Florida Solar Contractor Licensing Free Practice Test

To become a licensed solar installer in Florida, you’ll need to complete these steps:

• Meet Experience Requirements: Florida requires solar contractors to have field experience — including designing and installing systems — prior to qualifying for the exam.
• Pass the Exams:
  • The Solar Contractors Exam (5 hours, 80 questions).
  • The Florida Business and Finance Exam.
• Submit Your Application: Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and submit proof of experience, education, and exam completion.
• Secure Insurance Coverage: Florida contractors must have liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

The official Florida Solar Contractor Exam is a challenging, open-book test designed to assess your knowledge and ability to navigate essential reference materials quickly and accurately.

Official Exam Structure

• Duration: 5 hours
• Number of Questions: 80 multiple-choice questions
• Passing Score: Typically 70% or higher (always verify with official sources)
• Administration: Computer-based testing administered by Pearson VUE. You can schedule your exam here

Key Content Areas

The exam questions are drawn from specific knowledge areas. Understanding this breakdown helps focus your study efforts. The official content outline can be found here: 

• Swimming Pools (25%): Covers site surveys, system design (pool and spa heating), collector installation, piping systems, plumbing components, electrical controls, system activation, inspection, troubleshooting, owner demonstration, safety, and building codes.
• Domestic Hot Water (25%): Includes site surveys, collector orientation, system design, installation, piping, water condition issues, indirect (closed loop) components, commissioning, servicing, owner demonstration, tools/equipment, electrical controls, safety, and building codes.
• Photovoltaics (50%): Focuses on site surveys, module orientation, system design (end-use requirements, grid-tied, standalone, hybrid), installation, commissioning, tools/equipment, system maintenance, safety, and building codes.

This cannot be stressed enough: the Florida Solar Contractor exam tests your ability to find information within the approved reference books under time pressure. With 80 questions in 5 hours, you have less than four minutes per question. Field experience is valuable, but it doesn’t directly translate to navigating these specific texts efficiently. The answers the examiners are looking for are found in the books, and only in the books. Our practice exams are designed specifically to hone this crucial skill.

Our practice exam serves as an invaluable resource for candidates preparing for the official Florida Solar License examination. Here’s what our free practice exam offers:

• A comprehensive question bank containing 50 carefully crafted questions
• Exam simulation with 10 randomly selected questions per attempt
• 30-minute timed sessions to build speed and accuracy
• Passing threshold of 70% (matching the actual exam requirements)
• 10 free practice attempts to perfect your knowledge and test-taking strategy

The practice exam covers all content areas in the same proportions as the official exam, ensuring balanced preparation across swimming pools, domestic hot water systems, and photovoltaic installations.

Here are a few examples of what you’ll find on our free practice test:

1. In a pool heating system, a solar collector must be positioned to optimize heat absorption. Which of the following factors is most critical in determining placement?

• A) Number of collectors
• B) Roof material
• C) Collector orientation and tilt
• D) Pool size
  Reference: Solar Water & Pool Heating Manual, 2006

2. When troubleshooting a grid-tied photovoltaic installation, what safety precautions should be taken first?

• A) Inspect inverter operations
• B) Disconnect from utility power
• C) Test solar module voltage output
• D) Adjust system settings
  Reference: National Electrical Code Handbook, 2020

Successful exam preparation relies on understanding and navigating the 11 reference books approved for the Florida Solar Contractors Exam. These include:

• Walker’s Building Estimator’s Reference Book (2024)
• National Electrical Code Handbook (2020)
• Photovoltaic System Design Manual (1999)
• Solar Water & Pool Heating Manual (2006)
• Florida Building Code (Residential and Plumbing, 2023)

Full reference material lists and suggested study orders are linked here.

In addition to solar, you may need to pass related exams to expand your qualifications:

• Free Walker’s Building Estimator Practice Exam
• The NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Free Exam
• Free Florida Business and Finance Exam

• Practice Book Navigation:
  Time in the field doesn’t replace familiarity with the code books. Learn where critical details are located to find answers quickly.

• Take Full-Length Practice Tests:
  Simulating the actual exam will help you manage your time effectively.

• Study in Focused Sections:
  Break down content by topic (Swimming Pools, Domestic Hot Water, Photovoltaics) to retain information more effectively.

• Familiarize Yourself with Exam Logistics:
  You’ll schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. Practice under similar conditions for the best results.