[Nathan]

After A LOT of interest in this topic we finally opened up a forum dedicated to Contractor Licensing. I'll probably be moving a lot of the old content into this forum so it will be easier to find.

Enjoy

[PEP]

Good thing you oppened this board, I was going crazy trying to find some information about this. I am about to start studying for the Florida General Contractor exam, any ideas or past experiences you (anyone) may want to share?

PEP

[AAPaint]

Teetor should be able to offer some advice on this one......

[krys]

Hi
I'm a handyman from montreal, quebec. i've been doing this for a little while and I've been trying to find some information about the legality (licensing, permits) of being a handyman or a beginner in the contractor world. More specifically, I would like to find out what I can and cannot do in terms of residential renovations. I know that the requirements are different in canada and even in quebec, but if anybody happens to know or can help me find someone to talk to, I would be more than grateful. If there is anyone reading this from my area, I'm looking to put together a team so that we can trade experience, references, and skills. Thanks a lot. It really would be helpful.

[Journeyman]

Originally Posted by PEP

Good thing you oppened this board, I was going crazy trying to find some information about this. I am about to start studying for the Florida General Contractor exam, any ideas or past experiences you (anyone) may want to share?

PEP

The FL Tests are like preparing for and then running a Marathon! There are many schools/test prep places you can attend (I used Construction Estimating Institute).

It was a long-two day event. You will be tired to say the least! bring water, trail mix, power bar quickie type stuff to help ypu maintain your energy. Your only competition in that room full of a thousand or so people is the clock. You must manage your time well and triage your questions. do the easy ones first, then go back and do the ones you know you can figure out with more time and save the most difficult for last. I would also recommend giving yourself at least two months prep before you test. Since Fl tests are every other month, order your books far enough in advance to get your tabs in and notes highlited. If you are have a family, I would suggest staying at a hotel the night. that way you can just focus without distraction and if you have a short fuse, it will save you a fight with your spouse or kids that will surely be your fault although at the time you may not think so....

...

[Journeyman]

Originally Posted by cdac

I Mailed out my packet with EVERYTHING included and answered THREE TIMES in Nov-DEC, It keeps getting returened back to me stating that I failed to answer #10-11 (other licences/jurisdictions/date of issue)(any violation or actions against me from NJ dept of consumer affiars) and failed to provide fictitious name papers. Well as I said, I answered all these questions and provided fictitious name papers all three times and it is now 2006, Past the deadline WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSE TO DO??? Cant reach anyone at that office, voice mail is full and just goes in an automated circle, and then people wonder why Joe Shmoe shows up with an AK-47 and starts wasting everyone!!!

Here in Florida, there are consultants you can hire for a fee ($450 including State fees) to ensure all your info is correct and filled out properly so it doesn't get kicked back. I feel your pain, having similar problems, but they weren't with the state-they are with our accountant!!!

[Nellie]

Anyone know about the michigan builders exam?

[HandyFeller]

Can someone please help me understand how there can be posts on this board that say, "...just left my job as a toilet bowl cleaner and decided to go into construction...got my GC license...now where can I buy some nails?"

I've been self employed in the trades for many years, have an intimate working knowledge of house from ground up and yet there doesn't seem to be any way for me to get licensed without "proof of a year under a Florida licensed contractor in a supervisory position". So, how in Hades does Tidy Bowl Man rush out and become a contractor?

Carl Donovan

[Steve Unkie]

Carl,

Here in WA state there are no exams, requirements, nothing to become a GC except for a fee for Lic, Bond, and Ins.

This makes it easy to get started and this is also why there are so many unqualified , shister,contractors out here.

Steve Unkie.

[lvlplmbnsquare]

Originally Posted by Journeyman

Here in Florida, there are consultants you can hire for a fee ($450 including State fees) to ensure all your info is correct and filled out properly so it doesn't get kicked back. I feel your pain, having similar problems, but they weren't with the state-they are with our accountant!!!

Journeyman, I would like to know more about these consultants; can you provide specifics?

[fastg60]

i'm looking to get licensed here in Ohio. anybody know where to find the appropriate info?

thanks in advance!

[realpurty2]

Originally Posted by fastg60

i'm looking to get licensed here in Ohio. anybody know where to find the appropriate info?

thanks in advance!

Ohio License

Main licensing board #: Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance Ohio Construction Industry Board 6606 Tussing Road Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Post Office Box 4009 Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-9009 (614) 644-3493 Fax (614) 728-1200

[HandyFeller]

Steve,
Man I knew there was some reason I should have stayed in Seattle when I left in 97 cuz the rent was out of control. I could be a well heeled shister right now!!!!

[dc4502334]

i now pass the fl exam test for gc, you were right it was 2 days of hell. i have 15 years of experience but i need help in filling out the the application realed to work experience, i was told that the state is very picky on what you put down on the application. Any sugestions?

[dc4502334]

At last i passed the exam nigthmare, now i have to deal with the application. I was told by a consultant that you need to include in your work experience: Steel erection, precast structures for concrete, masonry walls, foundation greater than 20000sf, elevated slabs. Could some some help me with this, or at least direct me where i could find more information on such. I have experience on such...but i don't know what kind of details they are looking for.

[FWConstGrp]

Originally Posted by dc4502334

At last i passed the exam nigthmare, now i have to deal with the application. I was told by a consultant that you need to include in your work experience: Steel erection, precast structures for concrete, masonry walls, foundation greater than 20000sf, elevated slabs. Could some some help me with this, or at least direct me where i could find more information on such. I have experience on such...but i don't know what kind of details they are looking for.

Send me a PM if you still have questions.

I used Professional Licensure Service of Tallahassee, FL as my choice for a service. They only charge $550 for their services. This is not to say that it doesn't cost more because you have to pay the state fees as well.

They get all of your paperwork in order and give you examples how to write your experience on the necessary forms. They will review it, have you make any changes necessary, and send it in to the state.

I was licensed within 2 weeks of sending my paperwork to PLS, DONE! It was worth every dime.

Donny.