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The state of Georgia requires that all residential basic contractors have a professional license before they work or bid on any residential projects. 

Once they are licensed, these professionals can perform contractor work that relates to detached one-family and two-family residences that do not exceed three stories in height. They may also conduct work on accessory buildings for these homes.

Requirements for Obtaining Your GA Residential Basic Contractor License

To become a residential basic contractor in Georgia, you’ll need to pass two exams, submit proof of experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, and obtain proof of insurance.

To apply for the license, contact the Georgia Professional License Board at 844-753-7825. Minimum requirements for becoming a residential basic contractor in Georgia include:

• Be qualified as to ability, integrity, competency, and financial responsibility 
• Be at least 21 years old
• Show proof of two years of experience working for a residential contractor
• Provide proof of completion of at least two projects in the past two years 
• Provide a copy of proof of your insurance as required by law

Residential basic and residential light commercial contractors don’t have any minimum net worth requirements. 

Showing Financial Responsibility

In order to prove to the state that you are financially responsible, you can provide a bank credit reference that shows two years of history. Alternatively, you could submit an affirmation of a minimum net worth of $25,000. 

You can also provide proof of a $25,000 line of credit (or letter of credit) or surety bond. In addition, you must supply a copy of your credit report taken within the last 45 days. 

Insurance Information

When applying for this license, you are required to provide a copy of your insurance certificate that shows you have workers' compensation insurance as required by state law. You also need proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000. 

As mentioned, professionals who are applying for the residential basic license do not have any minimum net worth requirements. 

Information about the Tests

Both tests you will take are open-book. The Residential Basic Contractor Exam covers eight topics:

• General code and construction knowledge
• Carpentry
• Associated trades
• Roofing
• Sitework, footings, and foundation
• Masonry
• OSHA safety
• Concrete and concrete reinforcement

There are 80 questions on the exam. In order to pass, you must answer 70% of the questions correctly (56 questions). You will have 200 minutes to complete the test, and the exam fee is $72.

The Business Law and Project Management Exam for Georgia has 50 questions, and you must answer 35 of them correctly to pass. The time limit on this test is 120 minutes, and the fee is $60.

Some of the topics covered in this exam include:

• Project management and lien law
• Contracts
• Risk management
• Licensing requirements
• Estimating and bidding
• Business organization and financial management
• Labor laws
• Tax laws
• Environmental issues and safety

It’s vital that you are sufficiently prepared for both of these tests! RocketCert provides lifetime online access to premium exam prep materials and offers a “no pass, no pay” policy. Register to study for your Georgia Residential Basic Contractor Exam today with RocketCert!