61G4-16.001. Written Certification Examination Requirements  


Effective on Monday, September 30, 2019
  • 1(1) Certification Examination for General Contractors, Tower Specialty Contractors, and Industrial Facility Specialty Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of three tests. The content areas to be covered and the relative weight shall be as follows:

    37(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the relative weights to be assigned to said area are set forth in subsection 7661G4-16.001(22), 77F.A.C.

    78(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to contract administration including managing and operating the day to day activities of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    1221. 27% Preconstruction Activities,

    1262. 40% Project Contracts,

    1303. 20% Obtaining Licenses, Permits and Approvals; and,

    1384. 13% Construction Procedures and Operations.

    144(c) Test three shall consist of questions relating to project management including managing, controlling and conducting a specific project. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    1831. 63% Construction Methods, Materials, Tools, and Equipment,

    1912. 20% Safety; and,

    1953. 17% Reading Plans and Specifications.

    201(2) Certification Examination for Building Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of three tests.

    215(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 25461G4-16.001(22), 255F.A.C.

    256(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to contract administration including managing and operating the day to day activities of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    3001. 28% Preconstruction Activities,

    3042. 38% Project Contracts,

    3083. 20% Obtaining licenses, permits and approvals; and,

    3164. 14% Construction Procedures and Operations.

    322(c) Test three shall consist of questions relating to project management including managing, controlling, and conducting a specific project. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    3611. 64% Construction Methods, Materials, Tools, and Equipment,

    3692. 20% Safety; and,

    3733. 16% Reading Plans and Specifications.

    379(3) Certification Examination for Residential Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of three tests.

    393(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 43261G4-16.001(22), 433F.A.C.

    434(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to contract administration including managing and operating the day to day activities of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    4781. 29% Preconstruction Activities,

    4822. 40% Project Contracts,

    4863. 20% Obtaining Licenses, Permits and Approvals; and,

    4944. 11% Construction Procedures and Operations.

    500(c) Test three shall consist of questions relating to project management including managing and operating the day to day activities of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    5441. 64% Construction Methods, Materials, Tools, and Equipment,

    5522. 18% Safety; and,

    5563. 18% Reading Plans and Specifications.

    562(4) Certification Examination for Mechanical Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    576(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 61561G4-16.001(22), 616F.A.C.

    617(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the mechanical contracting trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    6531. 9% Pre-installation and Design Engineering,

    6592. 9% Ductwork and HVAC Materials,

    6653. 12% Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    6734. 14% Installation of Mechanical Systems,

    6795. 9% Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Equipment and Components,

    6896. 14% Installation of Mechanical Equipment and Components,

    6977. 9% Maintenance Analysis of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    7068. 5% Maintenance Service of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    7159. 9% Safety and Equipment,

    72010. 2% Excavating,

    72311. 5% Energy Management; and,

    72812. 3% Indoor Air Quality.

    733(5) Certification Examination for Class A Air Conditioning Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    750(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 78961G4-16.001(22), 790F.A.C.

    791(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the Class A air conditioning trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    8291. 14% Pre-installation,

    8322. 9% Sheet Metal Ducts,

    8373. 23% Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    8454. 14% Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Equipment and Components,

    8555. 9% Maintenance Analysis of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    8646. 14% Maintenance Service of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    8737. 9% Safety and Equipment,

    8788. 5% Energy Management; and,

    8839. 3% Indoor Air Quality.

    888(6) Certification Examination for Class B Air Conditioning Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    905(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 94461G4-16.001(22), 945F.A.C.

    946(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the Class B air conditioning trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    9841. 12% Pre-installation,

    9872. 9% Sheet Metal Ducts,

    9923. 22% Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    10004. 14% Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Equipment and Components,

    10105. 10% Maintenance Analysis of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    10196. 14% Maintenance Service of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems,

    10287. 10% Safety and Equipment,

    10338. 5% Energy Management; and,

    10389. 4% Indoor Air Quality.

