General, Building, & Residential Contractor (Technical) Exam Prep

To prepare the individual for the Florida General, Building, or Residential Contractor two-part trade knowledge exam by reviewing the essential exam topics, equip the student with study methods so to build confidence, provide coaching on how to navigate the reference books, and provide numerous practice questions for training purposes.

This classroom lecture course is designed to prepare the student for the Project Management and Contract Administration trade knowledge exam. The course will provide study methods, techniques, and class material that the individual can utilize in order to obtain a passing score on the exam.

Upon completion of the continuing education course students will be provided with a Certificate of Course Completion.

Students interested in enrolling in our continuing education courses must understand that these courses are not designed or intended to qualify its participants for employment. They are intended solely for the avocation, personal enrichment, continuing education, and enjoyment of its participants. Continuing education courses are not prerequisite or provide credit toward any vocational program offered within the school.

South Florida Institute of Technology's Department of Continuing Education offers non-credit courses for people who want to update and increase their knowledge and skills in construction, allied health and technology, including professional development certification courses and test-preparation courses.

• Comprehensive exam preparation courses with exclusive test-taking strategies and in-class practice tests, so you are prepared and confident to take your chosen exam.
• Professional development courses needed for continued certification in your chosen profession.
• Workforce development training that the department describes as innovative, flexible and responsive to the needs of the diverse communities it serves.
• Founded in October 1997 and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) since February 2002, with campuses in Miami and Hialeah.
• Classroom instructor-to-student ratio does not exceed 1 to 30.

Requirement. Is at least 18 years of age.

Registering. Tuition must be paid at the time of registration; acceptable payment is cash, money order, check, debit card or major credit card. The Department of Continuing Education office at 720 NW 27 Ave., 2nd Floor, Miami, is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (305-649-2050 ext. 17).

Good to know. Continuing education courses are not a prerequisite for, and do not give credit toward, any vocational program at the school. The school may cancel classes with insufficient enrollment or close registration when a class is full; if it cancels a course before the first day, registrants are notified and refunded.

1:15pm - 3:00pm (Saturdays). Spanish version: student may start on any Saturday. English version: TBA. Location: Miami Campus.

The school reserves the right to cancel classes for which there is insufficient enrollment and to make any schedule changes as necessary, including a change in time, days, location, or instructor.

Tuition. Tuition cost: $600.

Books. Reference books per the DBPR General Contractor reference book listing.

Payment. Tuition cost must be paid at the time of registration. Acceptable types of payment are cash, money order, check, debit cards, and major credit cards. If books and supplies are required, they are not included in the tuition cost unless indicated in the course description.

Refunds. Tuition paid will be refunded if the student cancels prior to the first day of class; cancellation after the first day but prior to 40% completion results in a pro rata refund, and cancellation after completing 40% of the course results in no refund.

Scope of license. A general contractor's services are unlimited as to the type of work, and may contract for and perform any activity requiring licensure under section 489.105 F.S., except as provided in section 489.113 F.S. A general contractor must subcontract electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming pool and air-conditioning work unless certified or registered in that trade.

Apply for the license. Once you have passed the Business and Finance, Contract Administration and Project Management exams, you submit an application to the Florida DBPR with the required documentation.

Method of qualification. The school lists the ways a person will qualify for a certified license, including a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college plus one year of proven experience in the category, or four years of experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman; military veterans have their own routes. You do not have to have the necessary experience before you take the exam: test scores are valid for 4 years, so you have 4 years to gain the required experience after passing the state exam.

Please note. SFIT states that its continuing education courses are not designed or intended to qualify participants for employment, and it makes no statement that people who complete them are more likely to obtain employment in the field than people who do not.

In class. This is a classroom lecture course. Instructors provide study methods, techniques and class material, coach you on how to navigate the reference books, and give numerous practice questions for training purposes.

Books. Students need the reference book listing published by the Florida DBPR; the school makes every effort to keep the reference book information current.

Payment and completion. Tuition must be paid at the time of registration by cash, money order, check, debit card or major credit card. Required books and supplies are not included in tuition unless the course description says so. On completion you receive a Certificate of Course Completion.