How to Become a Contractor in Georgia
In Georgia, construction projects valued at less than $2,500 may be completed without a contractor's license. However, for all other projects, work must be carried out by a contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. The Board offers three types of contracting licenses. Each license requires that the applicant have significant experience in the construction industry. License candidates must also take and pass an exam.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine which license you want to apply for. The Residential-Basic license authorizes work on one- and two-family residences and on one-family townhouses three stories in height or less. The Residential-Light Commercial license authorizes work on structures included under Residential-Basic, in addition to multifamily and multi-use light commercial structures. The General Contractor license authorizes all construction contracting work, not to include electrical, plumbing, low-voltage wiring, air conditioning installation or utility contracting.
-
2
Acquire an exam application form for the license you have chosen. Navigate to the Georgia Secretary of State's licensure form download page for access to all relevant forms. For the General Contractor license, click on the link entitled "Exam General Contractor Examination for Individual Application." The application forms for the other licenses are titled in a similar fashion.
-
-
3
Complete the application. You must document that you meet or exceed the education and experience requirements for the license you have chosen. You must document that you meet or exceed the net worth and line-of-credit requirements for the license you have chosen. You must document your work experience in the construction industry. You must provide letters of recommendation from former superiors attesting to your competence. You must authorize the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to review your personal records, including both public and private information.
-
4
Submit your completed application, along with all supporting documentation and required fees. Upon completing the review of your application, the Licensing Board will notify you of the results. Acceptance of your application will authorize you to sit for the licensing examination.
-
5
Contact PSI to register for your exam and choose an exam location. The Licensing Board will notify PSI of your eligibility to sit for the licensing exam. You can learn more about the examination for the license you have chosen, including information about how to study effectively, by visiting the PSI exam details website. Each of the exams includes two parts: a business and law portion and a second portion unique to the license you have chosen.
-
6
Take the licensing exam. The Licensing Board will notify you of your exam results. If you pass, you will be granted a license.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The license application takes significant time and effort to prepare. Plan accordingly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
