Residential and General Contractors Board

The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board is a board under the Licensing Division of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. One of the main boards within the Licensing Division is the Residential and General Contractor Board. The State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors regulates individuals engaged in construction contracting. It has the authority to set standards for licensure, adopt rules and mandatory standards of professional conduct, and investigate and discipline any practice they consider negligent in any way. PSI© is the exam administrator for this board.

Under the Residential Contractor Division, there are two Residential Contractor Licenses: the Residential Basic and the Residential Light Commercial. The term "Residential Contractor" shall include both a Residential Basic Contractor and a Residential Light Commercial Contractor, except where otherwise expressly stated. The General Contractor Division also has two General Contractor Licenses: the General Contractor and the General Contractor Limited Tier. In addition, there are two license types depending on the status on which the applicant applies, an individual or qualifying agent. The main difference between the Individual and Qualifying Agent licenses relies on the fact that individuals are those who seek licensure to perform work under their name or to do business as a sole proprietor while qualifying agents are those who are affiliated with a business and who wish to perform work under that business’ name.

How to Get Residential Contractor Licenses in Georgia?

1. Select the Residential Contractor License depending on the scope of work the applicant wishes to perform. The applicant must be at least 21 years of age:
   • Residential Basic
   • Residential Light Commercial
2. Choose between an individual or qualifying agent:
   • Residential Basic Individual or Residential Basic Qualifying Agent
   • Residential Light Commercial Individual or Residential Light Commercial Qualifying Agent
3. Determine the kind of application depending on the license selected and if the applicant is a qualified agent or an individual. All first-time applicants must apply by examination to qualify for the license chosen; the application must be signed and notarized:
   • Residential Basic License by Examination Application (Individual or Qualifying Agent)
   • Residential Light Commercial License by Examination Application (Individual or Qualifying Agent)
4. Provide proof of work experience (all work experience requirements apply to both the individual and qualifying agent unless specifically stated otherwise):
   • Residential Basic:

     • Two years of proven experience working as a Residential Contractor OR in the employment of a Residential Contractor, predominantly in the Residential-Basic category
     • Show completion of two projects that fall within the Residential-Basic category. The two projects must have been completed within two years of applying
     • List current employer and the current experience:
       • Qualified agents must include within their work experience the business organization information, including the start date and the position title
   • Residential Light Commercial Individual & Qualifying Agent:

     • Demonstrate you have completed two residential-light commercial projects within four years (based on the date you signed this application), then submit an affidavit from a registered architect, designer, or structural engineer (building inspector or project permit holder) for each project
     • Meet one of the three eligibility requirements according to Board Rule 553-3-.04(3)(c)(1), (2), or (3):
       • Candidate should have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or related field accepted by the division and provide one year of experience working as or under the employment of a Residential Contractor, General Contractor, or related substantial by the division
       • Combination of accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as in the employment of a Residential Contractor, General Contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. All university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses
       • Prove a minimum of four years of active experience working in a construction industry-related field, on which at least two years were as or in the employment of a Residential Contractor or another proven experience considered acceptable by the division
     • Attach a detailed explanation of the type of work performed for each employer listed, along with the dates of employment:
       • The Qualifying Agent applicants must list the business organization appointing their under work experience, including starting date and position title
5. Demonstrate financial responsibility and insurance requirements:
   • Residential Basic Individual & Qualifying Agent:

     • Liability Insurance: Obtain general liability insurance for no less than $300,000 by any incident and present a signed, current certificate of insurance on an Accord Form with the application.
       • Insured Information:
         • Individual applicant's name must be listed as the insured on the certificate
         • The company’s name must be listed as the insured on the certificate for Qualifying Agent's applicants'
       • Certificate Holder Info:
         • The certificate holder on the certificate must be listed as the
           State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
           237 Coliseum Drive
           Macon, GA 31217
     • Proof of Worker's Compensation if having three or more employees and submit evidence to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
   • Residential Basic Qualifying Agent only:

     • Net Worth: If unable to provide it, send a Bank Credit Reference Form, along with a Sample Surety Bond, and Line of Credit sample letter
     • Workers Compensation: If the applicant has three or more employees, worker's compensation is required. If so, submit proof to the Board
   • Residential Light Commercial Qualifying Agent only:

     • Net Worth: If not able to confirm the required minimum net worth, submit a Sample Surety Bond, Bank Credit Reference form, and a Line Credit sample letter
     • Workers Compensation - Georgia law requires the applicant to have Workers Compensation Insurance if the applicant has three or more employees and submit proof to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
   • Residential Light Commercial Individual & Qualifying Agent:

