A Gypsum Drywall contractor falls under the category of a specialty contractor. The scope of work and responsibility for this contractor is limited to a particular phase of construction and subset of activities. This license allows the installation, taping, texturing, and finishing of gypsum drywall (including special finishes). Also included is the installation to both wood and metal stud walls, ceilings, and other special applications where gypsum drywall is used.
To apply, contact State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1-850-487-1395.
If applying for initial licensure from May 1st of an Even numbered year through August 31st of an Odd numbered year the fee is $249.
If applying for initial licensure from September 1st of an Odd numbered year through April 30th of an Even numbered year the fee is $149.
You must pay a fee of $56.25 to Promissor/Pearson VUE for the processing of your electronic fingerprints.
Candidates will receive an unofficial grade report on the day they pass the exam. However, test scores and license approval do not become official until ratified by the Contractors Licensing Board at their next meeting. Licenses are typically received within 14 days of the exam.
Important Contacts
Florida has no reciprocal agreements for the Gypsum Drywall Contractor with any states at this time.
As of this time Florida requires 14 hours of board approved continuing education each biennium prior to the renewal period for both certified and registered contractors. At least 1 hour must deal with workplace safety, 1 hour must be on the subject of worker’s compensation, 1 hour must cover the subject of business practices, 1 hour must cover the subject of laws and rules, 1 hour must cover wind mitigation methodologies, and 1 hour must cover the Florida Building Code advanced modules.
All parts of the examination:
Pay $135.00 examination development fee payable to PTI, $80.00 examination administration fee payable to DBPR, but mailed to PTI. An $80.00 examination administration fee payable to Pearson Vue (formerly Promissor), the CBT (Computer Based Testing) contracted vendor, is due at the time of scheduling.
This is a Computer-Based exam for both the Trade exam and the Business exam.
- A score of at least 70% is required to pass the exams.
- The exam is 2 days, open book, multiple-choice, and timed.
- There are 2 parts to the exam, the business finance part and trade knowledge. The time limit for the trade exam is 4 hours and 45 minutes. The Business and Finance exam is 6.5 hrs.
- You must complete all portions of the examination within 4 years of the first attempt. After four years, all previous test scores become invalid and you will be required to take all parts of the examination again
- The Florida Gypsum Drywall general trade knowledge exam portion has 80 questions, weighted equally, and is held during the morning of the 2nd day.
- The Florida Business and Finance exam is a 6.5 hr exam consisting of 125 equally weighted questions.
- Applicants must submit an application and exam fee to become registered to take the exam.
- The testing company must receive completed applications and appropriate fees no later than 30 days prior to the next scheduled exam date.
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Topics covered on the trade knowledge exam portion are gypsum and gypsum wallboard installation, taping and texturing, metal stud walls and ceiling grid systems, and special applications.
- To schedule your exam you must contact Professional Testing, Inc (PTI) at 1-407-264-0562.
American Contractors offers a preparation course for the Gypsum Drywall Contractor license exam that includes preparation for the Florida Business and Finance exam as well. Please contact us for additional information, 1-800-992-1910.
