The gypsum drywall specialty covers hanging and finishing gypsum board and the non-load-bearing metal framing and ceiling grid that go with it. It is a state certification under the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
Status and legal basis
Gypsum drywall is a specialty category created by rule under F.S. 489.105(3)(q). Its old rule, 61G4-15.017, was repealed May 5, 2024, and the scope now sits in rule 61G4-15.100(1)(t). The exam is still offered.
What the license covers
Rule 61G4-15.100(1)(t) limits the scope to:
- installation of all necessary and incidental metal accessories, including non-load bearing metal studs, runners, hangers, channels, drywall metal suspension accessories and prefabricated ceiling materials
- preparation of the surface over which drywall is applied
- application of base and finish coats specifically designed for the gypsum products the contractor installed
The rule says the category "shall not include plastering, block, or wood partitions."
| Work | Gypsum drywall specialty? |
|---|---|
| Hanging and finishing gypsum board | Yes |
| Non-load-bearing metal studs and track | Yes |
| Suspended ceiling grid and prefab ceiling panels | Yes |
| Load-bearing metal framing | No (see structural carpentry) |
| Portland cement or gypsum plaster | No (see plaster and lath) |
| Wood partitions, block walls | No |
Certification
Rule 61G4-15.100 provides for statewide certification, using the same procedures and fees as other CILB certifications.
Eligibility
F.S. 489.111(2): 18 years old, good moral character, and an experience route (4 years as a skilled worker or foreman including 1 year as foreman, a relevant degree plus 1 year, or a listed combination with college credit).
The exams
| Exam | Scored questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business and Finance | 120 | 6.5 hours | 70% |
| Gypsum Drywall trade knowledge | 80 | 5 hours | 70% |
Content outline
| Area | Topic | Share |
|---|---|---|
| A | Gypsum and gypsum wallboard installation | 35% |
| B | Taping and texturing | 15% |
| C | Metal stud walls and ceiling grid systems | 35% |
| D | Special applications | 15% |
Reference list overview
The list leans on industry manuals and ASTM standards rather than the building code:
- Gypsum Construction Handbook (USG)
- Ceiling Systems Handbook
- Gypsum Association GA-216, Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products
- ASTM C754 (steel framing for screw-attached gypsum panels), C840 (application and finishing of gypsum board), C1047 (accessories), C1396 (gypsum board)
- Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book
- Contractors Manual; OSHA 29 CFR 1926
Exam volume
Pearson VUE exam performance reports show 36 graded gypsum drywall attempts in 2025 (30 first attempts) and 21 in 2024.
Steps
- Document drywall and metal framing experience.
- Register with Professional Testing, Inc.; schedule both exams at Pearson VUE.
- Pass both at 70%.
- Apply to the CILB.
FAQ
Does this license let me frame load-bearing walls with metal studs? No. The rule specifies non-load bearing metal studs.
Can I apply skim coat or texture? Yes, base and finish coats designed for the gypsum products you installed are in scope. Plastering is excluded.
Is the drywall exam mostly code? No. The reference list is ASTM standards and gypsum industry manuals; the Florida Building Code is not on it.
Next step
Drywall applicants also take the Business and Finance exam. Get ready with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.
Practice questions
A general contractor in Florida subcontracts framing to a subcontractor that has no workers' compensation coverage. A framer employed by the sub is injured. Under F.S. 440.10, who is liable to secure compensation for that framer?
- AOnly the injured worker's own health insurer
- BThe general contractor
- CNo one, because the worker was not the GC's employee
- DThe property owner
Show answer
Answer: B. F.S. 440.10(1)(b) deems a contractor's and subcontractor's employees to be in one business and makes the contractor liable for compensation to subcontractors' employees unless the subcontractor has secured coverage. This is why GCs collect certificates of insurance or exemption.
Source: F.S. 440.10(1)(b)
These are from our bank of 466 original questions. Get the full Florida Business & Finance prep.