Pipe & Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  A practical underground construction reference addressing excavation equipment, trench construction, soil conditions, shoring, dewatering, grading, pipe installation, backfill, compaction, estimating, and field methods.
• Utility Accommodation Manual, 2017
  A Florida transportation reference addressing utility installations, adjustments, permits, coordination, clearances, placement, roadway considerations, and utility work within transportation rights-of-way.
• The Handbook of PVC Pipe Design and Construction, 5th Edition, 2012
  A detailed PVC pipe reference covering material properties, pressure applications, gravity systems, hydraulics, joints, fittings, design, installation, deflection, testing, and long-term performance.
• Damage Prevention Guide, October 2020
  A Florida damage-prevention reference that includes Chapter 556, Florida Statutes, and addresses notification, utility locating, markings, tolerance zones, excavation responsibilities, and prevention of underground facility damage.
• 555-Directional Bore, 2025–2026
  A Florida construction specification addressing directional-bore work, including equipment, materials, drilling procedures, monitoring, installation, quality requirements, and completion of trenchless crossings.
• 556-Jack & Bore, 2025–2026
  A Florida construction specification covering jack-and-bore installations, including casing, excavation, alignment, construction procedures, grouting, equipment, tolerances, and acceptance requirements.
• Florida Building Code – Plumbing, 2023
  The plumbing volume of the 8th Edition Florida Building Code, containing requirements related to water service, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, pipe materials, sizing, testing, backflow protection, and plumbing installations.

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin preparation with pre-installation and excavation because each represents a significant portion of the published examination outline. Review plans, profiles, elevations, utility locating, soil conditions, trench protection, dewatering, bedding, backfill, compaction, and surface restoration.

Divide pipe study by material. Use the ductile iron guide for ductile iron installation, AWWA C900 and the PVC handbook for PVC pressure systems, and the concrete pipe reference for drainage pipe and box culvert work.

Give trenchless construction focused attention. Review directional boring, jack-and-bore procedures, casing, alignment, equipment, drilling fluids, clearances, soil conditions, monitoring, grouting, and acceptance requirements.

OSHA study should emphasize excavation and trenching, soil classification, protective systems, competent-person duties, access and egress, spoil placement, equipment hazards, confined spaces, and personal protective equipment.

Practice calculations involving trench volume, bedding quantities, backfill, grade, slope, elevations, concrete volume, surface replacement, pipe quantities, pressure, flow, and estimating. Track units carefully and determine whether the answer should be expressed in feet, inches, cubic yards, gallons, percentages, or another unit.

Use the highlighting and tabs during study, but also practice navigating from the index and table of contents. This helps candidates build familiarity with the books rather than depending entirely on visual markers.

Timed reference drills can strengthen open-book performance. Select a topic, identify the likely book, locate the supporting information, and confirm the answer. Record slow searches and review those references again.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Florida Underground Utility Contractor candidates turn a large technical reference library into a more organized study system. Professionally highlighted and tabbed books support focused review and efficient navigation across the major trade subjects.

Trade-focused preparation connects excavation, pipe installation, utility locating, trench safety, traffic control, drainage, directional boring, jack-and-bore construction, testing, estimating, and Florida plumbing requirements.

Reference-navigation practice helps candidates identify which book applies to each question and how to locate tables, specifications, definitions, diagrams, installation procedures, and code provisions efficiently.

Practice-oriented preparation reinforces construction knowledge through calculations, installation scenarios, safety questions, testing procedures, and timed book searches. Reviewing missed questions and locating the supporting text can strengthen both technical understanding and reference familiarity.

No book package can guarantee a passing result. Consistent study, field knowledge, accurate calculations, reference-navigation skills, time management, and performance on test day remain essential.

FAQ Section

Are the books professionally highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The references in this package are professionally highlighted and prepared with permanently attached navigation tabs.

How long does book preparation take?

Please allow an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed trade book package orders.

Is this set for the Florida Underground Utility Contractor trade exam?

Yes. This package contains the listed references for preparation for the Florida Underground Utility Contractors General Trade Knowledge examination.

How many questions are on the trade examination?

The examination consists of 80 equally weighted questions and allows five hours for completion.

Is the examination open book?

Yes. Candidates may use approved references that comply with the applicable examination-room requirements.

What subjects are covered?

The published examination areas include pre-installation, traffic control, excavation, backfill, compaction, pipe installation, repairs, piping, valves, fittings, testing, disinfection, drainage systems, equipment, and job closeout.

Do highlighting and tabs replace studying?

No. Highlighting and tabs support navigation, but candidates must still study the technical material, practice calculations, and become familiar with every reference.

Are Business and Finance books included?

No. This listing is for the highlighted and tabbed Trade Knowledge book set. Business and Finance references are separate unless another package specifically states that they are included.

Why are directional-bore and jack-and-bore specifications included?

Trenchless utility installation is an important part of underground construction. These specifications support preparation for equipment, procedures, casing, alignment, materials, quality control, and acceptance requirements.

Does purchasing this set guarantee a passing score?

No. Examination performance depends on the candidate’s preparation, trade knowledge, calculation skills, reference familiarity, time management, and performance on test day.

Does passing the examination automatically issue a contractor license?

No. Applicants must also complete the licensing application and satisfy the applicable experience, education, financial, insurance, background, and business requirements.