Georgia Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

Georgia regulates contractor licensing at the state level through multiple boards and agencies. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC (conditioned air) contractors, general contractors, low-voltage contractors, and utility contractors are licensed through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. Additional specialty activities such as fire protection sprinklers, elevators, asbestos and lead abatement, water wells and pumps, and LP gas are overseen by other state agencies.

Building permits are issued by local jurisdictions, but the underlying contractor licenses covered in this guide are statewide. We highlight several representative licenses and authorities for Georgia below; this guide is updated periodically as additional details are curated or requested by readers.

Plan ahead for documentation, board review, and exam scheduling. Most exam-based licenses require board approval before you can test with PSI or another vendor. Insurance and continuing education requirements vary by license type, so verify your obligations before bidding work.

Overview of Georgia Contractor Licensing

Georgia contractor credentials are issued primarily by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. Within the division, the State Construction Industry Licensing Board administers the Electrical Contractors, Master and Journeyman Plumbers, Conditioned Air Contractors, Low Voltage Contractors, and Utility Contractors divisions. Residential and Commercial General Contractors are licensed by the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. Exams for many licenses are administered by PSI after board approval.

Several specialty trades are regulated by other state agencies. The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner (OCI) oversees elevator companies and fire protection sprinkler contractors and inspectors. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates asbestos abatement, lead-based paint abatement certifications, and licensing for water well and pump contractors via the Water Well Standards Advisory Council. The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates LP Gas Mechanic licensing.

Licensure is statewide. While cities and counties issue permits and business occupation tax certificates, the authority to license these construction trades rests with the state boards and agencies listed below. Always match your license scope to the project and confirm permit documentation with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Primary Licensing Authority

Multiple Authorities – See research notes

🌐 sos.ga.gov
📞 404-424-9966

Browse all Georgia contractor license practice tests →

Electrician Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates electrical work with 2 license types under the Division of Electrical Contractors.

Statewide Class I Electrical Contractor License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-electrical-contractors).

Class I (Restricted) authorizes contracting within the limits established by board rule for smaller-scope electrical systems.

Eligibility & Experience

Minimum 4 years of primary electrical experience under a licensed electrical contractor as defined in GA R&R 121-3.
High school diploma or GED; up to 2 years of related post-secondary education may be credited toward experience per board rules.
Minimum age 21.

Examination

Exam provider: PSI.
Open-book exam covering Georgia laws/administration and NEC-based technical content; approximately 8 hours total across two parts.
Minimum passing score 70%.

Fees

Application: $30
Renewal: $110 (biennial); late penalty $100

Insurance

No specific general liability minimum is listed for license issuance.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Biennial renewal.
8 hours of CE per cycle in topics such as electrical codes and standards, safety, business law, and installation practices (board-approved).

Contact the Division of Electrical Contractors to confirm exam scheduling fees, any issuance fees, and current renewal dates before applying.

Statewide Class II Electrical Contractor License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-electrical-contractors).

Class II (Unrestricted) authorizes electrical contracting without the Class I limitations, including larger systems.

Eligibility & Experience

Minimum 4 years of primary electrical experience under a licensed electrical contractor, including documented experience beyond single-phase 200-ampere installations.
High school diploma or GED; board-accepted electrical technology education may substitute for part of the required experience.
Minimum age 21.

Examination

Exam provider: PSI.
Open-book, law/administration plus NEC technical sections.
Minimum passing score 70%.

Fees

Application: $30
Renewal: $110 (biennial); late penalty $100

Insurance

No specific general liability minimum is listed for license issuance.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Biennial renewal.
8 hours of CE per cycle in board-approved topics (codes, safety, business, installation practices).

Contact the Division of Electrical Contractors to confirm exam scheduling fees, any issuance fees, and current renewal dates before applying.

Plumbing Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates plumbing work with 3 statewide licenses through the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.

Statewide Journeyman Plumber License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-plumber-license).