     • Liability Insurance: Acquire a minimum of $500,000 general liability insurance per occurrence and submit a signed current certificate of insurance on the Acord Form within the application
       • Certificate Holder Info:
         • The name of the certificate holder must be the
           State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors,
           237 Coliseum Drive,
           Macon, GA 31217
       • Insured Information:
         • Individual applicants: Must list themselves as the insured on the certificate
         • Qualified Agent applicants: The company’s name should be listed as the insured on the certificate
6. Send the application by examination along with the required documents and fees to the Board and expect an exam approval letter in the mail. The documents must be submitted to:
   State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors,
   237 Coliseum Drive,
   Macon, GA 31217
7. Once the exam approval letter is received, fill out and send the Exam Registration Form to PSI©:
   • If applying by mail, send it along with the required fees to PSI© licensure: certification ATTN: Examination Registration
     GA CO 3210 E Tropicana
     Las Vegas, NV, 89121
   • If applying by fax, send the application and fees to (702) 932-2666
   • Contact PSI© for any inquiries at (855) 744-0314
8. Take and Pass the required Georgia Trade and Business and Law Exams:
   • Residential Basic:
     • Georgia Residential Basic Contractor Exam
     • Georgia Business & Law Exam
   • Residential Light Commercial:
     • Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Exam
     • Georgia Business & Law Exam
9. Await the Secretary of State Licensing Division to issue the license and send it by mail to the address listed on the application

Applicants who wish to reactivate or reinstate a Georgia Residential Contractor License must complete one of the application forms depending on the license or whether they are an individual or qualifying agent. A Residential Basic Qualifying Agent license can only be obtained by prior approval if you currently or previously held a valid Georgia Residential Basic Individual or Georgia Residential Basic Qualifying Agent license. An applicant who has previously held the Residential Light Commercial Individual or Qualifying Agent license in the State of Georgia can apply by Prior Approval.

• Residential Basic Individual Reactivation Application
• Residential Basic Qualifying Agent Reactivation Application
• Residential Light Commercial Individual Reactivation Application
• Residential Light Qualifying Agent Reactivation Application
• Residential Basic Individual or Qualifying Agent - Reinstatement Application
• Residential Light Commercial Individual Reinstatement Application
• Residential Light Qualifying Agent Reinstatement Application
• Residential Basic Individual Prior Approval Application
• Residential Basic Qualifying Agent Prior Approval Application
• Residential Light Commercial Contractor Prior Approval Application
• Residential Basic Individual Reciprocity Application
• Residential Basic Qualifying Agent Reciprocity Application

How to Apply for General Contractors Licenses in Georgia?

1. Choose the General Contractor License according to the scope of work the applicant wants to perform. The candidate must be 21 years of age
   • General Contractor
   • General Contractor Limited Tier
2. Fill out and complete the Application for License by Examination - General Contractor. Include the desired classification between an Unlimited or Limited Tier License and then select the type between individual or qualifying agent:
   • Unlimited Individual (General)
   • Unlimited Qualifying Agent (General)
   • Limited Tier Individual
   • Limited Tier Qualifying Agent
3. Provide proof of work experience from one of the following options (these options apply to all license types):
   • Have a four-year baccalaureate degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or a related field acceptable by the General Contractor Division from an accredited college or university. Also, the candidate must have one year of experience working under the employment of or as a General Contractor or prove a minimum of four years of experience performing any work considered substantially similar by the Division
   • Have a combination of accredited academic college courses and proven practical experience in work as a General Contractor or at least four years of other similar experiences as approved by the Division
   • Have a total of four years of proven active work experience in a field relevant to the construction industry. For at least two of those years, the candidate must have worked either as a General Contractor or an employee of one, and at least one year performing work in administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting engineering, supervision, project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the Division
4. Demonstrate financial responsibility and insurance requirements:
   • General Contractor

     • Net worth of a minimum of $150,000
     • Evidence of general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000.00 per occurrence
     • Show proof of workers’ compensation insurance under Georgia Law if the candidate has three or more employees
     • No financial limits to project contracts
   • General Contractor Limited Tier

     • Affirm a minimum net worth of $25,000
     • A minimum amount of $500,000.00 of general liability insurance per occurrence
     • Proof of having workers' compensation insurance if the applicant has three or more employees as per Georgia Law
     • Financial limit of no more than $1,000,000 for any contract
5. Submit all the required documents along with the completed, signed and notarized examination application, and await the Board’s approval letter. The application may be sent to:
   State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors,
   237 Coliseum Drive,
   Macon, GA 31217
6. Once the exam approval letter is received, you may fill out and send the appropriate PSI© exam application
   • To mail the application, submit it along with the required fees to PSI© licensure: certification ATTN: Examination Registration
     GA CO 3210 E Tropicana
     Las Vegas, NV, 89121
   • If applying by fax, send the application and fees to (702) 932-2666
   • Contact PSI© for any inquiries at (855) 744-0314
7. Take and pass the NASCLA trade, and Business and Law examinations
8. Expect the Board’s response regarding when the license will be issued

