Florida Division I vs Division II Exam Differences Explained
- courtneygibbons0
- Dec 11
- 6 min read
If you're navigating Florida's contractor licensure process, understanding the distinction between Division I and Division II exams is your first step toward certification success. The state of Florida separates construction licensing into two divisions, each with its own exam structure, requirements, and test day experience. I'll walk you through exactly what changes on test day depending on which division you're pursuing, so you can show up prepared and confident.
Key Takeaways
Division I exams consist of three parts (Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management), while Division II exams have two parts (Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge)
Both divisions require a minimum passing score of 70% on each exam section, and candidates only need to retake failed sections rather than the entire examination
Division I focuses on project oversight and general construction management, while Division II certifies specialty trade contractors in specific fields like plumbing, electrical, or roofing
Table of Contents
Understanding Florida's Two Divisions
The state of Florida CILB licensure categories separate into two distinct divisions that serve different roles in the construction industry. Division I contractors handle broad project oversight and general construction management, while Division II contractors specialize in specific trades.
Division I categories include General Contractors, Building Contractors, and Residential Contractors, along with Tower Specialty Contractors, Demolition Contractors, and Industrial Facility Contractors. These professionals must master project management, contract administration, business operations, and finance to qualify for certification.
Division II contractors focus on specialized trades such as plumbing, electrical work, air conditioning, roofing, swimming pool construction, and glass and glazing installations. While Division II contractors often work as subcontractors for Division I professionals, there's nothing preventing them from working independently in their specialized field.
Exam Structure Differences
Division I Exam Format
Division I exams feature three separate parts that candidates must pass to obtain licensure. The Business and Finance examination consists of 120 questions with a 6.5-hour time limit to complete. Contract Administration and Project Management each require 4.5 hours of testing time.
Contract Administration focuses on managing and operating the day-to-day activities of a contracting firm. This portion covers preconstruction activities (28-29%), project contracts (38-40%), obtaining licenses and permits (20%), and construction procedures and operations (11-14%).
Project Management tests your ability to manage, control, and conduct specific projects. The content areas include construction methods, materials, tools, and equipment (64%), safety (18-20%), and reading plans and specifications (16-18%).
Division II Exam Format
Division II candidates face a two-part examination structure that differs significantly from Division I. The Business and Finance portion remains identical to Division I at 6.5 hours with 120 questions. However, instead of Contract Administration and Project Management exams, Division II contractors take a Trade Knowledge examination specific to their specialty.
Trade Knowledge exams typically last 5 hours, though Air Conditioning Class A and Mechanical exams extend to 7.5 hours. Most specialty contractor trade exams consist of 80 questions covering trade-specific skills, materials, installation techniques, and safety practices relevant to that particular field.
What Changes on Test Day
Time Management Requirements
The most significant change on test day between divisions is how you'll manage your testing time. Division I candidates navigate three separate exams requiring different mental approaches—business acumen, administrative knowledge, and hands-on project management expertise. You'll need to budget your time across multiple sessions spanning different days or scheduling periods.
Division II contractors face a simpler two-part structure, allowing you to focus your preparation and mental energy on business fundamentals and your specific trade knowledge. The Trade Knowledge portion concentrates exclusively on your specialty area, whether that's plumbing, electrical systems, or another certified trade.
Content Focus and Question Types
Division I exams emphasize broad construction knowledge and management competency. Contract Administration questions ask about Florida-specific laws, contract law, DBPR regulations, liens, scheduling, and insurance. Project Management questions focus on construction means and methods, safety protocols, plans and specifications, as well as Florida Building Code requirements.
Division II Trade Knowledge exams test specific skills unique to each specialty. A roofing contractor faces questions about roofing materials, installation techniques, and safety practices specific to roof work. An electrical contractor encounters questions about electrical systems, code requirements, and trade-specific regulations.