Eligibility & Experience

At least 1 year of plumbing experience in work covered by the Georgia State Plumbing Code.
Experience may be primary (hands-on under a licensed Master) or secondary (e.g., water department maintenance/inspection) as defined in GA R&R 121-3-.02.
Three references from licensed plumbers and a background check are required.

Examination

Exam provider: contact the Division to verify the current testing vendor.
Minimum passing score 70%; code, installation practices, and safety topics.
Board approval is required before testing.

Fees

Application: $30
Renewal: $35 (biennial); late penalty $45

Insurance

No specific general liability minimum is listed for the individual Journeyman license.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Biennial renewal.
8 hours CE per cycle (minimum 4 hours each year) from board-accepted providers.

Contact the Division to confirm exam fees and any issuance fees before applying.

Statewide Class I Master Plumber License (Restricted)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers (sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-division-master-and-journeyman-plumbers).

Class I is restricted to single-family dwellings, one-level two-family dwellings, and commercial structures not exceeding 10,000 square feet.

Eligibility & Experience

Minimum 5 years of plumbing experience; at least 2 years must be as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
References: three licensed plumbers (at least one Master Plumber); background check and secure/verifiable ID.

Examination

Exam provider: contact the Division to verify.
Minimum passing score 70%; focuses on advanced design, installation, and code requirements within the restricted scope.

Fees

Application: $30. Other fee amounts not listed in the provided data.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Biennial renewal.
8 hours CE per cycle (at least 4 hours each year) from accepted providers.

Contact the Division to confirm examination fees, issuance fees, and current renewal costs before applying.

Statewide Class II Master Plumber License (Unrestricted)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers (sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-division-master-and-journeyman-plumbers).

Class II is unrestricted for project type or size, including commercial and industrial plumbing systems.

Eligibility & Experience

Minimum 5 years of plumbing experience; at least 2 years as a licensed Journeyman Plumber with documented commercial/industrial experience.
References: three licensed plumbers (at least two Master Plumbers for Class II); background check and secure/verifiable ID.

Examination

Exam provider: contact the Division to verify.
Minimum passing score 70%; covers commercial/industrial systems and code compliance.

Fees

Application: $30. Other fee amounts not listed in the provided data.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Biennial renewal.
8 hours CE per cycle (at least 4 hours each year) in approved plumbing CE.

Contact the Division to confirm examination fees, issuance fees, and current renewal costs before applying.

HVAC Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates HVAC contractors through Conditioned Air Contractor licenses (2 classes) under the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors.

Conditioned Air Contractor Class I (Restricted)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-conditioned-air-contractor).

Class I authorizes contracting within residential/light commercial BTU limits set by rule.

Eligibility & Experience

At least 4 years of documented installation and service experience under a licensed conditioned air contractor (lead mechanic and service technician work within Class I limits).
High school diploma or GED.
Board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course (e.g., ACCA Manuals J and D or equivalent).
EPA Section 608 Type II or higher refrigerant certification.
Three notarized professional references; background check; secure and verifiable ID.
Minimum age 21.

Examination

Exam provider: PSI.
Open-book, two-part exam (~120 questions total); minimum passing score 70%.
Board approval required before scheduling with PSI.

Fees

Application: $40
Renewal: $110 (biennial); late renewal penalty $210

Insurance

General liability insurance is required before licensure; minimum limits are set by board policy and must be documented.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Biennial renewal.
8 hours CE per cycle (at least 4 hours each year) in board-approved HVAC topics.

Contact the Division to confirm exam fees, required insurance limits, and any issuance fees before applying.

Conditioned Air Contractor Class II (Non-Restricted)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Division of Conditioned Air Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-conditioned-air-contractor).

Class II authorizes unrestricted conditioned air contracting, including systems exceeding 175,000 BTU heating and 60,000 BTU cooling.

Eligibility & Experience

At least 5 years of conditioned air experience with installation of larger systems; at least two years as lead mechanic (one year exclusively commercial) and two years of commercial supervisory experience.
Residential and commercial design coursework (e.g., ACCA Manuals N and Q or equivalent) in addition to Class I prerequisites.
High school diploma or GED; EPA Section 608 Type II or higher; references; background check; secure and verifiable ID.
Minimum age 21.

