Florida Specialty Structure Contractor License Exam - Books & Courses Rental

Prepare for the Florida Specialty Structure Contractor licensing examinations with a coordinated rental package that combines professionally highlighted and tabbed reference books, online exam-prep courses, and Business and Finance flash cards. This package supports candidates studying for both the Florida Specialty Structure Contractor Trade Knowledge examination and the Florida Business and Finance examination.

The rental package includes the complete set of listed trade references and the listed Florida Business and Finance books. The books are professionally prepared with highlighting and permanently attached tabs to support focused review, faster navigation, and repeated open-book lookup practice.

Specialty structure construction brings together several building materials and installation systems. Candidates may need to study foundations, concrete masonry, concrete finishing, aluminum structures, wood-frame durability, vinyl siding, windows, insulation, roof systems, post-and-beam structures, roofovers, soffits, fascia, gutters, downspouts, estimating, workplace safety, and Florida building-code requirements.

The Business and Finance portion adds subjects connected to operating a contracting business, including accounting, bidding, contracts, project administration, business organization, financial management, and Florida contractor regulations. Combining the trade and business books with online courses gives candidates an organized way to address both sides of the examination process.

This package uses a rental format, allowing candidates to study with the listed books during the six-month rental period. A refundable deposit applies and is returned when the complete book set is received in similar condition within six months from the date the books are shipped.

The highlighting identifies selected technical and business information throughout the references. Tabs provide visible navigation points for major chapters and frequently used topics. Candidates should still read the surrounding material, learn how each reference is organized, and practice finding information without relying entirely on the prepared markings.

The six-month rental and course-access period gives candidates a defined preparation window. Building a study schedule early can help ensure sufficient time for course lessons, book review, construction calculations, timed lookups, practice questions, and final examination review.

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

Exam Details

The Florida Specialty Structure Contractor licensing examination process includes a General Trade Knowledge examination and the Florida Business and Finance examination. Candidates must prepare for the construction methods associated with specialty structures as well as the business responsibilities connected to operating a contracting company.

The Specialty Structure Contractor General Trade Knowledge examination is administered through computer-based testing and consists of 80 equally weighted questions.

The published trade examination content areas include:

• Foundations: 7.5%
• Wall Sections: 15%
• Roof Sections: 15%
• Insulation: 7.5%
• Windows: 15%
• Post and Beam Structures: 15%
• Roofovers: 15%
• Siding, Soffits, Fascias, Gutters and Downspouts: 10%

Foundation preparation may include excavation, layout, pier-type post footings, forms, reinforcing materials, concrete placement, vapor barriers, compaction, grading, finishing, masonry kneewalls, mortar, concrete masonry units, reinforcement, and joint construction.

Wall-section preparation may involve screen walls, framed solid walls, composite metal-panel walls, bracing, anchoring, fastening, storm doors, screen doors, flashing, caulking, material compatibility, support spacing, and high-wind considerations.

Roof-section topics may include standing-seam systems, pan roofs, screen roofs, structural supports, span information, roof forms, attachment methods, flashing, sealing, wind loads, gussets, fastening, and panel sizing.

Window questions may address measurement, rough openings, installation in wood, masonry, or metal walls, fastening, anchoring, flashing, sealants, weather resistance, reinforcement, and wind-load requirements.

Post-and-beam construction may involve wood and metal structures, carports, patios, roof framing, connections, anchors, fasteners, bracing, and safe construction practices. Roofover topics may include raised systems, flat-down systems, laminated materials, vinyl blanket systems, insulation, ventilation, drainage, spacing, sealing, and weather protection.

The Business and Finance examination addresses subjects associated with managing a contracting operation. Preparation may include accounting, financial statements, estimating, bidding, construction contracts, project administration, regulatory responsibilities, risk management, business organization, and recordkeeping.

Open Book Test

Florida construction examinations are open book. Candidates may bring approved references that comply with the current examination-room requirements for the applicable test.

An open-book format does not eliminate the need for detailed study. Examination time is limited, and candidates must know which reference is most likely to contain the required information. Efficient testing involves identifying the subject, selecting the correct book, locating the applicable chapter or provision, and confirming the answer without unnecessary searching.

The professionally highlighted and tabbed rental books support this process. Tabs provide visible access points to major sections, while highlighting helps selected requirements, definitions, tables, and technical information stand out during preparation.

