How to become a Plumbing Contractor

Florida Construction Academy provides strategic exam preparation for Florida Contractors.

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Licensed Plumbing Instructors

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Isometric Master Class 10/29

Book Review 10/28

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For The October Class

Monday
& Tuesday
October 28&29

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Class Location:

DoubleTree by Hilton

(at Disney Springs)
2305 Hotel Plaza
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Online Self-Paced

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110 Multiple Choice Questions
(69% of Total Score)

45 questions in the Morning exam.
65 questions in the Afternoon exam.

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Want to learn how to ace isometric drawing? Look no further, we’ll teach you everything you need to know from the ground up. Even if you've never seen isometrics before, our expert staff can train you to pass your exams and succeed in your construction career. Trust us to guide you every step of the way.

5 isometric Drawings
(31% of Total Score)

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Upcoming Exam Dates:

The following is the schedule for the Plumbing (Trade Knowledge) examinations only.

Plumbing (trade knowledge) examinations are administered in paper and pencil format.
Only Six (6) times per year and only in Orlando.

February 28, 2024
April 17, 2024
June 26, 2024
August 16, 2024
October 18, 2024
December 13, 2024

*Deadline to register is typically 30 days prior to test date.

Exam Eve Excellence:
Join us for a last-minute master class.
Invest your time wisely - our course ensures you're fully equipped for success.

Reserve You Seat

Open Book Exams

Passing your plumbing exams is made easy with our complete sets of new, unused Plumbing Books. Familiarizing yourself with the content of the book, the tables of contents, and index in these books is key to becoming a licensed plumbing contractor. Shop now and equip yourself with the knowledge you need to succeed!

Buy a Complete Set of Books

Plumbing (trade knowledge) examination: Twelve (12) books

Business & Finance examination: Six (6) books

For both the Plumbing (Trade Knowledge) examination &
the Business & Finance examination

(407) 456-8444

Plumbing

Book List

1). Plumbers Handbook
2). Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
3). OSHA, Code of Federal Regulations, 29 part 1926
4). Chapter 64E-6, FAC, Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment
5). Solar Thermal Manual: Solar Water & Pool Heating Manual

Florida Building Codes

6). FBC: Plumbing

7). FBC: Mechanical

8). FBC: Accessibility

9). FBC: Residential
10). FBC: Fuel Gas

National Fire Protection

11). NFPA 14, Standards for installation of Standpipe & Hose Systems
12). NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities (Very Important Book)

Exam

(Trade Knowledge)

Business & Finance Exam:

Book List

1). Florida Contractors Manual (Most Important Book)

2). Builders Guide to Accounting

3). Florida Statute 455 (can be found in the FL Contractors Manual)

AIA American Institute of Architects

4). AIA - A201 - General Conditions

5). AIA - A401 - Subcontractor Agreement

6). AIA - A701 - Instructors for Bidders

Exam Dates:

The following is the schedule for the Plumbing (Trade Knowledge) examinations only.

Plumbing (trade knowledge) examinations are administered in paper and pencil format
Only Six (6) times per year and only in Orlando.

February 28, 2024
April 17, 2024
June 26, 2024
August 16, 2024
October 18, 2024
December 13, 2024

*Deadline to register is typically 30 days prior to test date.

Methods of Qualification

To qualify for a Certified Plumbing Contractor's license you must meet one of the following requirements:

Four year construction-related degree and one year proven experience.
One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years from an accredited college.
One year experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and two years from an accredited college.
Two years experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year from an accredited college.
Four years experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.

Military Service

Licensure of Members of the Armed Forces and Their Spouses
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will issue a license to an applicant who is or was on active duty in the Armed Forces, or who is a spouse or surviving spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces, if the applicant provides proof of:

Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States by the applicant or spouse of applicant;
A valid license for the profession issued by another state, the District of Columbia, any possession or territory of the United States, or any foreign jurisdiction;
Compliance with insurance or bonding requirements;
Submission of applicant’s fingerprints to the Department of Law Enforcement for a statewide criminal history check.