Examination

Exam provider: PSI.
Open-book, multi-hour exam; minimum passing score 70%.
Board approval required before scheduling.

Fees

Application: $40
Renewal: $110 (biennial); late renewal penalty $210

Insurance

General liability insurance covering commercial HVAC work is required; limits per board policy must be documented prior to issuance.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Biennial renewal.
8 hours CE per cycle (at least 4 hours each year) with both residential and commercial emphasis.

Contact the Division to confirm exam fees, required insurance limits, and any issuance fees before applying.

General Contractor Licenses in Georgia

Georgia licenses general contractors through four categories under the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors.

Residential-Basic Contractor License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-residential-contractors).

Authorizes construction and remodeling of residential Basic structures consistent with board rules.

Eligibility & Experience

Typically at least 2 years of residential construction experience under a licensed contractor or an accepted education/experience combination under O.C.G.A. § 43-41.
High school diploma or GED; references; background check.

Examinations

Georgia Business and Law exam: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 70% minimum passing.
Residential-Basic trade exam: ~80 questions, 200 minutes, 70% minimum passing.
Exam provider: PSI; board approval required. NASCLA Contractors Guide – Georgia edition used as a primary reference.

Fees

Application: $200
Renewal: $100 (biennial); late penalty $200

Insurance

General liability: at least $300,000 per occurrence.
Workers’ compensation if employees are present.

Contact the Board to confirm exam registration fees and any issuance fees before applying.

Residential-Light Commercial Contractor License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (sos.ga.gov/page/residential-and-commercial-general-contractors-frequently-asked-questions).

Authorizes residential work plus specified light commercial projects.

Eligibility & Experience

Typically 2–4 years of documented residential and light commercial experience meeting board standards, or acceptable education/experience pathways.
References, background check, and financial responsibility documentation.

Examinations

Georgia Business and Law exam (70% minimum passing).
Residential-Light Commercial trade exam (70% minimum passing).
Exam provider: PSI; board approval required.

Fees

Application: $200
Renewal: $100 (biennial); late penalty $200

Insurance

General liability: at least $500,000 per occurrence.
Workers’ compensation if applicable.

Contact the Board to confirm exam registration fees and any issuance fees before applying.

General Contractor License (Unlimited)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/49 app – General Contractor – Exam, Ind or QA, Unlmtd or Ltd Tier.pdf).

Authorizes unrestricted commercial general building contracting within Georgia.

Eligibility & Experience

At least 4 years of construction industry experience, including commercial work; at least 2 years working for/with a licensed GC and at least 1 year in administrative/supervisory roles.
Accepted pathways include a four-year degree (engineering, architecture, construction management, etc.) plus experience, or equivalent combinations.
Financial responsibility documentation (e.g., minimum $150,000 net worth), CPA reference, background check, secure and verifiable ID.

Examinations

Georgia Business and Law exam.
NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors; scores must be transmitted to the Board.
Exam provider: PSI; minimum passing score 70% on each within a one-year eligibility period.

Fees

Application: $200
Renewal: $100 (biennial); late penalty $200

Insurance

General liability: at least $500,000 per occurrence.
Workers’ compensation if the licensee has employees.

Contact the Board to confirm exam registration fees and any issuance fees before applying.

General Contractor Limited Tier License

Regulator & Scope

Authorizes commercial general building contracting with limits based on financial responsibility thresholds as set by the Board.

Eligibility & Experience

Experience and education requirements similar to the Unlimited GC; applicants must meet Limited Tier financial criteria.
Commercial construction experience required; background check, CPA financial reference, secure ID.

Examinations

NASCLA Accredited Commercial GC exam and Georgia Business and Law exam.
Exam provider: PSI; minimum passing score 70% on each.

Fees

Application: $200
Renewal: $100 (biennial); late penalty $200

Insurance

General liability: at least $500,000 per occurrence.
Workers’ compensation for employers.

Contact the Board to confirm the current Limited Tier contract value thresholds and exam/issuance fees before applying.