Candidates should use the books throughout the online courses. Each study session should include reference practice, such as locating a masonry requirement, concrete-finishing method, aluminum connection, vinyl-siding detail, OSHA standard, estimating calculation, contract clause, or accounting concept.

The rental books should be protected throughout the six-month period. Candidates should not add unauthorized notes, loose materials, or alterations. The complete set must be returned in similar condition within six months from the shipment date for the $700 deposit to be refundable.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the Certified Specialty Structure Contractor classification. Confirm that the classification matches the type of specialty structure work you intend to perform.
2. Review the qualification requirements. Examine the applicable experience, education, financial, insurance, background-screening, and business requirements.
3. Register for the required examinations. Complete the applicable registration process for the Trade Knowledge and Business and Finance examinations.
4. Prepare with the rental package. Use the highlighted and tabbed references, online courses, and business flash cards during the six-month preparation period.
5. Practice open-book navigation. Learn which reference applies to each topic and complete timed lookup exercises.
6. Schedule the examinations. After receiving the necessary authorization, schedule the applicable computer-based testing appointments.
7. Pass the required examination parts. Complete the examination requirements associated with the Certified Specialty Structure Contractor license.
8. Submit the initial licensing application. File the appropriate Florida contractor application and supporting documentation.
9. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Address applicable experience verification, financial documentation, fingerprints, insurance, workers’ compensation, and business qualification requirements.

State Requirements

Florida applicants seeking licensure as certified specialty contractors must satisfy the examination and licensing requirements that apply to the classification. Passing the required examinations is only one part of the process and does not automatically issue a contractor license.

Applicants must complete the appropriate licensing application and provide the required supporting documents. The application process may involve construction-experience verification, education records, financial information, background screening, insurance documentation, workers’ compensation information, and records related to the business being qualified.

Florida applicants are generally required to document qualifying experience or an accepted combination of education and experience. Experience documentation should accurately describe the applicant’s responsibilities and connection to the work covered by the license classification.

The appropriate application depends on the applicant’s circumstances. 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 examination preparation with application planning. Gathering employment records, financial documents, business information, insurance records, and other required materials early can help reduce delays after the examinations are completed.

Reference Books

Florida Specialty Structure Contractor Trade Book Rentals

• Included Rental Book: Walker's Building Estimator’s Reference Book, 33rd Edition
  A construction-estimating reference covering labor, materials, equipment, measurements, quantities, unit costs, and common construction calculations.
• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
  The federal construction-safety regulations covering fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, electrical hazards, personal protective equipment, tools, material handling, excavation, and jobsite practices.
• Included Rental Book: Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers, Builders, 6th Edition, 2008
  A technical masonry reference addressing concrete masonry units, mortar, reinforcement, structural principles, detailing, installation methods, and construction applications.
• Included Rental Book: Design of Wood Frame Structures for Permanence, Wood Construction Data No. 6, 2006
  A wood-construction reference focused on moisture control, decay prevention, termite protection, ventilation, material selection, durability, and long-term structural performance.
• Included Rental Book: Vinyl Siding Installation Manual, 2020
  An installation reference covering surface preparation, fastening, panel placement, accessories, expansion and contraction, flashing, weather resistance, soffits, fascia, and common siding details.
• Included Rental Book: Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas, Student Edition, 2010
  A specialty construction guide addressing aluminum structural members, connections, spans, bracing, anchoring, fastening, screen enclosures, roof systems, and high-wind applications.
• Included Rental Book: Concrete Finishers Guide, 2017
  A practical concrete reference covering placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, joints, tools, surface preparation, defects, and commonly used finishing procedures.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Building Code – Building, 2023
  The building volume of the 8th Edition Florida Building Code, containing provisions related to structural systems, exterior walls, roofs, weather protection, materials, accessibility, and commercial construction.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Building Code – Residential, 2023
  The residential code covering applicable one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, including foundations, walls, roofs, windows, insulation, exterior coverings, connections, and weather-resistant construction.

