How to Get a Contractor's License in Collier County?

Below is a description of the process of obtaining a license in Collier County.

Sponsorship application

All applicants for a Collier County certificate of competency are required to apply for sponsorship with the county. The $130.00 examination fee is due at the time of sponsorship application. The application and fee are valid for 6 months and are non-refundable and not transferrable. Please include a copy of your driver’s license along with the sponsorship application and fee.

• Sponsorship Application
  The Sponsorship Application is NOT the Application to get the license. Obtaining Sponsorship simply means you can take the test. You still need to apply for the actual license once you pass the exams.
  You will need to print out 2 sponsorship application forms. One for each exam (BUSINESS PROCEDURE AND TRADE EXAM).

  Test Agencies

  Collier County recognizes three testing agencies:
  Gainesville Independent Testing©
  Prov©

Exams

Most construction trades in Collier County require trade and a business exam. Some trades require a business exam ONLY. Below is a list of the trades which only require a business test:
Acoustical, Cabinet Installation, Decorative Metal, Epoxy Stone, Fence Erection, Floor Covering Installation, Garage Door Installation, Non-Recreational Pond/Waterfall/Fountain, Roof Coat, Paint & Clean, Sandblasting, Satellite Dish Installation, Sealing & Striping, Sign Contractor Non-Electric, Swimming Pool Cleaning Only.
Journeyman only needs a trade exam. Journeyman does not need to take the business test.

You will need one (1) sponsorship application form for each exam.

Licensing Steps

• Complete the sponsorship application(s) to take the ProV exam(s). The sponsorship will be valid for six (6) months.
• Once approved to take the exams, get the books, study, schedule the exam(s) and pass the exam(s) with 75% or higher
• Submit the application(s) with the administrative fee of One Hundred Thirty Dollars ($130.00) per exam directly to our office, by mail, or through our website. Please make checks payable to the "Board of County Commissioners."
• Collier County Ordinance 2006-46, as amended, states that in order to obtain a Certificate of Competency, an applicant must prove practical experience in his or her trade, plus other requirements (i.e. insurance, credit report(s), etc.) Please understand that if you fail to meet these requirements, your application will be referred to the Contractor Licensing Board for full review and your application could be disqualified even though you may have passed the exam(s).
• Once a license is issued it expires on September 30 every year! Renewals are mailed in mid-August.