Georgia Commercial General Contractor • NASCLA • Business & Law • PSI • Approved Books
Ready to become a licensed General Contractor in Georgia? This Georgia General Contractor Exam Prep guide explains the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination, Georgia Business & Law examination, licensing requirements, approved reference books, construction topics, study schedules, and contractor exam preparation resources.
Georgia offers two commercial General Contractor classifications.
General Contractor: The unlimited classification for qualifying commercial general contracting.
General Contractor Limited Tier: A commercial general contracting classification limited to contracts of no more than $1,000,000.
Both classifications are regulated by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors.
Georgia commercial General Contractor applicants pursuing licensure by examination generally must pass two separate examinations.
The first is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
The second is the Georgia Business & Law Examination.
The NASCLA examination contains 115 scored questions, allows 330 minutes, and requires a passing score of 70%, or at least 81 correct answers.
The Georgia Business & Law examination contains 50 scored questions, allows 120 minutes, and also requires 70%, or 35 correct answers.
Both examinations are open book, but candidates may use only the references permitted for each examination.
The NASCLA examination covers commercial building construction, including construction management, contracts, jobsite safety, sitework, concrete, masonry, steel, wood framing, roofing, waterproofing, accessibility, and mechanical and electrical systems.
The Georgia Business & Law examination covers licensing requirements, estimating, bidding, construction contracts, business management, taxes, labor law, lien law, risk management, environmental requirements, and safety.
These examinations are separate. Passing the NASCLA commercial examination does not automatically satisfy Georgia Business & Law.
Important Georgia licensing detail: NASCLA does not issue a General Contractor license. The Georgia State Licensing Board issues the actual license after the applicant meets all required qualifications.
Georgia also has financial requirements that differ by classification.
The unlimited General Contractor classification requires a minimum net worth of $150,000.
The Limited Tier classification requires a minimum net worth of $25,000.
Both classifications require qualifying commercial construction experience and applicable insurance.
Contractor Exam Preps offers the Georgia NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Complete Book Set for trade examination preparation.
For guided study, the Georgia NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Online Exam Prep Course covers the commercial examination content.
The Georgia NASCLA Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package combines reference books, online preparation, and application support.
Candidates also need Georgia Business & Law preparation. The Georgia Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 3rd Edition is the key state-specific reference.
This guide covers both exams, Georgia licensing qualifications, current NASCLA construction subjects, approved book categories, comparison tables, an eight-step licensing roadmap, a six-week study schedule, Contractor Exam Preps packages, FAQs, credential artwork, and a relevant 1ExamPrep video.
Whether you are planning to build commercial offices, retail spaces, industrial facilities, or other qualifying projects, the correct licensing path starts with understanding both the construction and business requirements.
Important Georgia General Contractor 2026 Exam Update: Georgia uses the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors for the trade examination requirement for General Contractor and General Contractor Limited Tier applicants. The NASCLA exam contains 115 scored questions, allows 330 minutes, and requires 70% passing, or 81 correct answers. Georgia separately requires a 50-question Business & Law examination, lasting 120 minutes, with 70% passing, or 35 correct answers. Limited Tier contractors are restricted to contracts not exceeding $1 million. Georgia also requires commercial construction experience, minimum net worth, and applicable insurance. Check the current PSI and NASCLA reference lists before purchasing books or testing.
A Georgia General Contractor is a state-licensed professional responsible for managing qualifying commercial construction projects.
The contractor may coordinate construction work involving foundations, concrete, framing, masonry, structural steel, roofing, building envelopes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and other construction activities.
General contractors manage the larger construction process instead of working in only one trade.
That includes planning, estimating, scheduling, procurement, subcontractor coordination, quality control, safety, and project administration.
For example, construction of a commercial office building involves more than pouring a concrete foundation and installing walls.
The contractor must coordinate the foundation design, structural framework, building envelope, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, life safety requirements, and inspections.
Each part of the project must fit into the overall construction schedule.
Delayed materials or incomplete subcontractor work can affect multiple phases of the job.
A good contractor understands how those problems develop and makes informed decisions to keep the project moving.
Georgia's commercial General Contractor license can be issued as an unlimited classification or as a Limited Tier classification.
The unlimited classification does not have the $1 million per-contract limit imposed on Limited Tier.
Limited Tier contractors must keep individual contracts within the $1 million ceiling.
Both classifications require applicants to demonstrate appropriate commercial construction knowledge.
That is why the state uses the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination.
NASCLA tests a broad collection of commercial construction subjects through an accredited examination accepted by participating licensing agencies.
The NASCLA examination is not a license and does not replace Georgia's licensing application.
Applicants must also pass Georgia Business & Law.
The business examination helps verify that contractors understand Georgia licensing, bidding, contracts, financial management, labor regulations, lien law, insurance, and safety.
For many professionals, becoming a general contractor means moving from responsibility for a single activity to responsibility for the entire construction project.
That greater responsibility requires both technical construction knowledge and practical business management skills.
Unlimited classification: Georgia General Contractor.
Restricted classification: Georgia General Contractor Limited Tier.
Limited Tier maximum: $1,000,000 per contract.
