How Do I Study for a General Contractor Exam?

Becoming a general contractor can be an extremely lucrative career choice. Clients are always looking to upgrade their properties; build new retail stores, schools, and government facilities; and improve their greenhouse emissions benchmarks. General contractors are in demand, and if you pursue this career, it can be incredibly rewarding monetarily and in terms of satisfaction at seeing the product of your labors.

One of the first steps towards getting your license is to pass your general contractor exam. To increase your chances of passing the exam, you need to have a solid study and preparation strategy.

In this post, we'll cover the best ways to study for a general contractor exam to help you pass and become a certified contractor.

How Do I Prepare for a General Contractor Exam?

1) Start Studying Right Away

Many of us are guilty of cramming for exams in high school or college, but don't let procrastination get a grip on you this time around. You may have been able to get away with it in the past, but that studying method won't help you obtain a general contractor's license.

Instead, get started on your studying as soon as possible. The longer you have to review the test material, the more comfortable and confident you'll be when it comes time for your exam.

Moreover, you give yourself a nice cushion of time to keep your mind at ease. You won't have to worry about overloading your brain with information at the last minute.

2) Create a Realistic Schedule

Schedules are an excellent way to keep your personal and professional life balanced. When you develop a routine, you're setting yourself up for success. Make sure to mark down timeslots in your calendar that you strictly allocate for studying.

You don't necessarily need to wake up and study first thing in the morning, but find a time that works and stick with it. If you have a schedule, you're less likely to procrastinate or lose focus on your exam.

It also helps to allocate study breaks into your schedule. Perhaps you'll study Monday to Friday, but give yourself Wednesday to work on your personal life. No matter what formula you use, make sure you're consistent.

3) Find a Suitable Environment for Studying

In some ways, where you study is just as important as what you're learning. Finding a comfortable place to hit the books might be challenging if you're living with roommates or in a cramped living space. In that case, consider going to a quiet cafe or your local library.

If you're the kind of person who thrives in highly-stimulating environments, you can check out co-working spaces in your town or maybe hit the park.

Try and reduce distractions as best as you can. If you feel like the place you're studying is too distracting, change it up until you find a quieter spot where you can focus.

4) Celebrate Your Wins

There's nothing wrong with rewarding yourself after doing hard work. Studies show that you're more likely to stay motivated and perform better when you get a reward (even a small one).

Although getting your license will be a reward in its own right, try to give yourself some small treats along the way. It's essential to have a positive mind when preparing for your exam, and celebrating your wins will help with positive reinforcement.

5) Take a Prep Course

No doubt, passing the general contractor's exam isn't easy. Luckily, various resources and institutions are at your disposal to help you pass your test and obtain your license. A reliable contractor license prep course can ensure you have the knowledge to ace the exam the first time around.

The course will give you a better idea of what to expect on the test, taught by professional faculty that are likely contractors themselves. When trying to pass your general contractor exam, you're not alone, so don't be afraid to reach out for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard Is the General Contractor Exam?

The general contractor exam works on a pass/fail basis. That means you don't get any additional benefits for getting a perfect score. That's not to say you shouldn't try to get all the questions right. You just don't need to in order to pass and get your license. 

The test itself isn't easy. It consists of many technical and theoretical questions that can be complicated if you aren't ready. You’ll also need a deep understanding of business and law related to construction.

Taking the necessary steps to prepare for your exam, like studying early or enrolling in a prep course, will make the exam less intimidating.

The exam is a timed assessment. That said, you get plenty of time to complete the test. Try not to get discouraged if other applicants finish before you. Take as much time as you need, and answer every question you know.

Conclusion

Studying for the general contractor exam can be daunting. Remember, try to remain calm and develop a dependable study routine. You should be more than ready to pass as a result. If you do end up failing the exam, don't give up on your goal of being a contractor. Many experienced construction workers and general contractors failed their tests the first time around.

Read to equip yourself with all the tools, study books, and prep courses to ace the exam the first time around? Visit the our contractor licensing school and give yourself a winning advantage!