If you want to work on multifamily buildings, mixed-use developments, or light commercial projects in Georgia, in addition to residential work, the Residential Light Commercial (RLC) contractor license is the credential you need.

Issued by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, the RLC gives you a broader scope than the Residential Basic license and positions your business for more contract opportunities.

This guide covers the licensing requirements, including eligibility, experience, financial documentation, insurance, the application and approval process, and both required examinations.

► Ready to Pass the RLC Exam? See Our Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Exam Prep

What Work Does the Georgia RLC License Cover?

The Residential Light Commercial license covers the work permitted under the Residential Basic classification, along with additional residential and light commercial construction.

As an RLC licensee, you can perform qualifying contractor work on:

• Detached one- and two-family residences
• One-family townhouses not over three stories
• Multifamily residential buildings
• Mixed-use and light commercial buildings within the classification's size and height restrictions
• Accessory buildings and structures related to the above

For light commercial work, the classification's building restrictions include:

• Height: Buildings under 4 stories
• Square footage: Buildings under 25,000 square feet
• Pre-engineered steel buildings: Up to 50,000 square feet

The RLC classification does not impose the $500,000 project-value limit stated in some older descriptions. Its scope is instead determined by the applicable building and classification restrictions.

If your business performs a mix of residential and qualifying commercial work, including apartment buildings, small retail spaces, and mixed-use projects, the RLC classification provides a broader scope than Residential Basic.

Georgia generally requires contractor licensing for covered projects exceeding $2,500. You can review the applicable licensing provisions in O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-41.

How to Get Your Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor License

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before preparing your application, confirm that you meet the Board's baseline eligibility requirements.

• You are at least 21 years of age.
• You can demonstrate good character. The Board reviews relevant criminal history on a case-by-case basis.
• You meet the applicable citizenship or qualified legal residency requirements and can provide the required identification documentation.
• You are applying either as an Individual or as a Qualifying Agent for a business organization.

The distinction between an Individual and a Qualifying Agent matters. If you operate through an LLC, corporation, partnership, or other business organization, you must apply under the appropriate Qualifying Agent category.

The business entity must also be properly registered and authorized to conduct business in Georgia.

Step 2: Document Your Experience and Completed Projects

The Board requires applicants to demonstrate qualifying construction experience and completed project history.

Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate either:

• At least 4 years of qualifying experience working as a residential light commercial or general contractor, or in the employment of one; or
• A qualifying construction-related college degree and at least 1 year of qualifying experience.

Your experience documentation should identify the employer or contractor, job titles, dates of employment, and a description of the work performed.

The experience must be verified by a residential light commercial or general contractor, as required by the application.

Completed Projects: Applicants must document at least 2 qualifying projects completed within the 4 years preceding the application.

For each project, prepare the requested project information, including the location, description of the structure, and your involvement in the work.

The completed projects must be signed off by a licensed architect or engineer.

Gathering these records before beginning the application can help you avoid delays during the Board's review.

Step 3: Prepare Your Financial Documentation and Insurance

The Board evaluates financial responsibility as part of the Residential Light Commercial licensing process.

Net Worth: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $25,000 or provide an accepted alternative.

Financial documentation options identified in the application materials include:

• A Bank Credit Reference Form reflecting 24 months of account history
• A $25,000 surety bond
• A $25,000 line of credit letter
• A $25,000 letter of credit

General Liability Insurance: Provide an ACORD certificate documenting coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence.

The certificate must identify the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors as the certificate holder, using the information required by the current application.

Insurance binders, policy declaration pages, and policy information pages are not accepted as substitutes for the required certificate.

Workers' Compensation: Georgia generally requires workers' compensation coverage for businesses with 3 or more employees. Submit the applicable certificate when required.

Step 4: Submit Your Application Through Georgia GOALS

Once your experience, project records, financial documentation, and insurance information are assembled, submit your application to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.

Georgia now processes these licensing applications online through the Secretary of State's GOALS system.

Visit the Georgia Secretary of State website to access current licensing resources and the GOALS application system.

Your application should include the required information and supporting documents, as applicable:

• Completed Individual or Qualifying Agent application
• Applicable application and processing fees
• Work experience documentation
• Two completed project records with the required professional verification
• Financial documentation or an accepted alternative
• ACORD certificate of general liability insurance
• Workers' compensation documentation, if applicable
• Required identity and Secure and Verifiable Document information
• Business registration information, if applying as a Qualifying Agent

Review your application and attachments before submitting them. Missing information or documentation can delay the Board's review.

Important: You must submit your application and receive the required approval before proceeding to the licensing examinations.

Step 5: Receive Board Approval and Schedule Your Exams

After reviewing your application, the Board determines whether you meet the requirements to proceed with testing.

Once approved, you can schedule the required examinations through PSI.

Georgia Residential Light Commercial applicants must pass two examinations:

• Georgia Contractors Business, Law and Project Management Exam
• Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Technical Exam

Visit PSI Exams for examination scheduling and current candidate information.

Do not assume that you can register for the licensing examinations before receiving the required application approval.

Step 6: Pass the Georgia Business & Law Exam

The Georgia Contractors Business, Law and Project Management examination tests your understanding of operating a compliant contracting business.

Topics include:

• Georgia licensing regulations
• Contract law
• Project management principles
• Business operations
• Financial management

The exam is administered by PSI and is open book using approved reference materials.

Check the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for examination fees, approved references, scheduling instructions, and testing rules.

Step 7: Pass the Georgia RLC Technical Exam

In addition to the Business & Law examination, RLC applicants must pass the Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor technical examination.

The technical exam details include:

• Format: Open book
• Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Time Limit: 3.5 hours
• Passing Score: 70% (70 correct answers)
• Administrator: PSI

The technical examination evaluates knowledge of construction practices, building systems, project administration, and code requirements relevant to the Residential Light Commercial classification.

Because the examination is timed, knowing how to navigate your approved reference materials is an important part of preparation.

Pro tip: Become familiar with your reference books before exam day. Practice locating information under timed conditions, and follow PSI's current rules regarding permitted tabs, highlighting, and other reference-book markings.

► Explore Georgia Residential Light Commercial Exam Prep

Common Georgia RLC Licensing Mistakes to Avoid

Applying as an Individual When You Have a Company

If you operate through an LLC, corporation, or other business organization, make sure you apply under the correct Qualifying Agent category. An Individual license is not interchangeable with a license qualifying a separate business entity.

Submitting Insurance on the Wrong Form

The Board requires the appropriate ACORD certificate of insurance. Binders, declarations pages, and policy information pages are not accepted substitutes.

Using Projects Outside the Four-Year Window

Both required projects must fall within the applicable 4-year period. Verify your project completion dates before submitting your application, and make sure you have the required architect or engineer verification.

Trying to Schedule Exams Before Approval

Applicants must first submit their licensing application and receive approval to proceed with testing. Following the correct sequence helps avoid scheduling problems and unnecessary delays.

Treating Open Book as No Preparation Needed

The RLC technical exam contains 100 questions with a 3.5-hour time limit. Without practicing under timed, open-book conditions, you may spend too much time searching through your references instead of answering questions.

Not Sure Where You Stand?

Take our FREE Georgia RLC License Readiness Quiz to find out which licensing steps you've completed, what's still required, and your recommended next steps, in under 5 minutes.

Start Preparing for Your Georgia RLC Exam

Contractor Training Center's Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Exam Prep provides focused lessons, practice quizzes, exam preparation resources, and guidance on navigating your reference materials.

A structured study plan can help you prepare for both the technical content and the timed, open-book examination format.