    1043(7) Certification Examination for Roofing Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    1057(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 109661G4-16.001(22), 1097F.A.C.

    1098(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the roofing trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    11331. 15% Built-Up Roofs,

    11372. 15% Shingles and Shakes,

    11423. 10% Architectural Metal Roofs,

    11474. 15% Single-ply Systems,

    11515. 15% Modified Roofing Systems,

    11566. 10% Concrete and Tile Roofs,

    11627. 5% Membrane Waterproofing,

    11668. 5% Drains and Gutters; and,

    11729. 10% Equipment and Safety.

    1177(8) Certification Examination for Sheet Metal Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    1192(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 123161G4-16.001(22), 1232F.A.C.

    1233(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the sheet metal trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    12691. 15% Pre-installation and Site Work,

    12752. 25% Industrial Duct Fabrication,

    12803. 10% Architectural Sheet Metal,

    12854. 10% Fabrication of Other Sheet Metal Structures,

    12935. 25% Installation of Sheet Metal Systems; and,

    13016. 15% Safety and Equipment.

    1306(9) Certification Examination for Commercial Pool/Spa Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    1321(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 136061G4-16.001(22), 1361F.A.C.

    1362(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the commercial pool/spa trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    13981. 5% Pre-installation and Site Preparation,

    14042. 15% Pool and Spa Excavation,

    14103. 12 1/2% Plumbing Work,

    14154. 5% Electrical Work,

    14195. 10% Shell Placement,

    14236. 5% Deck Work,

    14277. 10% Tile, Coping and Trim Work,

    14348. 10% Accessory Work,

    14389. 5% Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing,

    144510. 5% Start Up,

    144911. 10% Service and Maintenance; and,

    145512. 7 1/2% Equipment.

    1459(10) Certification Examination for Residential Pool/Spa Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    1474(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 151361G4-16.001(22), 1514F.A.C.

    1515(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the residential pool/spa trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    15511. 7 1/2% Pre-installation and Site Preparation,

    15582. 15% Pool and Spa Excavation,

    15643. 12 1/2% Plumbing Work,

    15694. 5% Electrical Work,

    15735. 10% Shell Placement,

    15776. 5% Deck Work,

    15817. 10% Tile, Coping and Trim Work,

    15888. 5% Accessory Work,

    15929. 5% Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing,

    159910. 5% Start Up,

    160311. 10% Service and Maintenance; and,

    160912. 10% Equipment.

    1612(11) Certification Examination for Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing Contractors and Residential Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing Specialty Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    1635(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 167461G4-16.001(22), 1675F.A.C.

    1676(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the swimming pool/spa servicing trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    17131. 10% Plumbing Work,

    17172. 10% Deck Work,

    17213. 10% Tile, Coping and Trim Work,

    17284. 10% Accessory Work,

    17325. 10% Interior Surface Preparation and Finishing,

    17396. 10% Start Up,

    17437. 35% Service and Maintenance; and,

    17498. 5% Safety Procedures.

    1753(12) Certification Examination for Plumbing Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    1767(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 180661G4-16.001(22), 1807F.A.C.

    1808(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the plumbing trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    18431. 20% Drainage,

    18462. 20% Water Distribution,

    18503. 15% Natural Gas Piping,

    18554. 20% Medical Gas Piping,

    18605. 10% Industrial Piping,

    18646. 5% Swimming Pools, Wells and Irrigation,

    18717. 5% Solar,

    18748. 5% Fire Protection; and,

    18799. Test two shall include, but shall not be limited to, five plumbing isometric drawings. The content of the drawings shall conform to the content areas listed in 1. through 8., above. Each of the isometric drawings is worth up to a maximum of 10 points. Based on the criteria listed below, each drawing will be independently evaluated by three graders. At least two of the graders must agree that a criterion is correct in order for that criterion to be graded as correct and points to be awarded. If one or more criterion is determined to be incorrect by at least two of the graders, points will not be awarded for that criterion. The awarded points for all criteria will be summed and converted to a 10 point scale to determine the score for each drawing. The following are the criteria and points used by the graders to evaluate each of the five isometric drawings.

