Florida Residential Contractor Exam - Premium Books & Courses Rental

Prepare for the Florida Residential Contractor licensing examinations with a premium rental package that combines a complete set of professionally highlighted and tabbed reference books with online business and trade exam-preparation courses. This comprehensive package is designed for candidates who want organized access to the Florida Residential Contractor exam library, including both exam-room references and supplemental study books.

The Florida Residential Contractor Exam - Premium Books & Courses Rental package supports preparation for all three Division I examination areas: Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management. The included references address Florida building codes, federal construction safety regulations, contract documents, bidding procedures, contractor accounting, business responsibilities, estimating, energy-efficient construction, concrete, reinforcing steel, gypsum panel installation, wood-truss handling, and general construction practices.

The books are professionally highlighted and tabbed to help students navigate important chapters, code sections, definitions, tables, contract provisions, and frequently studied topics. Highlighting draws attention to important material, while tabs create visible reference points that can make a large collection of books easier to organize and use.

The package also includes business and trade courses that provide a structured approach to examination preparation. Course materials help candidates understand the purpose of each reference, review major examination subjects, practice locating answers, and develop practical strategies for open-book testing. Business and Finance flash cards are included for additional review of terminology, calculations, accounting concepts, contractor responsibilities, and business-management subjects.

This premium rental option includes references permitted for applicable examination sections as well as supplemental books intended for study outside the testing room. Candidates can use the complete library during the preparation period and take only the currently permitted books into the applicable examination session.

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

Exam Details

Florida Residential Contractor candidates are classified as Division I construction contractor applicants. Division I candidates must pass the Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management examinations.

The Business and Finance examination addresses the administrative and financial responsibilities associated with operating a contracting business. Candidates may encounter subjects involving accounting, estimating, financial statements, job costing, payroll, taxes, insurance, contracts, business organization, employment responsibilities, licensing laws, and contractor compliance.

The Contract Administration examination focuses on the contractual and administrative relationships involved in construction projects. Preparation includes general conditions, contractor-subcontractor agreements, bidding procedures, project documentation, payments, changes in the work, responsibilities of project participants, and contract interpretation.

The Project Management examination covers technical and operational construction knowledge. Major preparation areas include Florida building codes, residential construction, accessibility, existing buildings, energy conservation, OSHA requirements, materials, construction methods, estimating, concrete, reinforcing steel, gypsum panel products, wood-truss handling, and field coordination.

Florida construction examinations in these categories are administered through computer-based testing. Candidates apply through Professional Testing, Inc. After approval, examinations are scheduled with the state’s designated testing provider, Pearson Professional Assessments, formerly known as Pearson VUE.

Business and Finance is administered as a separate examination session. Contract Administration and Project Management are also administered as separate examination parts. Candidates should plan their preparation around the subjects and permitted references associated with each scheduled session.

Open Book Test

The Florida Residential Contractor examinations are open book. Candidates may use approved references during the applicable examination session, provided the books and any tabs, highlighting, notes, or binding comply with the current testing rules.

Open-book testing requires candidates to do more than locate isolated facts. A candidate must understand the question, identify its subject, select the appropriate reference, find the controlling provision, interpret the information, and apply it to the answer choices within the allotted testing period.

The professionally highlighted and tabbed books included in this premium rental package are intended to make the reference library easier to study and navigate. Tabs help identify major subjects and sections. Highlighting helps draw attention to important provisions, definitions, tables, procedures, and concepts.

Candidates should practice with the prepared books throughout the rental period. Become familiar with each book’s table of contents, index, chapters, code arrangement, contract articles, appendices, and major technical subjects. Repeated practice can help reduce the time spent deciding which reference to use.

Not every book included in the premium package is permitted in the trade examination room. Supplemental estimating, concrete, reinforcing-bar, and gypsum publications are included as study resources. Candidates must take only approved references into the applicable testing session.

Licensing Steps

Begin by reviewing the current requirements for Florida certified residential contractor licensure. Candidates should understand the examination, experience, education, financial, insurance, background, and application requirements before beginning the process.

Apply for the required examinations through the approved Florida construction examination registration process. Residential Contractor candidates must complete Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management.