Passing Requirements
Both divisions require candidates to achieve at least 70% on each exam section to pass. This requirement applies uniformly across all parts of the examination, meaning you must demonstrate proficiency in every component. If you fail one part, you only need to retake that specific section rather than the entire exam.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation allows candidates who fail an exam category twice to request a review. To be eligible for this review, candidates must score within 10% of the passing threshold.
Eligibility and Experience Requirements
Division I Requirements
Division I contractor candidates need to demonstrate substantial field experience before sitting for the examination. Without any educational credits, you must show a minimum of 4 years of field experience, with at least one year in a foreman or supervisory role.
College credits and military service can offset up to 3 years of this requirement. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college in engineering, architecture, or building construction reduces the requirement to just 1 year of proven experience.
Division II Requirements
Each Division II license category has its own experience, education, and exam requirements outlined under Florida Statute Chapter 489.105. The specific requirements vary by specialty trade, but generally follow similar patterns to Division I regarding experience verification and educational credits.
Candidates pursuing specialty contractor certification must demonstrate competency in their specific trade area, which the state verifies through both experience documentation and successful examination performance.
Preparing for Your Exam
Study Approach
Division I candidates should prepare for a comprehensive assessment covering multiple construction management disciplines. The Florida Contractor Exam operates as an open-book exam, allowing you to reference materials during testing. This format rewards candidates who know where to find information quickly rather than those who simply memorize facts.
Division II candidates can concentrate their study efforts on business fundamentals and their specific trade. Understanding your specialty's materials, techniques, and applicable regulations becomes your primary focus during preparation.
Application Process
After determining your division and license category, you'll complete an application through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The process includes examination registration, fingerprinting, credit reports, and background checks.
Florida requires a minimum FICO credit score of 660 for most contractor licenses, though alternative proof methods exist for candidates with lower scores. This financial responsibility requirement applies equally across both divisions.
Moving Forward
Understanding which division aligns with your construction career goals helps you prepare effectively for test day. Division I suits candidates interested in overseeing entire projects and managing general construction operations. Division II provides certification for skilled tradespeople who want to specialize in particular aspects of construction work.
The examination structure differences between divisions reflect the distinct competencies each license type requires. Division I's three-part structure ensures general contractors possess comprehensive project management abilities, while Division II's two-part format verifies both business acumen and trade-specific expertise.
FAQs
What is the main difference between the Florida Division I vs Division II exam?
The main difference is simply with the Florida Division I exam consists of three parts (Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management), vs the Division II exam consists of two parts (Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge specific to your specialty).
How long are the Florida contractor exams?
The Business and Finance exam takes 6.5 hours for both divisions. Division I's Contract Administration and Project Management exams each take 4.5 hours. Division II Trade Knowledge exams typically last 5 hours, with some specialty exams extending to 7.5 hours.
What score do I need to pass the Florida contractor exam?
You must score at least 70% on each exam section to pass. If you fail one part, you only need to retake that specific section rather than the entire examination.
Can Division II contractors work independently?
Yes, Division II contractors can work independently in their specialized field, though they often serve as subcontractors for Division I professionals. For example, a roofing contractor can work directly with customers and permitting departments without needing a Division I contractor.
How much field experience do I need before taking the exam?
Without educational credits, you need a minimum of 4 years of field experience, including at least one year in a foreman or supervisory role. You can offset up to 3 years of this requirement with college credits or military service.
Conclusion
Choosing between Division I and Division II determines not just your exam experience, but your entire construction career path. I've broken down the structural differences, time requirements, and content focus to help you understand what awaits you on test day. Whether you're pursuing general contractor certification or specialty trade licensure, the right preparation makes all the difference in your examination performance and professional success.
Ready to tackle your Florida contractor exam with confidence? Schedule a consultation with Florida Construction Academy today. We'll assess your background, identify the right division for your goals, and create a personalized study plan using our comprehensive curriculum, unlimited practice exams, and expert tutoring. Let's get you licensed and building your construction career.