    2035a. Legibility. Drawing is clear and readable. Drawing is sufficient in size. Lines and labels are distinguishable. (8 points)

    2054b. Orientation. All fixtures are shown in the correct location relative to each other. (20 points)

    2070c. Flow. Direction of flow is shown when going from vertical to horizontal. The direction of flow must be indicated even if the direction is implied for all waste lines and all fixture connections. Direction of flow is not required for vent lines. (12 points)

    2115d. Angles. Isometric drawing uses 30-60-90 degree angles. All angles used on the drawing are displayed at the appropriate orientation. (8 points)

    2137e. Piping. All pipes, fittings, traps, clean-outs, and similar portions of the piping structure are included on the drawing. All piping is shown exactly as on the drawing (regardless of specific code requirements). The piping must display the correct elevation in reference to the floor plan. (20 points)

    2185f. Labeling. All fixtures are labeled according to the legend provided in the examination instructions. (4 points)

    2202g. Vents. All vents are properly indicated. (16 points)

    2211h. Fixtures. All fixtures shown on the floor plan are appropriately indicated on the isometric drawing. (12 points)

    2229(13) Certification Examination for Underground Utility and Excavation Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    2246(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 228461G4-16.001(22), 2285F.A.C.

    2286(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the underground utility and excavation trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    23241. 20% Pre-installation,

    23272. 5% Traffic Control,

    23313. 20% Excavating, Backfill and Compaction,

    23374. 15% Pipe Installation and Repairs,

    23435. 15% Piping, Valves and Fittings,

    23496. 10% Testing, Disinfecting, and Job Close Out,

    23577. 5% Drainage Systems; and,

    23628. 10% Equipment.

    2365(14) Certification Examination for Pollutant Storage System Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    2381(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 242061G4-16.001(22), 2421F.A.C.

    2422(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the pollutant storage system specialty trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    24601. 7% Pre-installation and Site Preparation,

    24662. 5% Material Handling,

    24703. 10% Excavating,

    24734. 7% Supports and Anchorage,

    24785. 10% Backfill,

    24816. 12% Tank Installation,

    24857. 14% Piping, Valves and Fittings,

    24918. 5% Above Tank Covering,

    24969. 10% Leak Detection,

    250010. 5% Cathodic Protection Systems,

    250511. 10% Tank Removal and Abandonment; and,

    251212. 5% Equipment.

    2515(15) Certification for Gypsum Drywall Specialty Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    2530(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 256961G4-16.001(22), 2570F.A.C.

    2571(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the gypsum drywall specialty trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    26081. 35% Gypsum/Gypsum Wallboard Installation,

    26132. 15% Taping and Texturing,

    26183. 35% Metal Stud Walls and Ceiling Grid Systems; and,

    26284. 15% Special Applications.

    2632(16) Certification Examination for Specialty Structure Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    2647(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 268661G4-16.001(22), 2687F.A.C.

    2688(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the specialty structure trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    27241. 7 1/2% Foundations,

    27282. 15% Wall Sections,

    27323. 15% Roof Sections,

    27364. 7 1/2% Insulation,

    27405. 15% Windows,

    27436. 15% Post and Beam Structures,

    27497. 15% Roofovers; and,

    27538. 10% Siding, Soffit, Fascias, Gutters, and Downspouts.

    2761(17) Certification Examination for Solar Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    2775(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 281461G4-16.001(22), 2815F.A.C.

    2816(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the solar trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    28511. 25% Swimming Pools,

    28552. 25% Domestic Hot Water; and,

    28613. 50% Photovoltaics.

    2864(18) Certification Examination for Gas Line Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    2879(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 291861G4-16.001(22), 2919F.A.C.

