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There are several reasons you might consider a job in construction. You might gain personal satisfaction from transforming a dirt lot into a family home or a business location. Perhaps you’re interested in professional stability, competitive pay, and opportunities for advancement, including the option to start your own business.

Whatever your reasons for pursuing a job in the skilled trades, you should know that you cannot operate in Florida without a professional license. Florida has both state-certified licenses, issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and county licenses.

To obtain a license, you must first pass a trade exam. If you want the option to work anywhere in the state, you must also pass a Business and Finance Exam.

What does this test entail, and who needs to take it?

Which Construction Licenses Require the Business and Finance Exam?

In addition to passing a state trade exam, some statewide construction licenses in Florida require you to pass the Business and Finance Exam. This is separate from the Business and Law exam, which you may have to take for county licensing.

These exams are similar, but while the Business and Law Exam focuses primarily on the legal and regulatory aspects of starting and operating your own business, the Business and Finance Exam focuses more on areas like finance, accounting, and insurance. Whether you take both or just one may depend on the license and the county.

You must pass the Business and Finance Exam if you wish to obtain a state-certified general contractor, building contractor, residential contractor, or roofing contractor license. This also applies to plumbers, electricians, and other trade professionals. It’s best to look at the state and local licenses available in your profession and decide which is right for you.

What to Expect With the Business and Finance Exam

The Florida Business and Finance Exam tests your knowledge and competency regarding the financial aspects of operating a construction business. Topics covered on the exam include:

• Establishing the contracting business
• Managing administrative duties
• Managing trade operations
• Conducting accounting functions
• Managing human resources
• Complying with government regulations

This open-book exam features 120 questions, and you will have 6.5 hours to complete the test. You must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

Exam Prep Designed to Help You Pass on the First Try

Taking licensing exams can feel daunting, especially if you’ve been out of school and working to complete experience requirements for several years. Your best bet to pass such exams on the first try is with the help of an exam prep program designed for working professionals.

Look for a program that offers the convenience of 24/7 online access so you can work at your own pace. Courses developed by industry experts and educators ensure that you’re not only prepared for testing but ready to take the next step in your career.

Are you interested in obtaining a state-certified construction license in Florida? Contact RocketCert today to sign up for help preparing for the Business and Finance Exam.