Florida Business and Finance Book Rentals

• Included Rental Book: A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, 2017
  A standard contract document addressing the rights, responsibilities, and relationships of the owner, contractor, and architect during construction.
• Included Rental Book: A401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor, 2017
  A standard agreement defining the contractual relationship, responsibilities, and obligations between a contractor and subcontractor.
• Included Rental Book: A701 Instructions to Bidders, 2018
  A bidding document addressing procedures, submissions, modifications, requirements, and bidder responsibilities during the construction bidding process.
• Included Rental Book: Builders Guide to Accounting, Michael C. Thomsett, Copyright 2001
  A construction-accounting reference covering bookkeeping, financial statements, costs, cash flow, business records, and accounting concepts.
• Included Rental Book: Contractors Manual, 2025
  A business and regulatory reference supporting preparation in contractor management, project administration, finance, business practices, and Florida requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Florida Statutes Chapter 455, Current Edition
  Florida statutory provisions associated with the regulation of professions and occupations under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Test Information and Study Materials

The included business and trade courses provide 6 months of course access. Candidates can use the courses to divide the examination material into manageable topics and connect each subject with the appropriate reference book.

Trade preparation should be organized around the published content areas. Wall sections, roof sections, windows, post-and-beam structures, and roofovers each represent substantial parts of the examination. Foundations, insulation, siding, soffits, fascia, gutters, and downspouts should also be included in the study schedule.

For foundations, combine the concrete, masonry, estimating, and Florida code references. Review footing layout, excavation, concrete quantities, forms, reinforcement, placement, curing, finishing, concrete masonry units, mortar, and kneewall construction.

For aluminum, wall, and roof systems, review structural supports, span information, connections, anchors, fasteners, bracing, flashing, sealants, screen systems, panel systems, wind loads, and roof configurations.

Business preparation should include accounting, construction contracts, bidding, financial management, project administration, business organization, contractor regulations, and recordkeeping. Use the included flash cards for repeated review, then locate the supporting concepts in the appropriate reference.

Create a weekly study routine that includes online lessons, book reading, calculations, timed reference lookups, flash-card review, practice questions, and review of missed answers. Candidates should also leave enough time to organize and return the complete rental set before the six-month deadline.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Florida Specialty Structure Contractor candidates bring trade and business preparation into one organized study package. The professionally highlighted and tabbed references support efficient navigation, while the online courses provide structured review of the subjects connected to both required examination areas.

Trade-focused preparation connects foundations, masonry, concrete, aluminum structures, wood-frame durability, vinyl siding, windows, roofs, estimating, OSHA safety, and Florida building codes. Business-focused preparation supports accounting, contracts, bidding, project administration, financial management, and contractor responsibilities.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages candidates to use the books actively. Reviewing a topic, answering questions, locating the supporting provision, and revisiting missed concepts can strengthen technical understanding and open-book reference skills.

The included business flash cards add repetition to Business and Finance preparation. Candidates can use the cards to review important terminology, then confirm each concept in the appropriate contract, accounting, manual, or statutory reference.

With organized books, structured course review, timed lookup practice, and a consistent six-month study schedule, candidates can approach the Florida Specialty Structure Contractor examinations with greater familiarity and confidence. Examination results still depend on the candidate’s preparation, knowledge, time management, and performance on test day.

FAQ Section

What is included in this rental package?

The package includes the listed highlighted and tabbed Specialty Structure Contractor trade books, the listed Business and Finance books, both online exam-prep courses, business flash cards, and 6 months of course access.

What is the total amount due at purchase?

The package price is $1,399, and the refundable book deposit is $700. The total due at purchase is $2,099.

Is the $700 book deposit refundable?

Yes. The deposit is refundable when the complete book set is returned in similar condition within six months from the date the books are shipped.

How long is course access?

The package includes 6 months of course access for the Specialty Structure Contractor Trade Knowledge and Business and Finance courses.

How long do I have the rental books?

The complete rental book set must be returned in similar condition within six months from the date it is shipped to qualify for the refundable deposit.

How long does highlighted and tabbed book preparation take?

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

Are both trade and Business and Finance preparation included?

Yes. The rental package includes books and online exam-prep courses for both examination areas.

Are business flash cards included?

Yes. Business flash cards are included to support repeated review of important Business and Finance concepts.

Are the Florida contractor examinations open book?

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

Can I add notes to the rental books?

The rental books should be protected from additional notes, loose materials, damage, or alterations. They must be returned in similar condition within the six-month rental period.

Does this package guarantee a passing score or contractor license?

No. Examination results and licensing approval depend on the candidate’s preparation, qualifications, documentation, compliance with state requirements, and performance during the examination and application processes.