Georgia General Contractor License
Want to become a licensed general contractor in Georgia? Whether you’re aiming to work on residential or commercial projects, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to get your Georgia general contractor license. Discover application requirements, benefits of the NASCLA exam, and how to obtain your license.
What Are The Benefits of Having a General Contractor's License in Georgia
Earning a general contractor license in Georgia comes with numerous benefits. From building client trust to proving your professional qualifications, a Georgia contractor license can significantly boost your construction career.
License Legality
Holding a general contractor license in Georgia ensures compliance with state regulations and helps you avoid penalties for unlicensed construction work.
Career Boost
Whether you’re pursuing a career as a trusted business partner, employee, or independent contractor, holding a general contractor license in Georgia strengthens your resume and opens new career opportunities.
Higher-Paying Projects
Holding a contractor’s license in Georgia enables you to bid on and undertake high-value projects, leading to increased revenue and profits. Unlicensed contractors cannot legally bid on projects that licensed contractors can.
Your Contractor's License
NASCLA Exam
The NASCLA exam is a nationally recognized licensing test for contractors, valued for its reciprocity in 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Georgia, the NASCLA exam opens the door for you to become a licensed general contractor.
The Process
Georgia General Contractor Application Requirements
Being well equipped to navigate the application and examination processes is critical as you prepare to obtain your general contractor’s license. Visit the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors for comprehensive information. Key requirements include:
1. Georgia Contractor License Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Pass a background check
- Be a US citizen or qualified alien
2. Meet The Education/Experience Requirements
Contractor license applicants in Georgia must possess proper experience before applying for their license.
- OPTION A: 4 year degree and 1 year
Get a four-year degree from an accredited college in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or related field deemed acceptable by the Division and have one year of work experience in the employment of or as a general contractor (or other experience deemed similar by the Division).
- OPTION B: Some college and 4 years of proven experience.
A combination of accredited college courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other experience deemed similar by the Division equaling at least four years in the aggregate.
- OPTION C: 4 years of proven experience, with specific time and experience parameters
Total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry-related field. At least two of the years shall have been as or in the employment of a general contractor or other experience deemed acceptable by the Division. At least one of the years shall be relating to administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision, or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the Division.
3. Meet The Financial Requirements
Georgia contractor license applicants must complete the Financial Responsibility form to determine the licensing group tier they want to be in and whether or not they meet the financial requirements.
- The Unlimited license tier requires a net worth of $150,000
- The Limited license tier requires a net worth of $25,000
- Statements should be less that 1 year old at the time of application
4. Examination Requirements
- Complete the NASCLA exam
- Pass the Georgia Business, Law and Project Management exam
5. Meet the Insurance Requirements
- In Georgia, you must have have general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 per occurrence or greater
- In Georgia, you must have carry workers' compensation insurance if you have 3 or more employees
6. Georgia Contractor License Application Fee
- Submit the $200 application fee + $10 processing fee
1
Study For The Exams
Study for the NASCLA exam and the Georgia Business, Law and Project Management exam.
2
Submit Your Application
Submit your Georgia general contractor’s license application and get approved by the Board.
3
Get Your Georgia Contractor's License!
Obtain your contractor’s license and renew your license as needed.
Our NASCLA Prep Plans
NASCLA Practice Exam
For students already well prepared for the NASCLA
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Two attempts on a timed NASCLA practice exam
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Answer key
NASCLA Full Course
For students looking for the best all around NASCLA prep
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Tutorial Videos
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Study guides and test taking tips
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Practice quizzes for each book
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Time practice exams
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1,200+ question bank
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Unlimited quiz and exam attempts
NASCLA Book Tabs
Yes, pre-printed tabbing is allowed and encouraged!
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Pre-printed book tabs for each chapter and each book
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Additional 'Index' printed tabs
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Additional blank tabs
Common Georgia Contractor License Questions
Grasping the testing and application process is a key step in getting your contractor’s license in Georgia. Our FAQ might have the answers you need—if not, feel free to reach out to our team!
Georgia requires all contractors performing work over a value of $2,500 to obtain a contractor’s license.
The application fee for a Georgia contractor license is $200 + $10 processing fee.
You must be 21 years old to obtain a Georgia contractor license.
If you are planning to operate as an entity, you should form your entity before starting the application process.
Yes, you will need to confirm that you have workers’ compensation insurance if you have 3 or more employees. You will also submit a COI noting that you carry general liability insurance. The general liability insurance should cover $500,000 per occurrence.
Option A
- Four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Your degree must be in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or related field acceptable to the Division.
- You must have one year of work experience in the employment of or as a general contractor – or other proven experience deemed substantially similar to the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate.
Option B
- A combination of college level academic accredited courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the Division – equaling at least four years in the aggregate.
Option C
- At least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the Division and at least one of which shall have been in or relating to administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision, or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the Division.
A limited contractor license in Georgia allows a contractor to perform individual projects up to $1,000,000. A contractor must have a minimum net worth of $25,000 to qualify for a limited license.
An unlimited contractor license allows a contractor to perform individual projects of any value. A contractor will need to have a minimum net worth of $150,000 to qualify for an unlimited license.
Yes, Georgia accepts the NASCLA exam as your trades exam to become a commercial and residential licensed general contractor.
The Georgia Business and Law exam is an exam to test your knowledge of the specific Georgia rules and regulations. Georgia requires applicants to pass a trades exam and the Business and Law exam. The NASCLA can serve as the trades exam.
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