About the Florida DBPR Exam

The Business & Finance Exam

The Business & Finance examination is required for all construction contractor categories in Florida.

Exam Structure
  • Format: Computer-based multiple-choice
  • Questions: 125 questions total (120 scored + 5 pilot questions)
  • Time Limit: 6.5 hours
  • Passing Score: 70% (84 out of 120 scored questions)
  • Test Location: Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the nation
About Pilot Questions

5 of 125 questions are unscored "pilot" questions being tested for future exams.

You need 84 correct answers out of 120 scored questions to pass (70%).

Strategic Test-Taking Approach

Open-book exam strategy for quick information location:

  1. Scan First: Review all 125 questions before answering
  2. Answer Easy Ones: Complete questions you know immediately
  3. Flag & Note: Mark difficult questions, note likely book sources
  4. Prioritize: Focus on high-weight books (FCM 50%, BGA 32%)
  5. Return Strategically: Tackle flagged questions with clear lookup plan
The PrepBoss Promise

PrepBoss continuously monitors DBPR changes to keep your study materials current and accurate.

  • Active Monitoring: Track DBPR announcements and exam updates
  • Immediate Updates: Questions updated when changes occur
  • Current Editions: Stay aligned with latest reference book editions
  • Format Changes: Practice materials reflect exam structure updates

Our commitment: Always current, never outdated content.

Key Exam Facts
6.5 hours
Exam duration
125 questions
120 scored + 5 pilot
70% passing score
84 correct answers needed
6 reference books
Allowed during exam
Test Center Policies
Admission Policy

Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring valid photo ID plus one signature ID.

Late arrivals (30+ minutes) may forfeit exam fees and be refused admission.

Required Identification
  • Primary: Government-issued photo ID
  • Secondary: Signature identification
  • Note: Names must match registered test name exactly
Prohibited Items
  • Unauthorized books, bags, notes
  • Electronic devices (phones, tablets, etc.)
  • Food and beverages
  • Personal calculators

Required Reference Books

The following six books are approved for use during the Florida DBPR Business & Finance Exam:

Important: PrepBoss does not sell these books. Please purchase them separately from official sources or authorized retailers.

Florida Contractors Manual (2021)
50%

The essential guide to all aspects of contracting in Florida. Covers licensing, business practices, lien law, insurance, taxes, and more.

Publisher: ABC Florida East Coast Chapter

Edition: 2021

AIA A201 – General Conditions (2017)
7%

General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Defines the rights, responsibilities, and relationships of all parties involved in a construction project.

Publisher: American Institute of Architects

Edition: 2017

AIA A401 – Subcontractor Agreement (2017)
4%

Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor. Covers the contractual relationship between the primary contractor and subcontractors.

Publisher: American Institute of Architects

Edition: 2017

AIA A701 – Instructions to Bidders (2018)
2%

Provides instructions for bidders preparing bids for construction projects, including procedures for bidding, bid security, and contract award.

Publisher: American Institute of Architects

Edition: 2018

Builder's Guide to Accounting (Revised Edition)
32%

Comprehensive guide to accounting principles and financial management for construction businesses. Covers job costing, financial statements, and cash flow.

Publisher: Craftsman Book Company

Edition: Revised Edition

Florida Statutes Chapter 455
5%

Business and Professional Regulation: General Provisions. Covers the laws governing businesses and professional licensing in Florida.

Publisher: State of Florida

Note: Available as free download from official sources

Download Chapter 455

NASCLA License Holders: Business & Finance Exam Required

If you hold a NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies) accredited contractor license, you may be eligible for certain licensing pathways in Florida.

However, all contractor applicants, including NASCLA license holders, must still pass the Florida Business & Finance exam to obtain a Florida contractor license.

PrepBoss focuses exclusively on preparing you for the Florida Business & Finance portion, which is required for all license types regardless of your NASCLA status.

Florida Licensure by Endorsement: Business & Finance Exam Only

Florida offers a Licensure by Endorsement pathway for out-of-state contractors, allowing you to bypass the trade exams under specific conditions:

  • Reciprocity Agreements: Florida has formal reciprocity agreements with certain states, including California, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Georgia. If you're licensed in one of these states, you may qualify for endorsement.
  • 10-Year Licensure Rule: If you've held a valid contractor license in another state for at least 10 years, and it's currently active or was active within the past 2 years, you may be eligible for endorsement.

In both scenarios, you must:

Pass the Florida Business and Finance Exam: This exam assesses your knowledge of business practices and financial management as they relate to construction in Florida.

Important: The Business & Finance exam is required regardless of NASCLA certification.

Official Links & Resources

Legal Disclaimer: PrepBoss is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with DBPR, Pearson VUE, or any official testing authority. All content is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or licensing advice.

As of June 2025, the Pearson VUE exam fee is approximately $80 (subject to change). The DBPR application fee for a Certified Contractor license is typically $149 or $249 depending on the timing of the application. The fee for a Registered Contractor license is currently $309.

Under Florida's biennial licensing cycle, reduced application fees may apply if submitting between September 1 of an even-numbered year and April 30 of an odd-numbered year.

Certified licenses are issued at the state level and allow contractors to work anywhere in Florida. Registered licenses are issued at the local level and limit work to specific jurisdictions.

Always verify the most current exam and licensing requirements directly with DBPR and Pearson VUE. PrepBoss is not responsible for any decisions or outcomes based on the information presented. External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement.

Florida DBPR Official
Pearson VUE Testing
Exam Fee: $80 (current Pearson VUE fee, subject to change)
Reference Book Publishers
Additional Resources

Important: Fees and requirements are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with DBPR and Pearson VUE before scheduling your exam or submitting applications. PrepBoss is not responsible for any changes to official policies or procedures.

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