Contractors Certification

 

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  • Question Mark IconAre Journeyman and Technicians required to take the 14-hour Continuing Education?
    Answer:

    ​No, the CILB Rule excludes Journeyman and Technicians.


  • Question Mark IconWhere can I review the 14-hour Contractor Continuation Education Rule?
    Answer:

    ​You can view the CILB Rule at the following link, see Section 4 (C):
    http://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/contractors/Forms/Continuing_Education_Requirement_Final.pdf


  • Question Mark IconWhere can I get a provider course list for the 14-hour Board-Approved Continuing Education (CE)?
    Answer:
    ​You can get the list of CE approved providers at the following link (Training is primarily Online with some training offered in a classroom setting): http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/servop/testing/documents/cilb_ce_prov.pdf?x40199

  • Question Mark IconWho are your approved testing agencies for new County Contractors / Journeyman applicants and where & when are the exams given?
    Answer:

    ​The approved testing companies are:

    ​GITS 
    Phone: (800) 997-2129
    Email: gitsllc@gitsllc.net
    Website: www.gitsllc.org    		​PROV
    Phone: (866) 720-7768
    Email: Lourdes@provexam.com
    Website: http://www.provexam.com

    Please contact the approved testing agency(s) for instructions and arrangements.


  • Question Mark IconWhat is our Address, Phone and Fax Number?
    Answer:

    2300 N Jog Road, Suite 2W-61, West Palm Beach, FL 33411-2741
    Phone (561) 233-5525
    Fax (561) 233-5554


  • Question Mark IconHow do I get to the office?
    Answer:

    We are located on Jog Road about 1 block north of Okeechobee Boulevard on the east side of the road.


  • Question Mark IconHow do I get an application for a Contractor License?
    Answer:

    You can visit our website at http://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/contractors or by visiting our office.


  • Question Mark IconDo I need to complete the whole application?
    Answer:

    Yes, the entire application must be completed and turned in with all required documentation as per instructions. (use the checklist in package)


  • Question Mark IconWhen does the application need to be submitted?
    Answer:

    A completed application with supporting documentation must be filed by the 1st Friday of the month to be considered for that months Board approval.


  • Question Mark IconCan I mail the application?
    Answer:
    Yes, the application with supporting documentation can be mailed to our office .

  • Question Mark IconHow long does the licensing process take?
    Answer:

    ​30 to 90 days depending on when you turn in your completed application with required documentation, and successfully completing required exams.


  • Question Mark IconCan I take the test before the application?
    Answer:

    ​Yes, you can contact the testing agencies and take the exam prior to handing in a complete application. The results will have to be sent to our office to be included with the review of you application. You can visit our website for the exam information at: http://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/Contractors/


  • Question Mark IconHow much is the -Application Fee?
    Answer:

    ​Cost is $450.00 for Contractors and $100.00 for a Journeyman license.


  • Question Mark IconHow can I pay for my application?
    Answer:

    ​Forms of payment are Cash, Check, Money Order and via our website for most fees at: https://www.pbcgov.org/ePZB.Admin.WebSPA/#/PanelContainer/Online_Payments


  • Question Mark IconIf I have bad credit can I obtain a license?
    Answer:

    ​A credit report must accompany the application and it will be reviewed and considered for determination by the Construction Licensing Board (CILB). Applicants with a credit score of 660 or higher meet the minimum credit reputation requirements for licensure.  Applicants with a credit score between 580 to 659 must pass a Florida CILB approved 14-hour financial responsibility course. A credit score of 579 and below does not meet licensure requirements.


  • Question Mark IconIf I have a criminal record can I obtain a license?
    Answer:

    ​Your criminal record will be reviewed and considered for determination by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) as part of the application.


  • Question Mark IconWhere do I order a credit report?
    Answer:

    A partial list is outlined on the application of credit companies that work with Palm Beach County. Credit reports are to be ordered and sent to our office by the credit reporting company prior to any application review or application deadline. Reports that are generated by an applicant are not acceptable. (ex. Experian, TransUnion or Equifax)


  • Question Mark IconWhen will the board approve my application?
    Answer:

    ​The construction board meets once a month on the 4th Monday (holidays permitting) and that is when application review is held for approval. Board Meetings are not scheduled in November.


