General Contractor License Requirements in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (SLBRCGC) |
| License Type | Commercial General Contractor (Limited or Unlimited) |
| Experience Required | 4 years of combined education and practical experience in the construction industry, with at least 2 years in general contracting and 1 year in a specialized role. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field plus 1 year of related work experience. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. |
| Education Substitute | A 4-year degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field can substitute for up to 3 years of the experience requirement (1 year hands-on still required) |
| Exam Required | Yes — NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam + Georgia Business and Law Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $25,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $200 |
| Exam Fee | $210 |
| Initial License Fee | $280 |
| Est. Initial Total | $690 |
Renewal: $100 every 2 years (even-numbered years, by June 30)
Exam Requirements
NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam
Georgia Business and Law Exam
Exam provider: PSI Exams
License Tiers
Residential Basic Contractor
4 years combined education and experience; limited to single-family dwellings and duplexes
Exam: Required
Residential Light Commercial Contractor
4 years combined education and experience; residential and light commercial up to 4 stories
Exam: Required
General Contractor - Limited Tier
4 years combined education and experience; projects up to $5 million
Exam: Required
General Contractor - Unlimited
4 years combined education and experience; no project value limit
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Paper applications no longer accepted -- must use GOALS online portal
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old (not 18)
- License threshold: required for any work exceeding $2,500
- 2026 renewal dates: opens April 6, expires June 30, late period July 1-31
- Retake policy: 30-day waiting period after a failed exam
- NASCLA-accredited exam accepted for commercial general contractor tier
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia requires a statewide general contractor license through the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Georgia?
The estimated initial cost is $690, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SLBRCGC