After receiving authorization, schedule the applicable examination sessions with the designated computer-based testing provider. Candidates should verify their examination dates, testing-center location, identification requirements, and permitted materials before each appointment.

Use the included books, courses, flash cards, and simulated practice questions to prepare. Study with the physical references, complete timed lookup exercises, and practice selecting the correct book based on the subject of each question.

After passing the required examinations, submit the appropriate licensure application and supporting documentation to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The required application may differ depending on whether the candidate is applying as an individual, qualifying a business, or pursuing another available application pathway.

Passing the examinations does not automatically issue a contractor license. Applicants must satisfy the applicable state requirements and receive approval before performing work that requires Florida Residential Contractor certification.

State Requirements

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates certified construction contractors through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. A certified residential contractor may operate within the legal scope of the credential throughout Florida, subject to applicable permitting, code, and local administrative requirements.

A Florida residential contractor is generally limited to the construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences that are not more than two stories, together with associated accessory-use structures.

Certified contractor applicants generally must document four years of qualifying experience or an accepted combination of college education and construction experience. The experience must satisfy the standards for the requested category and must be documented according to the current application instructions.

Applicants may also be required to provide financial responsibility information, background documentation, insurance evidence, workers’ compensation information, examination results, and other materials required by the applicable application.

The books and courses in this package support examination preparation but do not replace the state application process. Candidates remain responsible for satisfying all licensing qualifications and submitting complete documentation.

Reference Books

• Included Rental Book: Florida Building Code - Building, 2023
  A Florida code volume covering building construction, occupancy, structural provisions, materials, fire and life safety, means of egress, and related requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Building Code - Accessibility, 2023
  A Florida reference addressing accessible routes, entrances, spaces, fixtures, clearances, facilities, and other accessibility requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Building Code - Residential, 2023
  The primary code reference for regulated residential construction within its scope, including structural, building, safety, and system provisions.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Building Code - Existing Building, 2023
  A code resource covering repairs, alterations, additions, changes of occupancy, and other work involving existing buildings.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Building Code - Energy Conservation, 2023
  A Florida code volume addressing energy-efficiency requirements for building envelopes, mechanical systems, lighting, service water heating, and related components.
• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
  The federal construction safety regulations covering fall protection, scaffolds, excavations, electrical hazards, equipment, personal protective equipment, and other workplace requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida, 11th Edition, 2024
  A Florida-focused resource addressing energy-conscious design and construction, building-envelope performance, efficient systems, and climate-related considerations.
• Included Rental Book: Building Component Safety Information: BCSI “Guide to Good Practices for Handling, Installing and Bracing of Metal Connected Wood Trusses,” 2025
  A specialized safety publication covering the handling, installation, restraint, and bracing of metal-connected wood trusses.
• Included Rental Book: Contractors Manual, 2025
  A contractor business and administration reference covering financial management, contracts, taxation, employment responsibilities, insurance, and regulatory subjects.
• Included Rental Book: A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, 2017
  A contract document explaining the rights, duties, and relationships of the owner, contractor, and architect during a construction project.
• Included Rental Book: A401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor, 2017
  A construction agreement covering contractor-subcontractor responsibilities, coordination, performance, payment, and project obligations.
• Included Rental Book: A701 Instructions to Bidders, 2018
  A bidding document covering proposal procedures, bidder responsibilities, submission requirements, interpretations, and bidding administration.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Statutes Chapter 455, Current Edition
  A Florida statutory reference addressing professional regulation, licensing administration, disciplinary authority, and related requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition, 2024
  A construction reference by Ronald C. Smith and Cameron K. Andres covering materials, methods, building systems, structural components, field practices, and project management.
• Included Rental Book: Builder’s Guide to Accounting, Michael C. Thomsett, Copyright 2001
  A construction-accounting resource covering job costs, financial statements, overhead, payroll, cash flow, and contractor recordkeeping. This book is permitted for the Business and Finance examination only and is not permitted for the trade examinations.
• Included Rental Book: Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, 33rd Edition
  A supplemental study reference containing construction estimating data, labor and material information, calculations, and practical estimating guidance. This book is not permitted in the trade examination room.
• Included Rental Book: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  A supplemental concrete reference by Steven H. Kosmatka, Beatrix Kerkhoff, and William C. Panarese covering materials, mixture proportioning, placement, curing, durability, testing, and performance. This book is not permitted in the trade examination room.
• Included Rental Book: Placing Reinforcing Bars, 10th Edition
  A supplemental reference covering reinforcing-bar placement, supports, splices, clearances, handling, detailing, and reinforced-concrete field practices. This book is not permitted in the trade examination room.
• Included Rental Book: Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products, GA-216, 2018 Edition
  A supplemental technical standard addressing the application, attachment, joint treatment, and finishing of gypsum panel products. This book is not permitted in the trade examination room.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following included rental references are identified for use in the applicable examination session:

