Georgia Residential Basic Contractor License Requirements (Complete Guide)

If you want to build, remodel, or repair homes legally in Georgia, you need to meet the Georgia Residential Basic contractor license requirements.

This license allows you to work on:

• Single-family homes
• Two-family homes
• Townhouses up to 3 stories

Without this license, you cannot legally contract residential construction work over $2,500 in Georgia.

This guide walks you through exactly what you need, including experience, projects, financial requirements, insurance, and what to expect on the exams.

What You Can Do with This License

The Residential Basic license allows you to work on:

• Detached one-family homes
• Detached two-family homes
• Townhouses up to 3 stories
• Related accessory structures

This covers most standard residential construction, remodeling, and repair work in Georgia.

Step 1: Choose How You’re Applying (Individual vs Qualifying Agent)

Before anything else, you need to decide how you’re applying.

• Individual: You are operating as a sole proprietor
• Qualifying Agent (QA): You are qualifying a business such as an LLC or corporation

If you apply as an individual, you cannot perform licensed work through a separate company.

If you plan to run a business, applying as a qualifying agent is typically the better option.

Step 2: Meet the Experience Requirement

You must show at least 2 years of relevant residential construction experience.

This experience should include:

• Supervising residential projects
• Managing job sites or crews
• Estimating, planning, or scheduling work
• Working under a licensed contractor

The key is not just time. It is responsibility and relevance.

How to Document It

You will need to:

• List your work history
• Provide details of your role
• Complete an affidavit verifying your experience

If you were self-employed, you can verify your own experience.

Step 3: Show 2 Completed Projects

You must prove that you have completed at least 2 residential projects within the past 2 years.

These projects should:

• Fall within residential-basic scope
• Clearly show your involvement
• Be recent and well documented

What Counts as a Strong Project

• New home construction
• Major remodels
• Structural renovations

Unclear or weak project descriptions are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed.

Step 4: Apply Through the State

You will submit your application through Georgia’s online licensing system.

Your application will include:

• Work experience
• Project details
• Financial documentation
• Insurance information
• Business details if applicable

If your application is incomplete, it can be delayed or rejected.

Step 5: Meet Financial Requirements

Georgia requires proof of financial responsibility.

You can meet this requirement using one of the following:

• $25,000 net worth
• $25,000 surety bond
• $25,000 line of credit
• Bank credit reference

You only need to satisfy one option.

Step 6: Get the Required Insurance

You must have:

• General liability insurance with a minimum of $300,000
• Workers’ compensation if you have employees

Make sure your policy meets the required limits before submitting your application.

Step 7: Pass the Required Exams

You must pass two exams:

• Residential Basic Contractor Exam
• Business and Law Exam

What to Expect on the Exams

Residential Basic Contractor Exam

• 80 questions
• 200 minutes
• Passing score: 70 percent (56 correct answers)
• Open-book format

Topics Covered

• Carpentry
• Roofing
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Sitework and foundations
• Construction codes
• OSHA safety
• General construction knowledge

Business and Law Exam

• 50 questions
• 120 minutes
• Passing score: 70 percent (35 correct answers)
• Open-book format

Topics Covered

• Contracts
• Estimating and bidding
• Financial management
• Licensing laws
• Liens and project management
• Risk and safety

Important Exam Details

• Both exams are open book
• You must bring your own approved reference materials
• Questions test how quickly you can find information
• You must pass both exams within your eligibility period

Open-book exams require preparation. Knowing where to find answers quickly is critical.

How to Prepare for the Georgia Contractor Exams

For most applicants, the hardest part of the process is passing the exams.

Preparation should focus on:

• Understanding the material
• Learning how to navigate reference books
• Practicing how questions are structured

Many contractors prepare using structured training like Georgia residential basic contractor exam prep courses, which help you focus on the right material and improve your chances of passing.

You can also review the full licensing process in this guide on How to become a general contractor in Georgia.

Get Licensed and Move Forward with Confidence

Getting your Georgia Residential Basic Contractor license comes down to meeting the requirements, documenting your experience correctly, and passing both required exams. While the process is straightforward, the biggest challenge for most applicants is understanding what is on the exams and how to prepare effectively.

The difference between getting licensed quickly and getting stuck often comes down to preparation. That is why many contractors use Georgia residential basic exam prep courses to prepare more efficiently and move forward with confidence.

With the right preparation and a clear plan, you can complete the process faster and start building your contractor career.

Ready to Get Started?

Prepare for the Georgia Residential Basic contractor exams with study resources, practice support, and exam prep designed for residential contractors.

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