Florida Gypsum Drywall Contractor License
Florida Gypsum Drywall contractors can legally engage in contracts which involve working on:
- Metal accessories (bearing, non-load bearing)
- Metal studs
- Runners
- Hangers
- Channels
- Drywall metal suspension accessories
- Prefabricated ceiling materials
- Preparation of the surface over which drywall product is to be applied
- Base and finish coats specifically designed for gypsum drywall products
- Gypsum Drywall contractors cannot engage in the following type of work within the scope of their license:
- Plastering
- Block or wood partitions
How to Get a Gypsum Drywall Contractor's License in Florida
- Be 18 years of age.
- Pass all parts of the exam(s) (within four years of the first attempt).
If an applicant has a Bachelor's degree in building construction or a related field, as well as a 3.0 GPA or higher, the applicant is only required to take the business exam. - Pay the fee for the Application.
- Complete the application form using the Online Services, or the Printable Application.
- Be of good moral character.
- Obtain worker's compensation and general liability coverage.
- Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a Credit Report:
- 660 FICO credit score or higher (applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit if below 660 - FICO derived).
- If FICO score is less than 660, the applicant must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
- If applicable, provide proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and bankruptcy discharge.
- Background check with Electronic Fingerprints.
- Obtain public liability and property damage insurance.
- Obtain workers' compensation or exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
- Satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
- A combination of Experience and Education
- One year proved experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 yrs. experience), or
- No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
- Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
- One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker, or
- Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
- The board expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the Gypsum Drywall trade:
- Gypsum Board
- Light Steel Framing
- Finishing
- Military Service
Note: As part of the application applicant must submit the Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification for licensure- One year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and three years of military service.
- One year of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of military service.
- Two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and one year of military service.
- A combination of Experience and Education
- Pass the Gypsum Drywall and Business & Finance exams.(sign up for the exams)
- Submit the complete Gypsum Drywall application form to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Florida Drywall Contractor Exams
Florida Drywall Contractors must pass two exams prior to obtaining their license. Do not sign up to take your exams until you obtain your books and begin studying for them!
Florida Gypsum Drywall Contractor License Exam
- Testing Method: Computer-based testing
- Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
- Number of Questions: 80
- Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
- Time Allowed: 300 Minutes
- Minimum Passing Score: 70%
- Subjects Involved:
Gypsum and Gypsum Wallboard Installation (35%)
- Determining the proper gypsum wallboard type given a specific application
- Rated wall and ceiling assemblies
- Exterior applications
- Under ceramic tile
- Sheathing
- Interior ceilings
- Installing gypsum wallboard
- Over wood
- Metal
- Masonry
- Concrete surfaces
- Temperature and humidity issues
- Storage of materials onsite
- Over wood
- Identifying the correct gypsum wallboard fastener or adhesive
- Identifying required fastener spacings and penetrations into framing members
- 1/4" Gypsum on wood
- 1/2"
- 5/8"
- 1/4" Gypsum on metal
- 1/2"
- 5/8"
- Lamination methods
- Spacing of fasteners based on framing spacing
- Walls versus ceilings
- 1/4" Gypsum on wood
- Identifying required fastener spacings and penetrations into framing members
- Using tools and equipment to install gypsum wallboard
- Hand and power tools
- Ladders
- Scaffolds
- Estimating and bidding a job
- Reading plans and specifications
- Perform material take offs
- Estimate material and labor costs
- Determining the proper gypsum wallboard type given a specific application
Taping and Texturing (15%)
- Selecting the correct joint compound and tape given the application and job conditions
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Rated wall and ceiling assemblies
- Exterior applications
- Under ceramic tile
- Sheathing
- Interior ceilings
- Applying joint compound to gypsum surface
- Tape coats
- Bed coats
- Finish coats
- Skim coats
- Dry and wet sanding
- Texturing
- Knock down
- Orange peel
- Aggregated spray texture
- Skip trowel
- Using tools and equipment for gypsum wallboard taping and texturing
- Hand tools
- Mechanical tools (e.g., bazooka, angle box, banjo)
- Texture machines
- Selecting the correct joint compound and tape given the application and job conditions
Metal Stud Walls and Ceiling Grid Systems (35%)
- Laying out and installing metal ceiling systems
- Determine type of grid
- Ceiling tile
- Accessories needed
- Fastener type
- Framing for suspended ceiling
- Accoustical ceiling
- Soffits
- Determine type of grid
- Laying out and installing metal stud wall systems
- Install metal door jambs
- Determine spacing, gage, and type of stud to use given application
- Accessories needed
- Fastener type
- Bulkhead walls
- Installing wall and ceiling systems
- Hand tools
- Power actuated tools
- Lasers
- Water levels
- Laying out and installing metal ceiling systems
Special Applications (15%)
- Forming curves and angles with gypsum wallboard
- Framing requirements
- Determine thickness and layers needed given curve
- Installing gypsum wallboard in fire and sound control systems