Applicants who wish to reactivate or reinstate a Georgia General Contractor License must complete one of the application forms depending on the license or whether they are an individual or qualifying agent. A General Contractor Qualifying Agent Unlimited license can only be obtained by prior approval if you currently or previously held a valid Georgia General Contractor Individual or Georgia General Contractor Qualifying Agent license. A General Contractor Limited Tier Individual or Qualifying Agent who has previously held the license in the State of Georgia can apply by Prior Approval.

• General Contractor Individual Reactivation Application
• General Contractor Qualifying Agent Reactivation Application
• General Contractor Limited Tier Individual Reactivation Application
• General Contractor Limited Tier Qualifying Agent Reactivation Application
• General Contractor Individual Reinstatement Application
• General Contractor Qualifying Agent Reinstatement Application
• General Contractor Limited Tier Individual Reinstatement Application
• General Contractor Limited Tier Qualifying Agent Reinstatement Application
• General Contractor Individual Prior Approval Application
• General Contractor Qualifying Agent Prior Approval Application
• General Contractor Limited Tier Individual Prior Approval Application
• General Contractor Limited Tier Qualifying Agent Prior Approval Application
• General Contractor Individual Reciprocity Application
• General Contractor Qualifying Agent Reciprocity Application

GA Reciprocity Information for Residential & General Contractor Applicants

Georgia currently holds reciprocity for the Residential Basic contractor license with three states which are Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Each state manages reciprocity together with the Georgia Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Louisiana candidates must have a license issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), South Carolina applicants must have obtained it from the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission (RBC), and Mississippi candidates must have been licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors(MSBOC).

Reciprocity for a General Contractor license can be obtained by candidates licensed in any of these four states: North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. To acquire this license, an applicant must have held an active license in the state they are applying from, either as a Contractor license (BC or BC-B classification) from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, as a Building Contractor license issued by the North Carolina State Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC), a Commercial Contractors license (Building Construction classification) from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), or a Commercial license (Building Construction classification) issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC).

An applicant must have held an active license obtained by examination and must not have been penalized by the Board for any violation of the law for the past three years to be eligible for reciprocity in Georgia. Also, applicants must take and pass the Georgia Business & Law Exam. The State of Georgia does not hold reciprocity for the Residential Light Commercial or General Contractor Limited Tier license with any state at the moment.

Specialty Contractors

In Georgia, Specialty Contractors are divided into two subsections; Traditional Specialty Contractors and Limited Service Specialty Contractors which are regulated by the Residential and General Contractors Board. A contractor performing work under any of these specialties can do so without holding a Residential or General Contractor license as long as they don’t attempt to perform any work outside their specialty’s scope of work. They must also comply with legal requirements and codes specific to their trade.

Georgia Traditional Specialty Contractors

Georgia Limited Specialty Contractor Licenses

Helpful Links for Residential and General Contractors

• Application by Examination Form for All General Contractor Licenses
• Bank Credit Reference Form
• Candidate Bulletin for Residential and General Contractors Licenses
• Conditioned Air Contractors Board Main Portal
• Electrical Contractors Board Webpage
• Georgia Board of Examiners for the Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts Webpage
• Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Main Portal
• Georgia Secretary of State’s Office Official Website
• Licensure Comparison Chart for Residential and General Contractors PDF
• List of Limited Service Specialty Licenses
• Low Voltage Contractors Board Website
• Masters and Journeyman Plumbers Board Webpage
• PSI© Official Website
• Qualifications for Licensure - General Contractor Division Rules and Regulations
• Qualifications for Licensure - Residential Contractor Division Rules and Regulations
• Sample Surety Bond Form
• State Construction Industry Licensing Board Main Portal
• Traditional Specialty Contractors Main Portal
• Utility Contractors Board Main Portal
• Website to How-To Guide for General Contractor Division
• Website to How-To Guide for Residential Contractor Division

Important Contact Information for the Residential and General Contractors Board

Georgia Secretary of State Office

214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 656-2881
Fax: (404) 656-0513
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Licensing Division of the Georgia Secretary of State

237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217-3858
(404) 424-9966
Fax: (404) 656-0513

Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors

214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

PSI© Exams

3210 E Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV, 89121
(855) 744-0314