License Types and Requirements
According to the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, there are three different types of licenses:Residential Basic Contractor
- This type of contractor performs work or activity relative to detached one-family and two-family residences and/or one-family townhouses not over three stories in height and their accessory buildings and structures; there are no individual project size limitations
- Pre-approval from the state is required to sit for the examination
- Must pass the Georgia Business and Law exam
- Pass a NASCLA written examination
- Applicants must have 2 years of proven experience working as or be employed by a residential contractor.
- Must have had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least 2 projects falling within the residential/basic category in the 2 years preceding the application.
- Minimum of 21 years old. Must complete and sign authorization for background check, including criminal history
- Applicants must have their own bank submit a credit reference form covering bank accounts used to operate a contracting business for the past two years OR submit to the
- Division a credit report detailing ones credit history that was run within the past 45 days. Must provide copy of an insurance certificate showing proof of workman’s compensation insurance as required by Georgia law and liability insurance in a minimum amount of $300,000
Residential Light Commercial Contractor
- This type of contractor builds and renovates one and two family residences and single family townhomes, provided they are no taller than three stories like a basic residential contractor. They may also work on multi-family homes and multi-use commercial buildings
- Pre-approval from the state is required to sit for the examination
- Must pass the Georgia Business and Law exam
- Pass a NASCLA written examination
- Minimum of 21 years old. Must complete and sign authorization for background check, including criminal history
- Applicants must prove financial responsibility by submitting a bank credit reference form showing 24 month history; a $25,000 surety bond; a $25,000 line of credit or letter of credit; or an affirmation of a minimum net worth of $25,000.
- Must provide copy of an insurance certificate showing proof of workers compensation insurance as required by Georgia law and liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000
- A college/university four-year degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction (or other related field), plus one year of relevant work experience
- Four years of work experience in a construction industry-related field
- A combination of academic accredited courses and relevant work experience equaling at least four years prior to application submission
General Contractor
- A general contractor builds and remodels all kinds of commercial and residential buildings with no restrictions as to their type or size.
- Pre-approval from the state is required to sit for the examination
- Must pass the Georgia Business and Law exam
- Pass a NASCLA written examination
- Minimum of 21 years old. Must complete and sign authorization for background check, including criminal history
- Applicants must have a minimum of net worth of $150,000, one must have a CPA submit a reference letter/form attesting to either a review or audit
- Must provide copy of an insurance certificate showing proof of workers compensation insurance as required by Georgia law and liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000
- A college/university four-year degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction (or other related field), plus one year of relevant work experience
- Four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor
- A combination of academic accredited courses and relevant work experience equaling at least four years prior to application submission
Georgia Contractor Licensing and Application Fees
Payments are submitted with the application:- Non refundable $200 application fee
- $96 Business and Law exam fee
- $106 NASCLA exam fee
