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Georgia Contractor License Exam Prep Courses, Classes, and Webinars
Obtaining a Contractor's License in Georgia
If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re in the process of launching your own contracting business—and we want to congratulate you! Like any other state, Georgia has requirements that you must meet before you can legally perform work. The most important one is having a valid GA contractor’s license.
At Contractor Training Center, we understand that you may not be fully aware of the laws, rules, and regulations. If this happens to be the case, don’t worry. It’s why we are here – to help and support you through this tedious but rewarding process.
You won’t get very far without a Georgia Contractor’s license. Performing work without one is illegal. Think about it, if anyone could build houses, what would the quality of these homes be like? With our guidance, you will have this license in no time and with guidance every step of the way.
Our team of specialists is knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about the construction industry. We help contractors start their business right. They understand this process from top to bottom and hold the best tools, resources, and practice exams to prepare you. So, do you absolutely need a contractor’s license before you can start building homes in GA? The answer is YES.
What You Can Expect From Us
You will find everything you need to know on this page. You can expect nothing less than quality information, tools, and resources. We are confident that our services and will benefit you in the following ways:
Guide you through all the steps necessary to obtain your license
Discuss the different types of exams with you
Offer additional tools and study resources
Make the process of getting your license as simple and hassle-free as possible.
All books and necessary materials are available on our site. Not to mention our friendly customer care team, who’s readily available to answer any questions. Don’t wait any longer, and give us a call today!
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE IN GA
When you sell a service to a client, they will often ask to see your contractor’s license. Why? Well, because it makes you more credible. It shows that you have a license and have passed GA rules and regulations. Construction laws vary depending on the state. However, in Georgia, a contractor’s license is legally required to work on any project above $2,500.
Gives You Credibility
Having a license increases your credibility, allowing you to build trust with your clients. There are other ways you can gain their trust, but this is a big part of establishing yourself and your business, especially if you're working with new customers.
Gives You A Higher Earning Potential
Consequently, there are larger projects that you can't perform without a contractor's license. With one, you can take on big assignments, get more jobs, and increase your profit. More often than not, clients will pay a higher price to a licensed contractor than an unlicensed handyperson.
To be on the safe side, we suggest you go ahead and get your license. Think about it. Let’s say a large project opens for you. Do you really want to reject the offer because you are not a licensed contractor? A huge benefit of having a contractor’s license in GA is the higher earning potential it gives you. Clients are willing to pay a higher amount for a licensed contractor.
Neglecting or putting off a contractor’s license can result in being caught illegally performing work. Not only does this mean trouble for you and your business, but it discredits you and results in a loss of clientele. You can avoid all of this by getting your license. We are here to make this process as easy as possible.
Getting Your Contractor's License in the State of Georgia
Getting a contractor's license can be a complicated process, but Contractor Training Center is here to make it easy! See below the necessary steps you will need to complete before you can qualify to become a licensed contractor in the state of Georgia.
MEET THE INITIAL REQUIREMENTS
Before we go much further, you need to be sure you meet the requirements to apply for a Georgia license. You must be 21 years of age or older. Also, you need to demonstrate good character and financial responsibility. In addition, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- 4-year degree in construction management or related field
- 4 years of practical experience with a combination of college courses
- Minimum 4 years of practical experience in which 2 of these years should have been under a general contractor/administration
DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF LICENSE YOU NEED
Any project over $2,500 requires a licensed contractor in the state of Georgia. There are three types of licenses a contractor can hold:
- Residential Basic Contractor
- Residential Light Commercial Contractor License
- General Contractor License
If you’re unsure of which type of license you need, consider the type of services you offer. Here is a summary of each type. For a complete definition, see O.C.G.A. § 43-41-2.
RESIDENTIAL BASIC GA CONTRACTOR
This category includes one and/or two-family residences or one family townhouse that doesn’t exceed 3-stories high (also includes accessory buildings). You must have at least 2 years of experience and two completed projects within the category of residential basic during the 2 years of the preceding application. You can substitute some or all of the work experience building homes with suitable educational experience.