The department will waive the applicant’s initial licensure application fee.
If a member of the Florida National Guard or the United States Armed Forces Reserves who is seeking licensure or qualification for a trade, occupation, or profession is ordered into state active duty or into active duty, resulting in the interruption or delay of training, study, apprenticeship, or practical experience, all board of examiners or other qualification boards in the state of Florida must accept the training and practical experience in the Florida National Guard or the United States Armed Forces Reserves in place of any interrupted or delayed periods of training, study, apprenticeship, or practical Licensing experience, if the type of work or training performed is substantially the same as the standard and type required under Florida law.

Plumbing Degrees

Acceptable Degrees for Plumbing:

Mechanical Engineering
Sanitary Engineering

EXEMPTION from Trade Exam only:
Exam candidates who have received a baccalaureate degree in building construction (see above) from an accredited 4-year college and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher are exempt from having to take the trade knowledge portion of the exam. You're still required to pass the Business and Finance exam.

Applicants are still required to have 1 year of Qualifying work experience under a license contractor in the same license category you're applying for.

Criminal Record Does Not Disqualify

Even if you have a criminal record, you are not disqualified. We can help. Criminal history outside of 5 years will not be used to disqualify you, unless it's 'forcible felonies' or related to 'fraud'. Once you pass the state exams, the Construction Industry Licensing Board will review your License application including all criminal history.
Minor infractions are not reasons for denial.

Give us a call is you have any questions on criminal history (407) 456-8444.
We can answer all your questions and put your mind at ease.

2 Day Live Classes

We offer convenient live classes in Orlando on the days immediately prior to the state test. This is perfect for contractors trying to get a last minute cram class. Come to Orlando a day early and join us for one whole day focused on isometric training. Schedule now, seating is limited.

Schedule a Live Class

Plumbing Contractor (Defined in Statute 489)

Florida Statute 489.105 Definitions (m)

“Plumbing contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the plumbing trade and includes contracting business consisting of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design plumbing. A plumbing contractor may install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design the following without obtaining an additional local regulatory license, certificate, or registration: sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, water and sewer plants and substations, venting systems, public or private water supply systems, septic tanks, drainage and supply wells, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems, and solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, including boilers and pressure process piping and including the installation of water, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and related venting, and storm and sanitary sewer lines. The scope of work of the plumbing contractor also includes the design, if not prohibited by law, and installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of air-piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen line piping, nitrous oxide piping, and all related medical gas systems; fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers if authorized by law; ink and chemical lines; fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation, except bulk storage plants; and pneumatic control piping systems, all in a manner that complies with all plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations applicable. The scope of work of the plumbing contractor applies to private property and public property, including any excavation work incidental thereto, and includes the work of the specialty plumbing contractor. A plumbing contractor may perform drain cleaning and clearing and install or repair rainwater catchment systems; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services.
*See FS 486.105 for the complete statute.

Exam Preparation

Florida Construction Academy is the premier school for aspiring construction professionals. With our team of licensed instructors and expert staff we provide high-quality education and training tailored to meet the needs of our students. We offer comprehensive test prep services, practice exams, and other resources to help you succeed in your quest for certifications and professional success.

We prepare you to pass two (2) of the hardest construction exams in the country:

Business & Finance: 125 questions | 6hr 30mins
Plumbing Trade Knowledge: 110 questions | 5 Isometrics | 9hrs

Find additional information on how to register for the state exams in our members area.

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2-Day Live Master Class

We offer convenient live classes in Orlando on the days immediately prior to the state test. This is perfect for contractors trying to get a last minute cram class. Come to Orlando a day early and join us for an entire day focused on
mastering isometric drawings.

Small Classes
Personalized Attention
Cutting Edge Curriculum
Licensed Plumbing Instructors

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Private Tutoring

1-on-1 training with a licensed contractor as your private instructor.
Let someone who's successfully passed the exams teach you tips and tricks.

Looking for a private tutor to help you excel in your construction career? Look no further than our licensed instructors. Our one-on-one sessions are tailored to your specific needs and skill level, ensuring that you get the most out of each session. We're here to provide the support and guidance you need to succeed.

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How to become a Plumbing Contractor

Learn from Licensed Instructors:

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