HOW TO GET YOUR GENERAL CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE IN GEORGIA

1. Must be a minimum of 21 years old.
2. Must prove financial responsibility with one of the following: a bank credit reference form showing 24 months history, a $25,000 line of credit or letter of credit, $25,000 surety bond, or affirmation of a minimum net worth of $25,000
3. Must show two years of proven experience in employment of residential contractor and successful completion of at least two projects in the two years prior to application submission. Employment/ Projects Affidavit must be completed and submitted along with your application. It “may” be possible to show experience without having worked for someone else. For these special circumstances you will want to speak with an application specialist.
4. Must complete and sign the Consent Form granting permission to the Board for a background check, including criminal history, and submit it with your application.
5. Must obtain a Certificate of Insurance showing proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $300,000 per occurrence and submit with your application. Also, the applicant must submit proof of workers compensation insurance.
6. Letter of Authority: Must submit with your application proof that the business organization for which you are applying as qualifying agent is actively authorized and certified to do business in Georgia.
7. Pass the Georgia Residential Basic trades exam and the Georgia state Business Law exam.

The Georgia Residential Light Commercial General Contractor license allows you to build and perform renovations on one- and two-family residences and single-family townhomes, as long as they are under four stories.

The  Georgia Full Commercial General Contractor license allows you to build and perform renovations on any type of structure (residential or commercial).

The requirements to become a licensed Full Commercial General Contractor in Georgia are:

1. Be at least 21 years old
2. Must complete and sign the Consent Form granting permission to the Board for a background check, including criminal history, and submit it with your application
3. Meet one of three experience and education criteria:
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in construction management, engineering, architecture, or another relevant field plus one year of work experience under the supervision of a contractor
• Post-secondary education in construction-related fields plus work experience that works out to the equivalent of the degree and work experience requirement outlined in point one
• Four years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed contractor
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4. Obtain a general liability insurance policy with a value of at least $500,000
5. Pass the NASCLA National Commercial Building Contractor Examination. That’s a written examination which tests knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and general contracting knowledge.
6. Submit an application and pay a $200 non-refundable application fee
7. Prove that you have a minimum net worth of $150,000 with a signed statement from a Certified Public Accountant