- Smoke barrier
- Sound board
- Applying exterior gypsum wallboard
- Under wall and roof sheathing
- Exterior finish drywall
- Demonstrate knowledge of relevant job safety procedures and requirements
- OSHA
- Forming curves and angles with gypsum wallboard
- Official list of subjects for the Gypsum Drywall contractor exam
Florida Gypsum Drywall Business and Finance Exam
- Testing Method: Computer-based testing
- Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
- Number of Questions: 120
- Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
- Time Allowed: 390 Minutes
- Minimum Passing Score: 70%
- Subjects Involved:
Establishing the Contracting Business (11%)
- Determining the Business Organizational Structure
- Business structure laws and regulations
- Fiduciary responsibilities of officers and directors
- Open vs. closed corporations
- Organizational charts and chain of responsibilities
- State and local licensure requirements
- Tax advantages and/or liabilities for various business structures
- Develop the Business Plan
- Accounting practices
- Local marketplace
- Scope of contractor license
- Establish Relationships with Other Professionals
- Accountant specialization
- Attorney specialization
- Insurance types and limitations
- Underwriting requirements for bonding
- Acquire Fixed Assets
- Advantages/disadvantages of business location
- Advantages/disadvantages of lease vs. purchase
- Obtain Insurance
- knowledge of accounting practices
- Advantages/disadvantages of various types of insurance
- Coverages and limitations of insurance
- Determining the Business Organizational Structure
Managing Administrative Duties (26%)
- Develop the Business
- Availability of staffing for business operation
- Income sources
- Markets and market share.
- Determine Outsourced Services
- Determine Business Overhead
- FICA
- Advertising costs (business cards, dues, printing, etc.)
- Communication costs (cell phones, land lines, etc.)
- Cost of sales (travel expenses)
- Federal unemployment (FUTA)
- General liability rates
- Lease expenses
- Loan financing expenses (interest, etc.)
- Medicare rates
- Rent costs
- State unemployment (SUTA)
- Utility costs
- Worker’s compensation
- Preparing Bids/Proposals
- Accounting principles
- AIA documents
- Business projections/goals current status
- Company overhead
- Contract documents
- Contract law
- Cost of financing projects
- Costs associated with growth
- General conditions costs of projects
- How to review contracts
- How to write offer
- Insurances associated with labor rates
- Labor productivity
- Statute of frauds
- Taxes associated with labor rates
- Components of valid contract
- Purchase Materials/Supplies
- Depreciative costs
- Fundamentals of Uniform Commercial Code
- Inventory system operation (FIFO, etc.)
- Invoice approval systems
- Negotiating skills
- Purchasing systems
- Receiving systems
- State sales tax laws
- Statute of frauds
- Vendors in area
- Prepare Invoices/Draw Requests
- Basic math skills
- Calculation of percentage of work completed
- Contract/subcontract documents
- How to prepare invoices/draw requests
- Lien laws
- Develop a Safety Program
- Drug testing regulations
- MSDS sheets
- OSHA regulations
- Maintain Insurance
- General terms and definitions used in policies
- Insurance policies
- Limits of insurance
- Various types of insurance
- Various types of risk
- Managing Contracts
- Contract law
- Contract scope
- Job completion schedules
- Lien laws
- Mediation and arbitration processes
- Local building code requirements
- Tort law
- Risk management
- Develop the Business
Managing Trade Operations (10%)
- Schedule Trade Operations
- Critical path method (CPM)
- Delivery times
- Manufacturing times
- Requests for information (RFI)
- Sequencing trades
- Submittals/approval/fabrication process
- Maintain OSHA/Safety Records
- Document/record retainage requirements
- Penalties for non-compliance with OSHA
- Purchase/Order Materials & Supplies
- Accounting skills
- Basic math skills
- Job schedules
- Negotiation skills
- Organizational skills
- Plan reading skills
- Quality control
- Quantity take-offs
- Terms and abbreviations on invoices
- Types of building materials
- Leasing/Purchasing Equipment
- Cost of operation of equipment
- Depreciation
- Equipment operation
- Forecasted use of purchased equipment
- Interest costs for financing
- Maintenance
- Salvage resale values
- Support equipment required for equipment
- Tax credits associated with purchases
- Training needs for equipment
- Transportation costs for equipment
- Manage Material/Tool/Equipment Inventory
- Equipment maintenance procedures
- Inventory methods
- Schedule Trade Operations
Conducting Accounting Functions (32%)
- Manage Accounts Receivable
- Accounting principles
- Basic math skills
- Computer skills
- Lien laws
- Manage Accounts Payable
- Accounting principles
- Basic math skills
- Computer skills
- How to calculate discounts
- Lien laws
- Manage Cash Flow
- Accounting
- Banking
- Basic math skills
- Financial ratios
- File Tax Forms & Returns
- Accounting principles
- Basic math
- Federal tax laws
- Property tax laws
- Record keeping requirements
- Sales tax laws
- State tax laws
- Track Job Costs
- Accounting principles
- Basic math
- Calculate Employee Payroll
- Accounting
- State & federal tax laws
- Basic math
- Employment laws
- Employment/labor laws
- Hierarchy of garnishments
- Manage Accounts Receivable
Managing Human Resources (6%)
- Hire New Employees
- Employment laws
- Discrimination laws
- Interviewing skills
- Required forms for new hires
- Background checks
- Develop Human Resource Policies & Procedures
- Employment/labor laws
- OSHA
- Chain of custody (drug tests)
- Insurance regulations
- Evaluate Employees
- Employment/labor laws
- Hire New Employees
Complying with Government Regulation (15%)
- Comply with Federal Laws & Regulations
- FEMA (immigration components)
- OSHA
- Tax laws
- National Pollution Discharge
- Elimination System (NPDES)
- Environmental laws
- Comply with State Laws& Regulations
- Chapter 455 F.S.(Business & Professional Regulation)
- Chapter 713 F.S. (Liens)
- 61G4 F.A.C.