Roofing Licenses in Georgia

Georgia does not issue a separate, statewide roofing trade license. Roofing projects that meet statutory thresholds or include structural scope are typically performed under the appropriate Residential or General Contractor license, with permits obtained from the local building department. Confirm scope and permitting with your local authority having jurisdiction and review requirements with the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors (sos.ga.gov/page/residential-and-commercial-general-contractors-frequently-asked-questions).

Specialty Trade Licenses in Georgia

Georgia regulates several specialty trades through state boards and agencies, including low-voltage, utility contracting, fire protection sprinklers, elevators, water well and pump, asbestos abatement, lead abatement supervisor, medical gas piping certification (for licensed plumbers), and LP gas mechanics.

Utility Contractor License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Utility Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-utility-contractors).

Business license authorizing utility contracting; each office must have a full-time qualified Utility Manager.

Eligibility & Structure

Each utility contracting business must employ at least one individual holding a valid Utility Manager certificate issued under Chapter 43-14.
Safety policies meeting division standards; provide proprietors/partners/officer information on application forms.

Examination

No exam for the business license; the qualifying Utility Manager must pass the division’s Utility Manager examination.

Fees

Application: $50.

Insurance

No specific general liability minimum listed for the business license in the provided data.

Contact the Division to confirm current insurance expectations, issuance fees, and renewal requirements prior to applying.

Low-Voltage Contractor Class LV-A (Alarm and General)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Low Voltage Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-low-voltage-contractor).

Authorizes alarm and general low-voltage systems operating at 50 volts or less.

Eligibility & Experience

At least 1 year of experience in the LV-A category; electronics coursework may count up to 6 months toward experience.

Examination & CE

Exam provider: verify with the Division; minimum passing score 70%.
Biennial renewal with 6 hours of CE in low-voltage code, standards, and best practices.

Contact the Division to confirm exam logistics, fees, and any issuance requirements.

Low-Voltage Contractor Class LV-T (Telecommunication and General)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Division of Low Voltage Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-low-voltage-contractor).

Authorizes telecommunications and general low-voltage systems as defined in rule.

Eligibility & Experience

At least 1 year of LV-T category experience; electronics coursework in telecom/networking can be credited toward experience per rule.

Examination & CE

Exam provider: verify with the Division; minimum passing score 70%.
Biennial renewal with 6 hours of CE in telecom/low-voltage design, code, and safety.

Contact the Division to confirm exam logistics, fees, and any issuance requirements.

Low-Voltage Contractor Class LV-G (General Systems)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Division of Low Voltage Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-low-voltage-contractor).

Authorizes general low-voltage systems (e.g., remote-control, signaling, power-limited circuits) under NEC Article 725.

Eligibility & Experience

Minimum 1 year in general low-voltage systems; electronics coursework may be credited per rule.

Examination & CE

Exam provider: verify with the Division; minimum passing score 70%.
Biennial renewal with 6 hours of CE.

Contact the Division to confirm exam logistics, fees, and any issuance requirements.

Low-Voltage Contractor Class LV-U (Unrestricted)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Division of Low Voltage Contractors (sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-low-voltage-contractor).

Authorizes alarm, telecommunication, and general low-voltage systems without category limitation.

Eligibility & Experience

At least 1 year of broad low-voltage wiring experience; electronics training may be credited per rule.

Examination & CE

Exam provider: verify with the Division; minimum passing score 70%.
Biennial renewal with 6 hours of CE covering alarm, telecom, and general systems.

Contact the Division to confirm exam logistics, fees, and any issuance requirements.

Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, Safety Fire Division (oci.georgia.gov/inspections-permits-plans/buildings-fire-suppression-systems/fire-suppression-professionals).

Authorizes fabrication, installation, repair, alteration, maintenance, and inspection of water-based fire protection systems.

Eligibility & Competency

Employ individuals holding appropriate NICET certifications (e.g., Level II+ in inspection/testing or layout) as required by rule.
Demonstrate organizational competence; submit required documentation on Commissioner’s forms.