• Florida Building Code - Building, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Accessibility, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Residential, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Existing Building, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Energy Conservation, 2023
• Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
• Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida, 11th Edition, 2024
• Building Component Safety Information: BCSI Guide, 2025
• Contractors Manual, 2025
• A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, 2017
• A401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor, 2017
• A701 Instructions to Bidders, 2018
• Florida Statutes Chapter 455, Current Edition
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition, 2024
• Builder’s Guide to Accounting, Copyright 2001, for the Business and Finance examination only

The following included books are supplemental study references and are not permitted in the trade examination room:

• Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, 33rd Edition
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
• Placing Reinforcing Bars, 10th Edition
• Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products, GA-216, 2018 Edition

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin with the course book overviews to understand which references apply to each examination area. Separate the library into Business and Finance, Contract Administration, Project Management, and supplemental study groups.

Use simulated practice questions with the books beside you. Identify the subject, select the likely reference, locate the controlling section, and confirm the answer from the text. Review missed questions to determine whether the issue involved knowledge, book selection, navigation, interpretation, calculations, or time management.

Use the Business and Finance flash cards during shorter study sessions. Repeated review can strengthen familiarity with accounting terms, financial concepts, business responsibilities, formulas, and contractor administration.

Practice with the highlighted and tabbed references under timed conditions. Learn to use the tabs as starting points while also reviewing surrounding provisions, definitions, exceptions, notes, and tables.

Before each examination appointment, separate the books approved for that session. Do not bring supplemental study references into the trade examination room. Builder’s Guide to Accounting is identified for the Business and Finance examination only.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Florida Residential Contractor candidates through organized course guidance, professionally prepared reference books, simulated practice questions, business flash cards, and practical test-taking instruction.

Book overviews help students understand the purpose and organization of the complete reference library. Trade-focused review connects Florida codes, OSHA safety requirements, construction methods, contracts, estimating, and technical subjects with the responsibilities of residential contractors.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages students to work actively with the books instead of relying only on passive reading. Reference-navigation exercises help candidates develop a repeatable method for selecting books and locating information.

The premium rental package provides a structured way to prepare with both exam-room references and supplemental study materials. It is designed to build knowledge, improve navigation skills, and support confidence without guaranteeing a passing score, license approval, or specific examination outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the premium rental package?

The package includes the complete set of listed professionally highlighted and tabbed books, business and trade courses, Business and Finance flash cards, simulated practice questions, book overviews, and test-taking guidance.

How long is course access?

The package includes 6 months of course access.

What is the total price?

The rental package price is $1,399. A refundable $1,300 book deposit is required, making the total amount due $2,699.

When is the $1,300 deposit refundable?

The deposit is refundable when the books are returned in similar condition within six months from the date they are shipped.

Are the books professionally highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The included references are professionally highlighted and tabbed to support organized preparation and efficient navigation.

Are all included books allowed into the trade examination?

No. Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Placing Reinforcing Bars, and GA-216 are included as supplemental study references but are not allowed in the trade examination room.

Can Builder’s Guide to Accounting be taken into every examination?

No. Builder’s Guide to Accounting is identified for the Business and Finance examination only and is not allowed in the trade examination sessions.

Are both business and trade courses included?

Yes. The package includes online preparation for Business and Finance as well as Contract Administration and Project Management.

How long should I allow for order processing?

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

Does this rental package guarantee a passing score?

No. The package provides books, courses, flash cards, practice materials, and organized study guidance, but examination results depend on individual preparation and performance.