Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor License Exam Book Set - Trade Books

Prepare for the Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor trade examination with a complete collection of references covering masonry construction, concrete materials, reinforcing steel, formwork, estimating, workplace safety, Florida building codes, residential construction, existing buildings, and contractor administration. This trade book package brings together the publications identified for use during the applicable Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor examination.

Structural masonry work requires an understanding of concrete masonry units, mortar, reinforcement, concrete mixtures, structural requirements, formwork, estimating, safety, code compliance, and construction practices. Candidates must be able to connect information from technical manuals, standards, estimating references, safety regulations, and Florida code books while working through an open-book examination.

The Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor License Exam Book Set provides a focused study library for the Trade Knowledge portion of the licensing examination. The collection includes Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, OSHA construction regulations, the Concrete Masonry Handbook, the Contractors Manual, concrete and reinforcing-bar references, ACI 318 requirements, a formwork manual, and three Florida Building Code volumes.

Each reference supports a different part of exam preparation. Estimating questions may require labor, material, quantity, or cost information. Concrete and masonry questions may involve materials, mixtures, reinforcement, placement, structural provisions, formwork, or construction methods. Code questions may require the Florida Building Code - Building, Residential, or Existing Building, while jobsite safety questions may require OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.

This product includes the listed trade books. Candidates should work with the physical references throughout their preparation so they become familiar with each publication’s table of contents, index, chapter organization, terminology, tables, illustrations, and technical provisions. Strong book-navigation skills are essential for managing an open-book examination efficiently.

What You Get

The Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor trade book package includes the following references:

• Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, 33rd Edition
• Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
• Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers, Builders, 6th Edition, 2008
• Contractors Manual, 2025, effective July 1, 2026
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition, 2021
• Placing Reinforcing Bars, 10th Edition, 2019
• ACI 318-19 (22), 5th Edition, 2022
• Formwork for Concrete, 8th Edition, 2014
• Florida Building Code - Building, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Residential, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Existing Building, 2023

The set supports study of structural masonry systems, concrete masonry construction, concrete materials, reinforcing steel, structural concrete requirements, formwork, jobsite safety, estimating, contractor responsibilities, residential construction, general building requirements, and work involving existing structures.

This package contains trade references only. Exam-preparation courses, highlighted and tabbed services, business flash cards, application assistance, and licensing services are not included unless they are separately identified in the selected product offer.

Exam Details

The Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor license is part of the Division II Certified Specialty contractor group. Candidates pursuing this certification complete a Business and Finance examination and a separate Trade Knowledge examination.

The Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor Trade Knowledge examination contains 55 questions and is administered in one computer-based testing session. Candidates should be prepared for questions drawn from the examination content areas, the listed reference books, field experience, and recognized trade practices.

The trade examination focuses on knowledge associated with structural masonry and related concrete construction. Study areas may include masonry materials, concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcing steel, concrete mixtures, formwork, estimating, construction safety, structural requirements, residential construction, alterations, repairs, and contractor administration.

The Florida Building Code - Building supports review of general building requirements, structural systems, materials, occupancy provisions, fire and life safety, and other regulated construction subjects. The Florida Building Code - Residential addresses residential construction within its scope, while the Florida Building Code - Existing Building applies to repairs, alterations, additions, and other work involving existing structures.

The Contractors Manual, 2025, is identified as effective July 1, 2026. Candidates testing on or after that date should prepare with the listed edition. Examination questions are based on the editions shown on the applicable reference list, so candidates should compare their books with the requirements for their scheduled testing period.

Passing the Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge examinations is an important part of the certification process, but a passing examination score does not independently issue a Florida contractor license. Applicants must also complete the appropriate licensure application and satisfy the requirements for the Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor category.

Open Book Test

The Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor Trade Knowledge examination is open book. Candidates may bring approved reference materials into the examination site when the books comply with current testing requirements.

Open-book testing requires strong subject knowledge and efficient reference navigation. Candidates must determine what a question is asking, identify the correct subject area, select the most appropriate book, locate the applicable information, and use that information to choose an answer within the examination period.

Begin by learning which book covers each major subject. Concrete masonry questions may direct candidates to the Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers, Builders. Concrete material and mixture questions may require Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. Reinforcing-bar questions may require Placing Reinforcing Bars, while structural concrete provisions may be located in ACI 318.