Insurance & Fees

Comprehensive general liability: at least $1,000,000 per occurrence (insurer authorized in Georgia).
Application: $100; renewal: $75 (annual).

No separate state contractor exam; competency is shown through recognized certifications and company qualifications. Contact the Safety Fire Division to confirm issuance fees and documentation details.

Fire Protection Sprinkler System Inspector

Regulator & Scope

Eligibility & Competency

Employment by a licensed sprinkler contractor.
NICET Level II (minimum) in inspection/testing of water-based systems or equivalent accepted by the Commissioner.

Insurance & Fees

Coverage provided under the employing contractor’s liability policy (at least $1,000,000 per occurrence).
Application: $50; renewal: $75 (annual).

No separate state exam; competency is evidenced via NICET certification and NFPA training. Contact the Safety Fire Division for application specifics.

Water Well Contractor License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia DNR Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Water Well Standards Advisory Council (rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/770-3).

Authorizes construction of water wells in compliance with the Georgia Water Well Standards Act and rules.

Eligibility & Experience

At least 2 years of full-time experience in water well construction under a licensed well contractor (documented via certified affidavits).

Examination & Bond

NGWA-prepared written examinations administered by an NGWA-designated provider; minimum passing score 70%.
Performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit up to $75,000 to ensure compliance (amount determined by Council/EPD).

Renewal & Fees

Biennial renewal; $400 renewal fee.
8 hours of CE per biennium (at least 4 hours each year) in Council-approved topics.

Contact EPD for application processing details, acceptable bond instruments, and issuance steps.

Pump Contractor Certificate

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia DNR EPD, Water Well Standards Advisory Council (rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/770-5).

Authorizes pump removal, repair, and installation activities as defined in rule.

Eligibility & Experience

Minimum 2 years of pump installation experience under a certified pump contractor or licensed water well contractor (affidavits required).

Examination & Bond

NGWA-prepared pump contractor exam; minimum passing score 70%.
Performance bond or equivalent letter of credit consistent with Council rules.

Renewal & Fees

Biennial renewal; $400 renewal fee.
8 hours of CE per biennium (at least 4 hours each year) in approved topics.

Contact EPD for application, bonding, and issuance guidance.

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia DNR EPD, Asbestos Program (epd.georgia.gov/forms-permits/land-protection-branch-forms-permits/asbestos-licensing-and-notifications).

Authorizes asbestos removal and encapsulation projects in Georgia, with required notifications via GEOS.

Eligibility & Training

Prior experience completing or supervising at least three abatement projects; reliability in contracting activities.
Written SOPs for respiratory protection, work practices, worker/public protection, and sampling procedures.
Completion of an initial EPD-approved training course within 48 months and annual updates; minimum 70% exam score.

Fees & Insurance

Application: $100; renewal: $100 (license term not to exceed three years).
Proof of insurance or financial responsibility adequate to cover abatement risks.

Contact EPD for project notification requirements and current fee schedules within GEOS.

Lead-Based Paint Abatement Supervisor Certification

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia DNR EPD, Lead-Based Paint Abatement Certification Program (epd.georgia.gov/lead-based-paint-abatement-certification-program).

Supervisor certification for overseeing lead-based paint abatement projects; firms performing abatement must also be certified.

Eligibility & Training

At least 1 year as a certified lead abatement worker or 2 years of related experience (lead, asbestos, environmental remediation, or building trades).
Successful completion of a minimum 32-hour EPD-approved Supervisor course and passage of the course exam.

Examination & Fees

Course exam; additional third-party exam and fees may apply.
Application: $150; exam fee: $70; renewal: $150 (biennial), with required refresher training every 2 years.

Contact EPD for firm certification procedures and current submission requirements.

Medical Gas Piping Certification (for Licensed Plumbers)

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers (sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/48 Plumbing – Medical Gas Piping Certification.pdf).

Specialty certification for Georgia-licensed Journeyman or Master Plumbers performing medical gas piping work per NFPA 99 and ASSE 6000.

