Once again I need some input from you guys. I am interested in taking the TN Residential Contractors Exam. However, I have heard rumors that guys who have been building houses for years cannot pass the exam without going to an Exam prep like the American Contractors Exam Service Prep Class. They offer a two day program that is, in their words, supposed to prepare you for the state exam. For $650 they will show you what it takes to pass the first time. Not having a lot of money to throw around, I am a little hesitant to sign up for it. Do any of you have experience with these prep classes and/or have any suggestion about how to approach the Exam? Thanks
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How quick do you need your license? How much does it cost to take the test? Any wait period between takings of the test?
If you can afford the time it take to fail the test, sign up again, and retake the test ... more than you can afford to pay for the course, then go for it.
I'm not being a wiseguy, just do a quick little cost benefit analysis in your head. If you've got more time and than money, then skip the test.
I took the test in MA, I've been in residential construction here for about 10 years. No way in heck I could have even dreamed of passing the test without taking the prep course.... and it's open book.
Around here, the test isn't about knowledge of codes, it more about being able to navigate the code book to find the answers to the problems the test poses. Becoming proficient with using the code book is what the test is all about.... not memorizing codes. But that's MA.
I'd ask around your own area more... ask guys with licenses if they think they could have passed without taking the course and feel 'em out.
Sorry, the test is $150 a pop and I don't know how quickly you can take the test over if you fail. However, it is a computer based test that will give questions from a test bank. So when you go back in you will have a completely different test. And I don't think they will tell you what areas you are weak in. So it would be a pot luck every time you take the test! I need a license pretty quickly, my father, brother and one of my friends, all three, want me to build them houses. Wouldn't make that much money at first, but while still working on the side could get some good experience to start on my own with.
Then take the prep class. See if you can divy up the cost of the test between your brother, friend, father and yourself. Seems fair if the reason you're in a rush is that they want houses.
Edited 6/28/2005 11:02 pm ET by dieselpig
three houses ...
$650 ....
I'm thinking take the classes?
btw ... my brother just passed his GC-B test in Cali ... took the classes .. still had to retake one portion. The state changed the tests before his school changed their materials .. tells me ... the school is pretty important.
we don't have licensing here ... but from what I've heard of other places ... there's way more than just construction Q's ... how would ya even know where to start studying?
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I can't speak to Tennessee specifically, but when I took the course here in Oregon about 13 years ago, I got bombarded by a bunch of those outfits that sell coursework for licensing exams, including into the price range you're looking at.
What I ended up doing was going to the local Homebuilders assoc. and they supplied the materials for $125.
In Oregon, so far as I can tell, you are required to take a 16 hour course before you take the exam. There are a number of different options for the 16 hours including regular courses, independent study, videotapes, and computer based. The one that I am about to sign up for is through the Home Builders Assocation of Metropolitan Portland. It is an independent study of the required 16 hours for $199. The other options are available through community colleges and for-profit outfits. The other costs for getting a license:
The PSI Test is $106.00
The Contractors License application is $295.00.
Thus if you get through everything the first time, the cost will be about $600, plus your time lost from doing more productive things...
Well, as I said, I did it 13 or so years ago and they've changed things a bit, but with inflation, your $199 isn't far off my $125.
My point was that, unless Tenn. has some real complexity in their testing proceedure, $650 from one of those training mills seems high.
Those license fees you mention are in addition to the training and testing....and when you add in the bond and Liab. insurance, you'll be closer to $2K (the liab. premiums are usually high the first year or two), and that's if you're not subbing anything out....
I can't speak to the TN test - I took mine in Calif. Typical beauracratic test - the trade portion had next to nothing to do with the reality of building and contracting. The law portion was a little more informative. The basic point I've never forgotten is that all the laws are slanted in the favor of the homeowner, and against the contractor.
Anyway, I took the classes. Kind of a joke, but it worked. I went into a small stuffy room with folding chairs and cheap little cassette players. Listened to the tapes, then took the sample tests, then corrected them. The questions were identical to the questions on the test. I passed the first time.
If you're self-motivated, get the cassette tapes and forget the "classes". But if you need a little push, then classes are probably the way to go.