  • Question Mark IconWhere is the board meeting held?
    Answer:

    ​The meeting is held at the Vista Center , Planning, Zoning and Building , 2300 N Jog Road, 1st floor hearing chamber 1W-47, West Palm Beach, FL 33411.


  • Question Mark IconWhat time is the meeting at?
    Answer:

    ​The application review commences at 1:00 pm followed by the regularly scheduled meeting at 2:00 pm.


  • Question Mark IconCan anyone attend the meeting?
    Answer:

    ​Yes, the Construction Industry Licensing Board meetings are public meetings and once regular business has been addressed by the Board public comments are allowed.


  • Question Mark IconCan I take an exam offered in Broward County?
    Answer:

    ​No, it is required that testing has to be taken in Palm Beach County.


  • Question Mark IconHow do I get a list of books that I need to purchase?
    Answer:

    ​You obtain a list by contacting any of the approved testing agencies that are allowed to test for Palm Beach County.


  • Question Mark IconWhen I pass the exam will I be notified on how to get my certificate or competency?
    Answer:

    ​Yes, the testing agency will provide you with your test result(s), they must also send the results to our office in order to complete your licensing process.


  • Question Mark IconWhat information will I need to complete my licensing process?
    Answer:

    ​Once you have passed the examination process and we have received your test scores, you will need to provide a certificate of general liability, workers compensation insurance, Business Tax Receipt and a $2,000.00 surety bond.


  • Question Mark IconWhat is a Certificate of Competency?
    Answer:

    ​This is the term used for a Palm Beach County issued contractor's license.


  • Question Mark IconWhat is a Qualifier?
    Answer:

    ​The qualifier is the owner of the license and the person who is responsible for work performed under such license. 


  • Question Mark IconWhat types of licenses are issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)?
    Answer:

    ​The CILB is responsible for issuing and overseeing licenses issued in regulated construction trades.  Please visit our website for a list of the regulated trades at:   http://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/contractors/Forms/standards.pdf


  • Question Mark IconWhat does reciprocity mean?
    Answer:

    ​Reciprocity is a written agreement between counties that allow contractors to work in neighboring counties provided they apply and meet those counties licensing requirements.


  • Question Mark IconCan I reciprocate my license out of state?
    Answer:

    ​No, the reciprocal agreements are only within the State of Florida.


  • Question Mark IconHow do I reciprocate my license?
    Answer:

    ​A letter of reciprocity is prepared by the county that sponsored your testing to the neighboring county or the State of Florida. Please visit our website for the reciprocity form at:  http://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/Contractors/forms/reciprocity_letter.pdf


  • Question Mark IconHow do I obtain a license if I have one from another county?
    Answer:

    ​You must have a reciprocal letter sent to our office and submit a completed application. Please keep in mind that requirements for licensure vary from county to county.


  • Question Mark IconDo I need to renew my certificate of competency in Palm Beach County?
    Answer:

    ​Yes, renewal cards are sent out in July and have a deadline of September 30. Contractors renew every 2 years on odd years (ex. 2017, 2019, 2021). State Contractors have to re-enroll with the county every 2 years on the even years (ex. 2016, 2018, 2020)


  • Question Mark IconIf I have a State License do I need to apply for a Palm Beach County license?
    Answer:

    ​No, you are required to enroll the state license with our office in order to be able to apply for permits in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Please visit our website for the form at:  http://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/contractors/Forms/StateEnrollment.pdf


  • Question Mark IconIs there a cost for enrolling a state license?
    Answer:

    ​Yes, there is a $50 Enrollment/Re-Enrollment fee that is due when enrolling the license. Enrollment is based on the state license expiration date. If you are applying for permits or scheduling inspections with the building department you must keep your Enrollment current.


  • Question Mark IconDoes your office accept permit runners to handle paperwork?
    Answer:

    ​Yes, there is an Authorized Agent form that has to be documented on record along with driver(s) license(s) that allows an agent to conduct business on behalf of the qualifier. 1st time registrations for agents must be processed in person. Form available on website.