Eligibility & Training

Current Georgia Journeyman or Master Plumber license.
Completion of a division-approved 32-hour program based on ASSE 6000 and NFPA 99, including written exam and brazing test (ASME Section IX or AWS B2.2).
Ongoing annual brazing practice is required to maintain certification.

Fees & Renewal

No separate application fee listed in the provided data. Certification remains valid only while the underlying plumber license is active and brazing practice is maintained. Contact the Division for any processing or replacement card fees.

Elevator Contractor Class I

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, Elevators & Escalators Section (rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/120-3-25 | oci.georgia.gov/inspections-permits-plans/elevators-escalators).

Authorizes installation, alteration, service, replacement, or maintenance of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, residential elevators, platform lifts, and stairway chairlifts.

Eligibility & Insurance

Proof of Elevator Mechanic Certification and qualifications as required by rule.
Insurance coverage as specified in Rule 120-3-25-.22.

Application

Apply through OCI’s professional services portal after assembling required documentation. Contact OCI for current fees and issuance steps. Annual renewal.

Elevator Contractor Class II

Regulator & Scope

Authorizes alteration, service, replacement, or maintenance work; must employ Class I or Class II mechanics as required.

Eligibility & Insurance

Proof of Elevator Mechanic Certification for personnel.
Insurance coverage per Rule 120-3-25-.22.

Application

Apply via OCI’s portal with supporting documentation. Contact OCI for fees and renewal requirements. Annual renewal.

LP Gas Mechanic License

Regulator & Scope

Regulatory authority: Georgia Department of Agriculture, Fuel & Measures Program (agr.georgia.gov/lp-gas-mechanic-licenses).

Authorizes installation and repair of commercial propane gas devices; mechanics must be associated with a licensed company.

Eligibility & Examination

Pass a one-time state LP Gas Mechanic knowledge test (safety, systems, compliance).
Provide secure and verifiable (S&V) identification documents.
Company requirements include approved prover calibration and a $1,000 bond.

Insurance & Renewal

Company bond: $1,000 minimum.
Prover calibration generally required every two years; renewal cycle is biennial.

Contact the Department of Agriculture for test scheduling, fees, and company licensing steps.

Application Process

Create an online account in the Georgia Online Licensing System (GOALS) through the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division.
Select the appropriate license type and board division (Electrical, Plumbing, Conditioned Air, Low Voltage, Utility, Residential/General Contractors) and complete the electronic application with notarized forms and secure and verifiable identification.
Gather and upload required supporting documents including experience records, professional references, background checks, financial responsibility statements, insurance certificates, and any board-specific affidavits.
Submit the non-refundable application fee and online processing fee; wait for board review and deficiency notices if documentation is incomplete.
Upon board approval, receive examination eligibility and scheduling instructions; register with PSI for trade and Business & Law exams as required by the specific license class.
Prepare using board-approved reference materials (including NASCLA Contractors Guide where applicable) and take the examinations at PSI testing centers; achieve at least a 70% passing score on required exams.
After passing exams, finalize license issuance by submitting any remaining documents such as proof of insurance, bonds, or updated financial statements; pay license issuance or renewal fees.
Maintain license by completing required continuing education, renewing online within designated cycles (e.g., June 30 even years for electrical, November 30 in board cycles for plumbers and conditioned air, and agency-specific renewal dates for specialties).

Timeline: Complete applications with all supporting documents are generally processed within 20 business days by the boards; exam scheduling and completion through PSI plus issuance typically results in a total timeline of approximately 4–8 weeks for exam-based licenses.

Reciprocity

Georgia has reciprocity with: Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina

Requirements: Reciprocity is available for certain contractor licenses, including Unlimited Commercial General Contractors with Louisiana and Mississippi, and Residential Basic Contractors with Mississippi and South Carolina. Applicants must hold equivalent active licenses in the reciprocal state, submit license verification, meet Georgia background, insurance, and financial responsibility requirements, and still pass the Georgia Business and Law exam. Electrical and some specialties may benefit from reciprocity or multi-state exam acceptance where permitted by board rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a contractor license in Georgia?