- Worker’s Compensation
- Laws/DOR Sales/Use Tax
- Chapter 489, Part 1 F.S (Construction Contracting)
- Required continuing education
- CEU credit records
- License holder responsibilities
- Comply with Federal Laws & Regulations
- Official list of subjects for the Business and Finance exam
Florida Drywall Contractor Classes
You can take Drywall Contractor Classes in Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Miami, or Online. You can sign up for your classes at any time and receive access to lecture videos, practice questions, tabbing and highlighting instructions, as well as to step-by-step explanations on how to solve typical Drywall Contractor Exam Problems. The Drywall Contractor Classes prepare you for the trade and business exams. Florida Drywall Contractor Testing Schedule). You must pass all exams before applying for the Drywall Contractor’s License in Florida. To sign up for the Florida Drywall Contractor classes, simply click on the "enroll" button below and checkout; this will allow you to receive immediate access to the Florida Drywall Contractor Classes online, and will also enable you to attend in-person Exam Prep classes. All students have access to both online and in-person classes for an unlimited amount of time (until passing all the Florida Drywall Contractor exams needed to get the Drywall license!). The in-person classes are not mandatory and can be taken at the student's discretion. For a list of upcoming classes for the Florida Drywall Contractor Exams click on the link within the course description below.
-
Login credentials emailed upon enrollment
Unlimited access (no time limits)
Lecture videos
Practice questions
Key concepts
Step-by-step solutions to math problems
Live review
classes$699.00$699.00 -
Login credentials emailed upon enrollment
Unlimited access (no time limits)
Lecture videos
Practice questions
Key concepts
Step-by-step solutions to math problems
Live review
classes$399.00$399.00
Florida Drywall Contractor Books
The set of books includes all required references for both the Drywall and Business and Finance exams. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.
FLORIDA GYPSUM DRYWALL - BOOK SET WITHOUT TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS
FLORIDA GYPSUM DRYWALL - BOOK SET WITH TABS INCLUDES ALL BOOKS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS EXAMS
List of Books for the Drywall Contractor Trade Exams
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This specification covers the minimum require...Standard Specification for Installation of St
$91.84$91.84 -
ASTM C840 Standard Specification for Applicat...Standard Specification for Application and Fi
$117.17$117.17 -
ASTM C1047 covers accessories used in conjunc...Standard Specification for Accessories for Gy
$55.43$55.43 -
ASTM C1396 Standard Specification for Gypsum ...Standard Specification for Gypsum Board ASTM
$62.43$62.43 -
The Building Estimator's Reference Book is an...Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book
$129.26$129.26 -
The Ceiling Systems Handbook is published by ...Ceiling Systems Handbook
$132.76$132.76 -
OSHA (CFR 29 Part 1926) is the leading safety...CFR (OSHA) Title 29 Part 1926
$23.07$23.07 -
The Florida Contractor's Manual is used as on...Florida Contractor's Manual
$165.33$165.33 -
The Gypsum Construction Handbook is a complet...Gypsum Construction Handbook
$42.31$42.31 -
It guides wallboard layout, selection of fast...Specifications for the Application and Finish
$54.65$54.65
List of Books for the Business and Finance Exam
Please note that the Florida Contractor's Manual is required for both the business and the trade exams.
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The Florida Contractor's Manual is used as on...Florida Contractor's Manual
$165.33$165.33 -
Chapter 455 of the Florida Statutes (Business...Florida Statutes Chapter 455
$22.43$22.43 -
The A201 is published by the AIA and establis...A201 General Conditions of the Contract for C
$76.85$76.85 -
Please beware of companies selling photocopie...A401 Standard Form of Agreement between Contr
$76.85$76.85 -
Please beware of companies selling photocopie...A701 Instructions for Bidders
$51.31$51.31 -
Builder's Guide to Accounting, is used for th...Builder's Guide to Accounting
$42.83$42.83
- Details
- Written by Gil M.