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How to Get Your Georgia General Contractors License

How to Get Your Georgia General Contractors License

Posted by My Contractors License on 27th Oct 2022

HOW TO GET YOUR GENERAL CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE IN GEORGIA

Are you someone who is currently working in, or maybe recently worked in the construction industry? If so, you may be asking yourself “how do I get a General Contractor’s License in Georgia”. You’ll probably find it is easier than most people think.

Who needs a license? If you’re doing work in GA on construction projects that are over $2,500 Georgia state law requires that you have a contractor’s license.

What are the steps for getting a General Contractor License in Georgia?

  1. Submit an application to the state of GA
  2. Pass a General Contractor Trades exam
  3. Pass a General Contractor Business Law exam

There are 3 types of General Contractor licenses in Georgia.

  1. Georgia Residential Basic General Contractor’s License
  2. Georgia Residential and Light Commercial General Contractor’s License
  3. Georgia Full Commercial General Contractor’s License
ga general contractor license

The  Georgia Residential Basic General Contractor license allows you to build and perform renovations on one- and two-family residences and single-family townhomes, as long as they are under four stories. The requirements to become a licensed Residential Basic General Contractor in Georgia are:

  1. Must be a minimum of 21 years old.
  2. Must prove financial responsibility with one of the following: a bank credit reference form showing 24 months history, a $25,000 line of credit or letter of credit, $25,000 surety bond, or affirmation of a minimum net worth of $25,000
  3. Must show two years of proven experience in employment of residential contractor and successful completion of at least two projects in the two years prior to application submission. Employment/ Projects Affidavit must be completed and submitted along with your application. It “may” be possible to show experience without having worked for someone else. For these special circumstances you will want to speak with an application specialist.
  4. Must complete and sign the Consent Form granting permission to the Board for a background check, including criminal history, and submit it with your application.
  5. Must obtain a Certificate of Insurance showing proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $300,000 per occurrence and submit with your application. Also, the applicant must submit proof of workers compensation insurance.
  6. Letter of Authority: Must submit with your application proof that the business organization for which you are applying as qualifying agent is actively authorized and certified to do business in Georgia.
  7. Pass the Georgia Residential Basic trades exam and the Georgia state Business Law exam.
The Georgia Residential Light Commercial General Contractor license allows you to build and perform renovations on one- and two-family residences and single-family townhomes, as long as they are under four stories.

In addition, this type of general contractor license in Georgia permits individuals to work in multi-family homes and multi-use commercial buildings.

The requirements to become a licensed Residential Light Commercial General Contractor in Georgia are:

  1. Be at least 21 years old.
  2. Must complete and sign the Consent Form granting permission to the Board for a background check, including criminal history, and submit it with your application.
  3. Meet one of three experience and education criteria:
      • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in construction management, engineering, architecture, or another relevant field plus one year of work experience under the supervision of a contractor.
      • Post-secondary education in construction-related fields plus work experience that works out to the equivalent of the degree and work experience requirement outlined in point one.
      • Four years of residential experience working under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
  4. Must be able to show at least 2 light commercial jobs specifically.
  5. Obtain a general liability insurance policy with a value of at least $500,000.
  6. Pass a written examination that tests knowledge of building codes, safety regulations and general contracting knowledge.
  7. Submit an application and pay a $200 non-refundable application fee.
Georgia residential light commercial general contractor license
Georgia commercial general contractor license

The  Georgia Full Commercial General Contractor license allows you to build and perform renovations on any type of structure (residential or commercial).

The requirements to become a licensed Full Commercial General Contractor in Georgia are:

  1. Be at least 21 years old
  2. Must complete and sign the Consent Form granting permission to the Board for a background check, including criminal history, and submit it with your application
  3. Meet one of three experience and education criteria:
      • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in construction management, engineering, architecture, or another relevant field plus one year of work experience under the supervision of a contractor
      • Post-secondary education in construction-related fields plus work experience that works out to the equivalent of the degree and work experience requirement outlined in point one
      • Four years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed contractor
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  4. Obtain a general liability insurance policy with a value of at least $500,000
  5. Pass the NASCLA National Commercial Building Contractor Examination. That’s a written examination which tests knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and general contracting knowledge.
  6. Submit an application and pay a $200 non-refundable application fee
  7. Prove that you have a minimum net worth of $150,000 with a signed statement from a Certified Public Accountant

Georgia Contractor Examinations

You will need to pass 2 exams to obtain the license. One is a trades exam where they will ask you multiple choice questions on a computer about the actual work (framing, blueprints, codes, safety, etc).

The other is a GA state business law exam. You’ll be asked multiple choice questions on a computer about doing business in the state of GA (tax rates, lien laws, forms, etc)

These exams are given at PSI testing centers located in almost every state in the U.S. The exams are given on demand based on your schedule.

RESOURCES for getting your general contractor’s license in Georgia

The Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors has a lot of information on their Frequently Asked Questions page: Georgia State License Board

For help with your application contact Tiffany Hill or Angela Bragg
Tiffany Hill – 770.401.3805 - https://www.helpwithgeneralcontractorslicense.com/

Tiffany has over 16 years of experience assisting contractors through the process of licensing in GA and across the US. The service that she provides will save you time and, most importantly, peace of mind. Your focus can be centered on studying without the worry of an often lengthy application process. Rest assured that your licensing will be professionally handled with the utmost care.

Angela Bragg – 945.233.0222 - https://www.contractor-state-license.com/

For help passing your Georgia General Contractor License exams contact the exam experts at My Contractor’s License –877.699.0775