With a complete application, boards typically process within about 20 business days. Adding PSI exam scheduling, testing, score transmission, and issuance, most exam-based licenses take approximately 4–8 weeks.

Can I transfer my license from another state to Georgia?

Georgia offers reciprocity for some contractor licenses with Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Eligibility depends on holding an equivalent, active license and meeting Georgia’s Business and Law exam, insurance, and financial responsibility requirements. Always confirm scope and conditions with the applicable Georgia board.

What happens if I fail the exam?

Retake policies and waiting periods are set by the testing vendor and the licensing board. Check your PSI Candidate Information Bulletin and board instructions for current retake rules and fees.

Do I need insurance?

Many Georgia contractor licenses require general liability insurance (for example, Residential/General Contractors and Conditioned Air Contractors). Some specialties (e.g., fire protection sprinker contractors, elevator contractors) have specific coverage requirements. Always verify insurance minimums with your board or agency before licensure and permitting.

How do I renew my license?

Most construction-industry licenses under the Secretary of State renew biennially with continuing education where required (e.g., electrical, plumbing, conditioned air, low-voltage). Some specialties renew on different cycles: sprinkler and elevator contractors renew annually; asbestos contractor licenses have a triennial term; lead abatement supervisors renew biennially with refresher training. Check your board or agency portal for your renewal month and CE rules.

What if my local permit office asks for additional documents?

Licensing is statewide, but permits are local. Local building departments may require project-specific plans, bonds, or certificates of insurance naming the jurisdiction. Always coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for permit documentation.

Where can I find practice tests for Georgia exams?

We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Georgia contractor license exams. Each guide typically contains 1,500 to 2,500 code-relevant questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. Browse Georgia contractor practice tests.

Georgia · Practice tests

Georgia contractor license practice tests

The Georgia practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.

Browse all Georgia tests →

Related Official Resources

Official Sources for Further Details:

Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards Division
sos.ga.gov
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors – How-To Guide
sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-electrical-contractors
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Georgia Rules & Regulations Chapter 121-3 APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE (Electrical and Low Voltage)
rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3
State Statute | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers – How-To Guide
sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-plumber-license
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Georgia Rules & Regulations 121-3-.02 Statewide Master and Journeyman Plumbers
rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3-02
State Statute | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors – How-To Guide
sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-conditioned-air-contractor
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Conditioned Air Contractors Application by Exam (Georgia SOS Form 45)
sos.ga.gov/forms/45 Conditioned Air – Initial or Reinstatement, Lapsed 3+ years (exam required).pdf
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Residential Contractors How-To Guide
sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-residential-contractors
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Residential and Commercial General Contractors Frequently Asked Questions
sos.ga.gov/page/residential-and-commercial-general-contractors-frequently-asked-questions
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Commercial General Contractors Division Application (Georgia SOS Form 49)
sos.ga.gov/forms/49 app – General Contractor – Exam, Ind or QA, Unlmtd or Ltd Tier.pdf
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Georgia Rules & Regulations Chapter 770-3 Applications and Examinations (Water Well/Pump)
rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/770-3
State Statute | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Georgia Rules & Regulations Subject 120-3-25 Elevators and Escalators
rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/120-3-25
State Statute | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Elevators & Escalators – Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
oci.georgia.gov/inspections-permits-plans/elevators-escalators
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation Rules (Georgia R&R 391-3-14)
rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/391-3-14
State Statute | Accessed: 2026-07-11
Lead-Based Paint Abatement Certification Program
epd.georgia.gov/lead-based-paint-abatement-certification-program
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11
LP Gas Mechanic Licenses – Georgia Department of Agriculture
agr.georgia.gov/lp-gas-mechanic-licenses
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-11

Important Disclaimer

Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.

Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – See research notes:

Website: sos.ga.gov
Phone: 404-424-9966

Permits vs. Licenses: Licensure is statewide in Georgia; however, permits are issued by local jurisdictions. Always coordinate project-specific permit requirements with the local authority having jurisdiction.

No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.