I'm not positive , but I was under the impression it had to be a construction related degree. Something like a bs in construction management. I'll read it over this evening, maybe it's less specific than that.

Alright, I was afraid of that. I was just hoping to find something a little more definitive.

Here's from the statute 489.111:


1. Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college in the appropriate field of engineering, architecture, or building construction and has 1 year of proven experience in the category in which the person seeks to qualify. For the purpose of this part, a minimum of 2,000 person-hours shall be used in determining full-time equivalency.



And from the Florida Administrative code:

(3) In the case of applicants for certification in the residential contractor category, the phrases “active experience” and “proven experience” as used in Section 489.111(2)(c)1., 2., or 3., F.S., shall be defined to mean construction experience in four or more of the following areas:
(a) Foundation/Slabs.
(b) Masonry walls.
(c) Trusses.
(d) Structural wood framing (excluding platform framing).
(e) Column erection.
(f) Formwork for structural reinforced concrete.
(4) In the case of applicants for certification under the standard set forth in Section 489.111(2)(c)1., F.S., the baccalaureate degrees in building construction, architecture, or engineering which are considered to be appropriate to the particular classification for which certification is sought shall be as follows:
(a) General, Building, and Residential Classifications: Civil Engineering; Building Construction; or Architecture.


So bottom line.... No, a BS in business administration won't cut it. Time to rethink your strategy, or see what you would have to do to change your degree.:thumbsup:

Ahh okay, thanks TAHomeRepairs. That was what I was trying to find. It's a little late to change the degree unfortunately, I completed it in December.

Alright, well now I just need to get down to documenting my experience... this is going to take a while longer than I was hoping unfortunately. At the very least I do have a GC that I can work under to get all the necessary experience.

That's good! Trust me when I say, there is no substitute for experience!!! It will be time well spent, and you'll be all the wiser for it. Good luck , and stick around here, there's lots if great advice, both business and trades!! I wish I had found this place before I started my business, truly valuable stuff.

ANY college accredited courses work toward taking off time from the experience.

If you have a 4 year college degree, of ANY type, as long as it is from an accredited college, then you only need one year of experience. Just take a picture of the degree or make a copy and include in the application. You will use option #2.

"One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses"

Let me know if you have more questions.

I was not aware of that. Thanks Lisa!! That was not how it read to me. I figured you would be along sooner or later to fully clarify.

Do you work for the CILB? Just curious, I know you always have the answers.

I know! We have been busy here and I had not had the time to come check this site in a while! Sorry for the delay.

No, I don't work for the state. We have a private firm that helps with this process. I think the rules of this site preclude me from saying any more publicly. LOL ))

Private inquiries are always welcome...

I know I'm replying to an old post but it's relevant to my question.

I'm working towards getting my license finally. (long process...)

I have a 4 year engineering degree, not civil or construction related, but 4 years from an accredited state university.

I'm working for a pool company now as a foreman, can I use option 1 for my application? 4 year degree Plus 1 year any experience?

Also, sound like you agree with my understand 1 year foreman plus 3 years any college should be sufficient (option 2)

Also, unrelated but maybe someone can chime in, in Florida a Residential and Commercial pool license are both listed as CPC, how does one distinguish those when looking?

Also, that year(s) of experience for a Commercial CPC is the same as Residential CPC when applying for a residential license correct?

LisaAdams said:

ANY college accredited courses work toward taking off time from the experience.

If you have a 4 year college degree, of ANY type, as long as it is from an accredited college, then you only need one year of experience. Just take a picture of the degree or make a copy and include in the application. You will use option #2.

"One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses"

Let me know if you have more questions.

Click to expand...

Regarding number 1 -
In the case of applicants for certification under the standard set forth in section 489.111(2)(c)1., F.S., the baccalaureate degrees in building construction, architecture, or engineering which are considered to be appropriate to the particular classification for which certification is sought shall be as follows:
(a) General, Building, and Residential Classifications: Civil Engineering; Building Construction; or Architecture.
(b) Sheet Metal; Class A and B Air Conditioning; Residential Solar Water Heating; Mechanical Classifications: Mechanical Engineering.
(c) Plumbing Classification: Mechanical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering.
(d) Commercial, Residential, and Servicing Pool Classifications: Building Construction or Civil Engineering.
(e) Underground Utility Classification: Building Construction; Civil or Mechanical Engineering.

as you will see, d governs the pool licenses and it would have to be Civil Engineering

Otherwise it is box 2 and the experience must be as a foreman.

You nailed exactly what I was asking here. Thanks.

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LisaAdams said:

Regarding number 1 -
In the case of applicants for certification under the standard set forth in section 489.111(2)(c)1., F.S., the baccalaureate degrees in building construction, architecture, or engineering which are considered to be appropriate to the particular classification for which certification is sought shall be as follows:
(a) General, Building, and Residential Classifications: Civil Engineering; Building Construction; or Architecture.
(b) Sheet Metal; Class A and B Air Conditioning; Residential Solar Water Heating; Mechanical Classifications: Mechanical Engineering.
(c) Plumbing Classification: Mechanical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering.
(d) Commercial, Residential, and Servicing Pool Classifications: Building Construction or Civil Engineering.
(e) Underground Utility Classification: Building Construction; Civil or Mechanical Engineering.

as you will see, d governs the pool licenses and it would have to be Civil Engineering

Otherwise it is box 2 and the experience must be as a foreman.

Click to expand...