RESIDENTIAL LIGHT COMMERCIAL GA CONTRACTOR
This selection is for building the homes listed above as well as multi-family or multi-use light commercial buildings, commercial buildings, or accessory buildings that don’t exceed 3 stories high. You will be required to have at least 4 years of experience working in construction (at least 2 of the 4 years need to be working for a residential contractor). You can substitute some or all of the work experience required with a suitable educational experience.
GENERAL GA CONTRACTOR
This license is for contractors who will be conducting any residential or commercial construction. Requirements include a 4-year degree from an accredited college in an acceptable field, one year of work experience, or 4 years of similar work experience.
NASCLA General GA Contractor
We recommend taking the NASCLA exam if you plan to be a General Contractor in Georgia. It is the exact same test and uses the same book bundle, but the difference is that it is accepted in 15 other states for the Technical Commercial side of your license, and it covers you for Residential in 10 of those states, including Georgia. When you go to another state, you will still be required to fill out an application and, in most cases, take the state Business Law exam, but you will have the technical exam requirement for your license covered. Another advantage of NASCLA is that the exam can be taken before the Georgia Application process if you choose. More information on the NASCLA exam and the 15 states that accept it is listed in the following pages.
COMPLETE THE GEORGIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE APPLICATION
The next step is to finish the exam application. To do so, you need to know the type of contractor that you want to be. Refer to the list above for a summary of your options. Also, note there are 3 types of Commercial Contractor licenses that all require you to pass the NASCLA exam: Individual, Limited Tier Individual, and Limited Tier-Qualifying Agent.
You will want to submit the non-refundable $200 application fee and any supporting documents to the Board Office. Before you can move to the next step, taking the exam, you will need to have approval from the state.
The Board Office will contact both you and the testing company to let you know of your approval. At this time, you will need to download the application and can do so at http://sos.ga.gov/cgi-bin/plbforms.asp?board=49
The Application process for Georgia is rather tedious, and we are often requested to assist in this process. Our Application Fulfillment Service is designed to streamline this process for you.
Applications are rejected, more often than not, by small technicalities that delay this process. Let us save you from frustration, aggravation, and procrastination and assist you through this process!
Schedule a start-up consultation with us here to learn more - your consultation costs will be credited back to you with your first purchase!
TAKE THE EXAMS
The final step is taking the exams, which requires approval from the Board Office and the application process. Once you’re approved, you’ll register at PSI Examination services. The first exam pertains to business and law. The second is regarding the specific type of license you seek to obtain.
You must take these exams within one year of the approval date. Otherwise, you will be required to submit a new application and go through the process again. Click here to go to PSI Exams or call 1-800-733-9267.
Contractor Training Center provides the Prep courses and the books and the tabs needed to pass these OPEN BOOK Exams. You have 3 options on how to take the prep courses:
- You can attend live classes in Richmond, VA, at our live classroom location
- You can join in remotely via a live stream of any live class; You can attend the same class in an interactive format and ask questions and hear the questions from other students attending the same class from the convenience of your home or office
- Last, you can also purchase our pre-recorded classes that you can take at your own time and convenience
If you purchase the live class or the webinar, we also send you the pre-recorded version of the class for your follow-up study. Pre-Recorded course content comes with extensive practice questions to prepare you for the timed exams. Online Content is available for 180 days after purchase. To extend content access an additional 180 days, a $50 course extension fee is required. If you have any questions, please contact our support team.
WHICH EXAM SHOULD I TAKE?
The exam that you need to take depends on the type of license that you are aiming for. As we mentioned earlier, you need to pass 2 separate exams: The Business and Law exam and the Trade Exam specific to the type of work you perform. These differ depending on the type of license you’ve applied for.
PREPARING FOR THE CONTRACTOR'S EXAM
At Contractor Training Center, we will help you prepare for these important exams by offering prep services, tools, and support. If you’re a GA contractor looking to get a license, let us help you pass the exam the first time around. Get in touch with us today to start this exciting process!
If you have a question about Georgia contractor licensing, contact the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can only take the exam(s) two times in one year. You must pass on the second attempt. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year from the last failure date and re-apply for approval.