    2920(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the gas line trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    29561. 10% General Knowledge,

    29602. 5% Testing and Code Compliance,

    29663. 5% Taps and Connections,

    29714. 5% Pigging and Purging,

    29765. 5% Maintenance,

    29796. 20% Welding and Fusions,

    29847. 20% Safety,

    29878. 10% Excavation,

    29909. 10% Equipment,

    299310. 5% Materials; and,

    299711. 5% Location and Investigation.

    3002(19) Certification Examination for Glass and Glazing Specialty Contractor.

    3011(a) Areas of Competency. The Certification Examination shall consist of two tests.

    30231. Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 306261G4-16.001(22), 3063F.A.C.

    30642. Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the glass and glazing trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    3101a. 35% Preconstruction Activities,

    3105b. 20% Fabricating Product,

    3109c. 5% Transporting Product,

    3113d. 35% Installing Product; and,

    3118e. 5% Servicing Product.

    3122(b) For purpose of this rule, Product is defined as curtain walls, decorative glass and glazing, glass and aluminum doors, glass, glass floors, glass railings, interior glass and glazing, mirrors, overhead glazing, panels and miscellaneous metals, shower doors, store fronts, structural glass (frameless) and windows.

    3167(20) Certification of Marine Specialty Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    3181(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 322061G4-16.001(22), 3221F.A.C.

    3222(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the marine specialty trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    32581. 7% Determining Existing Soil Conditions,

    32642. 10% Determining Project Parameters,

    32693. 327016% Administering Project,

    32734. 32749% Constructing Foundation Systems,

    32785. 13% Constructing Shoreline Stabilization,

    32836. 10% Constructing Anchoring Systems,

    32887. 6% Performing Dredge and Fill Operations,

    32958. 9% Building Floating Marine Structures,

    33019. 14% Building Fixed Marine Structures; and,

    330810. 6% Executing Close-Out Procedures.

    3313(21) Certification of Irrigation Specialty Contractors. The certification examination shall consist of two tests.

    3327(a) Test one shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas are set forth in subsection 336661G4-16.001(22), 3367F.A.C.

    3368(b) Test two shall consist of questions relating to general knowledge of the irrigation specialty trade. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    34041. 340525% Pre-Construction,

    34072. 37.50% Construction,

    34103. 12.50% Maintenance & Repair,

    34154. 12.50% Scheduling & Water Conservation; and,

    34225. 12.50% Rules, Laws & Codes.

    3428(22) Business and Finance Examination. Test one for all construction certification categories shall consist of questions relating to the business and financial management of a contracting firm. The content areas to be covered and the approximate weights to be assigned to said areas shall be as follows:

    3475(a) 11% Establishing the Contracting business;

    3481(b) 26% Managing Administration Duties;

    3486(c) 10% Managing Trade Operations;

    3491(d) 32% Conducting Accounting Functions;

    3496(e) 6% Managing Human Resources (Staffing); and,

    3503(f) 15% Complying with Government Regulations.

    3509(23) The weight approximations for all examinations listed above may vary by plus or minus three percent (3%).

    3527(24) Passing Score. The score necessary to achieve a passing grade on all of the construction certification examinations shall be no less than a percentage of seventy (70%) out of one hundred percent (100%) on each of the required tests.

    3567Rulemaking Authority 3569455.217, 3570489.108 FS. 3572Law Implemented 3574455.217, 3575489.113 FS. 3577History–New 1-6-80, Amended 9-24-84, Formerly 21E-16.01, Amended 5-3-87, 10-4-87, 6-2-88, 12-19-88, 5-23-89, 8-23-89, 2-5-91, 1-29-92, 10-11-92, 5-2-93, Formerly 21E-16.001, Amended 10-17-93, 5-9-95, 11-28-95, 3-11-96, 11-13-97, 4-13-99, 9-12-00, 6-25-03, 6-23-08, 4-21-09, 8-31-14, 7-4-17, 9-30-193610.