Proof of Experience from foreign country - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

holzmeister · 07-16-2008, 09:32 PM

Hello,

Did anyone proof his experience for a GC license based on his work experience from a foreign country? How did that work?

In my case I am going for the GC license in Florida based on my work experience in Germany. But any tips would help.

Thank you.

Bob Kovacs · 07-17-2008, 09:22 AM

Why can't you get verification from your employer in Germany, the same way you would if your employer was in the US. Experience is experience- even if it was in metric

holzmeister · 07-17-2008, 02:18 PM

Experience is experience ! That's what I thought. I do have proof of experience verified by a lincensed Architect from Germany (my former employer is out of business) but they have a problem excepting anything from another country. I called the DBPR licensing board here in FL twice now and got two completely different answers. I was hoping somebody else went through the same problems and could tell me how he or she resolved it.

thom · 07-17-2008, 03:05 PM

I think states are getting a lot tougher. Many people supplied fraudulent letters from past employers. Now my state requires W-2's from companies that were appropriately licensed. The W-2's must show enough income to support 2 years full time employment in the trade.

Moving from a foreign country would make it really difficult. The W-2 requirement is part of the law. If Germany had something similar they might accept it.

TMG1 · 10-12-2008, 11:43 AM

Here's the link for the florida licensing requirements:

http://www.contractors-license.org/fl/fl.htm

I don't see any reciprocity agreements for licensing transfer from state to state and the experience-education requirements only mention accredited school (i guess even from another country) and relevant experience (again I guess from another country is ok if you can prove it's relevant).

read below:

Certified Contractor's Licenses
Here's a list of the certified contractor's licenses the Board issues:

Division 1GeneralBuildingResidential
Division 2MechanicalAir conditioning class AAir conditioning class BGlass and glazing specialtyRoofingSolarSheet metalCommercial pool/spa* Residential pool/spa Pool/spa Servicing PlumbingSolar water heating specialtyUnderground utility and excavationPollutant storage systems Gypsum drywall specialty Structure specialtyGas line specialtyTank lining applicatorPrecision tank testerDry wall specialty

To qualify for the examination you must be at least 18 years old. You must also meet one of the following requirements:

Four year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years experience) and one year proven related experience
One year of experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits for any accredited college-level courses
One year experience as a workman, one year proven experience as a foreman, and two years of credits for any accredited college level courses
Two years experience as a workman, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits for any accredited college level courses
Four years experience as a workman or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman
Holding an active certified or registered Florida contractor's license