Formwork questions may require Formwork for Concrete. Estimating questions may require Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book. Workplace safety questions may require OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Code questions may require one of the three Florida Building Code volumes, depending on whether the subject involves general building construction, residential work, or existing structures.

Only one copy of each approved reference is generally permitted at the examination site. Reference materials must meet the current rules for original editions, binding, tabs, highlighting, notes, and other permitted modifications. Candidates should review the current examination instructions before preparing their books for test day.

Licensing Steps

Begin by reviewing the current qualifications for Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor certification. Prospective applicants should understand the examination, experience, financial, insurance, background, and documentation requirements before registering for the tests.

Complete the applicable registration process for the Business and Finance and Structural Masonry Trade Knowledge examinations. After authorization, schedule the computer-based examination appointments through the designated testing provider.

Obtain the correct reference books and editions for the testing period. Organize the materials by subject and create a study plan covering masonry construction, concrete, reinforcement, formwork, estimating, safety, Florida codes, existing-building work, residential construction, and contractor administration.

Practice with the physical books under timed conditions. Learn how each index and table of contents is arranged, where major tables and technical provisions are located, and which reference is most useful for each type of question.

After passing the required examinations, submit the applicable Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor licensure application and supporting documentation to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Applicants seeking to qualify a business may need a different application from those seeking certification as individuals.

Passing the examinations allows a candidate to continue through the licensure process but does not by itself qualify the person to perform regulated contracting work. The appropriate Florida license must be approved and issued before the applicant offers or performs work requiring certification.

State Requirements

Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor applicants must satisfy the requirements established for the specialty category. These requirements may include passing the applicable state examinations, documenting qualifying experience, demonstrating financial responsibility, completing background requirements, maintaining required insurance, and submitting the appropriate application forms.

The Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor credential has a defined scope of work. Candidates should understand the construction activities authorized by the license and should not assume that passing the examinations grants authority to perform work assigned to another contractor classification or separately regulated trade.

Applicants should maintain accurate records of masonry experience, concrete work, reinforcing-steel responsibilities, project supervision, education, and other information that may be requested during the application process. Complete and consistent documentation can support a more organized licensing review.

Florida requires applicants to complete the licensing process after passing the examinations. Examination scores are only one part of the certification process, and applicants should not begin regulated contracting work until the appropriate license has been issued.

Reference Books

• Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, 33rd Edition
  A construction estimating reference containing labor and material information, quantity guidance, practical calculations, and data used to develop project estimates.
• Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
  The federal construction-safety regulations covering fall protection, scaffolds, excavations, material handling, personal protective equipment, tools, equipment, electrical hazards, and other workplace requirements.
• Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers, Builders, 6th Edition, 2008
  A masonry construction reference addressing concrete masonry units, materials, design considerations, wall systems, reinforcement, construction practices, details, and performance.
• Contractors Manual, 2025, Effective July 1, 2026
  A contractor business and administration reference covering financial practices, contracts, insurance, employment responsibilities, business operations, and regulatory subjects.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition, 2021
  A technical concrete reference covering cementitious materials, aggregates, water, admixtures, mixture proportioning, production, placement, curing, testing, durability, and performance.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars, 10th Edition, 2019
  An industry reference covering reinforcing-bar placement, supports, clearances, splices, handling, detailing, tolerances, and field practices for reinforced concrete construction.
• ACI 318-19 (22), 5th Edition, 2022
  A structural concrete reference containing requirements for concrete design, construction, reinforcement, materials, structural systems, durability, detailing, and related provisions.
• Formwork for Concrete, 8th Edition, 2014
  A technical reference covering formwork materials, design considerations, construction methods, shores, reshoring, loads, safety, placement, stripping, and concrete forming practices.
• Florida Building Code - Building, 2023
  A core Florida code volume covering building construction, structural requirements, materials, occupancy, fire and life safety, means of egress, and related provisions.
• Florida Building Code - Residential, 2023
  The primary Florida code reference for regulated residential construction within its scope, including masonry, concrete, foundations, walls, structural systems, and related building requirements.
• Florida Building Code - Existing Building, 2023
  A code volume addressing repairs, alterations, additions, changes of occupancy, and other regulated work involving existing buildings.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are included in the package and identified for use during the applicable Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor Trade Knowledge examination:

• Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, 33rd Edition
• Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
• Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers, Builders, 6th Edition, 2008
• Contractors Manual, 2025, effective July 1, 2026
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition, 2021
• Placing Reinforcing Bars, 10th Edition, 2019
• ACI 318-19 (22), 5th Edition, 2022
• Formwork for Concrete, 8th Edition, 2014
• Florida Building Code - Building, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Residential, 2023
• Florida Building Code - Existing Building, 2023

Candidates should compare each book with the current reference list for the scheduled testing period. Only approved materials that comply with examination-site requirements should be taken into the testing room.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive preparation plan should combine technical review with repeated reference-navigation practice. Begin by separating the books into subject groups: masonry, concrete mixtures, reinforcing steel, structural concrete, formwork, estimating, OSHA safety, Florida codes, and contractor administration.

Use the Concrete Masonry Handbook to study concrete masonry units, masonry systems, reinforcement, details, materials, and construction practices. Learn how the book is organized so you can quickly locate information about walls, joints, loads, installation, and performance.

Use Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures to review concrete ingredients, proportioning, mixing, placement, curing, testing, and durability. Use ACI 318 for structural concrete requirements and Placing Reinforcing Bars for field practices involving bar placement, supports, splices, and clearances.

Use Formwork for Concrete to review forming systems, loads, shores, reshoring, stripping, materials, safety, and construction procedures. Formwork questions may require both technical understanding and careful use of tables, illustrations, or examples.

Use Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book to practice quantity, labor, material, and estimating questions. Work through calculations with a calculator and develop a consistent method for checking units, conversions, and answer choices.

Use OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 to study construction safety subjects relevant to masonry and concrete work. Important areas may include scaffolds, fall protection, excavations, material handling, personal protective equipment, tools, equipment, and access.

Use the Florida Building Code volumes to review general building requirements, residential construction, and existing-building work. Practice identifying the correct code book before beginning a search. This can prevent wasted time moving between volumes.

Create timed lookup sessions. Select a topic, identify the best reference, locate the governing information, and explain how it applies. Track the questions that take the longest and devote additional study time to those subjects.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Florida contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and reference-navigation strategies. A structured approach helps candidates work through a technical library without losing focus on the major examination subjects.

Book overviews help students understand which publications address masonry systems, concrete mixtures, reinforcing steel, structural concrete, formwork, estimating, safety, Florida codes, and contractor administration.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages active use of the references. Repeated lookup exercises help candidates become familiar with indexes, tables of contents, code chapters, technical tables, illustrations, standards, and construction terminology.

Trade-focused review connects technical information with the responsibilities of structural masonry work. Candidates can strengthen their understanding of materials, reinforcement, formwork, safety, estimating, code compliance, and project coordination within an organized study plan.

1 Exam Prep helps students build stronger subject knowledge, improve reference-navigation skills, and approach the examination with a more consistent preparation routine. Examination results and licensing decisions depend on individual preparation, performance, and satisfaction of applicable Florida requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What books are included in the Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor trade set?

The package includes the listed estimating, OSHA, masonry, contractor, concrete, reinforcing-bar, structural concrete, formwork, and Florida Building Code references.

Is the Florida Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor examination open book?

Yes. The Trade Knowledge examination is open book, and candidates may use approved references that comply with current testing requirements.

How many questions are on the Trade Knowledge examination?

The Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor Trade Knowledge examination contains 55 questions and is administered in one computer-based testing session.

Is Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book included?

Yes. Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book, 33rd Edition, is included in the trade book set.

Does the set include concrete and reinforcing-steel references?

Yes. The package includes Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Placing Reinforcing Bars, ACI 318, and Formwork for Concrete.

Which Florida Building Code books are included?

The set includes the 2023 Florida Building Code volumes for Building, Residential, and Existing Building.

Is the Contractors Manual included?

Yes. The package includes the Contractors Manual, 2025, identified as effective July 1, 2026.

Do I also need to pass a Business and Finance examination?

Yes. Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor candidates complete a Business and Finance examination in addition to the Trade Knowledge examination.

Should I practice using the physical books before testing?

Yes. Regular book-navigation practice helps candidates learn which publication covers each subject and improves the speed of locating information during an open-book examination.

Does purchasing the trade book set guarantee a passing score or license?

No. The books support examination preparation, but results depend on individual study and performance. Applicants must also complete the licensing process and satisfy the applicable Florida requirements.