Trade examination: NASCLA Commercial General Building.
Additional examination: Georgia Business & Law.
State board: Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors.
The licensing process combines examination requirements, education or experience, financial responsibility, insurance, and state application approval.
| Step | Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Choose License Level | Unlimited or Limited Tier | Decide whether your work requires contracts above the Limited Tier $1 million ceiling. |
| Choose Applicant Type | Individual or Qualifying Agent | Determine whether you will operate as an individual or qualify a registered business entity. |
| Check Minimum Age | 21 Years | Confirm that you satisfy Georgia's minimum age requirement. |
| Select Experience Pathway | Experience or Education | Review the accepted degree, college-credit, or work-experience alternatives. |
| Document Construction History | Commercial Experience | Prepare evidence of qualifying commercial construction work. |
| Document Management Experience | Administration or Supervision | Confirm qualifying estimating, scheduling, supervision, engineering, or project management experience. |
| Verify Net Worth | Unlimited: $150,000 | Check the financial documentation required for the unlimited license. |
| Verify Limited Tier Finances | Limited Tier: $25,000 | Confirm the required net worth for the limited classification. |
| Prepare General Liability | $500,000 Per Occurrence | Verify the required insurance coverage and the correct insured name. |
| Workers' Compensation | When Applicable | Georgia generally requires coverage for employers with three or more employees. |
| Collect Experience References | Project Documentation | Prepare project descriptions, references, employment information, and related affidavits. |
| Create State Portal Account | Georgia GOALS | Use the Georgia Secretary of State's current licensing application system. |
| Apply for Licensure | Board Review | Submit the correct examination or prior-approval application. |
| Prepare NASCLA Exam | 115 Questions | Study commercial construction across twelve subject areas. |
| Prepare Business & Law | 50 Questions | Study Georgia licensing, contracts, taxes, liens, insurance, and business topics. |
| Check Approved Books | Current Reference Lists | Verify reference editions for both separate examinations. |
| Pass NASCLA | 70% Passing | Earn at least 81 correct answers on the 115-question commercial trade exam. |
| Pass Georgia Business & Law | 70% Passing | Earn at least 35 correct answers on the 50-question exam. |
| Send NASCLA Transcript | When Applicable | Use the NASCLA transcript system to submit an existing passing result. |
| Complete License Issuance | State Approval | Complete the remaining application, insurance, financial, and licensing requirements. |
Georgia General Contractor applicants preparing through the examination pathway should plan for two independently scored tests.
| Exam Detail | Examination | Published Information |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Authority | Georgia | State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors |
| Trade Examination | NASCLA | Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors |
| State Examination | Georgia | Business & Law |
| Testing Provider | PSI | Computer-based testing |
| Trade Questions | NASCLA | 115 scored questions |
| Trade Time | NASCLA | 330 minutes, or 5.5 hours |
| Trade Passing Score | NASCLA | 70%, or 81 correct |
| Business Questions | Georgia Business & Law | 50 scored questions |
| Business Time | Georgia Business & Law | 120 minutes, or two hours |
| Business Passing Score | Georgia Business & Law | 70%, or 35 correct |
| Trade Format | NASCLA | Computer-based, open book |
| Business Format | Georgia | Computer-based, open book |
| Trade Content Areas | NASCLA | Twelve major categories |
| Business Content Areas | Georgia | Nine major categories |
| General Requirements | NASCLA | 25 questions |
| Site Construction | NASCLA | 15 questions |
| Concrete | NASCLA | 6 questions |
| Masonry | NASCLA | 4 questions |
| Metals | NASCLA | 6 questions |
| Wood | NASCLA | 5 questions |
| Thermal and Moisture Protection | NASCLA | 5 questions |
| Doors, Windows and Glazing | NASCLA | 4 questions |
| Finishes | NASCLA | 5 questions |
| Mechanical and Plumbing | NASCLA | 6 questions |
| Electrical Systems | NASCLA | 3 questions |
| Procurement and Contracting | NASCLA | 31 questions |
| Georgia Business Reference | Business & Law | Georgia NASCLA Contractors Guide, 3rd Edition |
| Unlimited Net Worth | Licensing | $150,000 minimum |
| Limited Tier Net Worth | Licensing | $25,000 minimum |
| Limited Tier Contract Cap | Licensing | $1,000,000 per contract |
| General Liability | Licensing | $500,000 minimum per occurrence |
| Minimum Applicant Age | Licensing | 21 years |
NASCLA trade examination: 115 questions, 330 minutes, 70% passing.
Georgia Business & Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing.
Both required: Passing one does not compensate for failing the other.
Open book: Both exams permit approved references.
NASCLA portability: A passing transcript may be accepted by other participating licensing agencies, but a Georgia license does not automatically transfer.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination covers twelve major commercial construction areas. Candidates should prepare for both technical questions and project-management decisions.
Review construction documents, project management, safety, quality control, scheduling, site supervision, accessibility, and general building requirements.
This subject includes the methods used to plan and operate a commercial construction project from beginning to completion.
Study excavation, grading, underground utilities, earthwork, erosion control, stormwater management, trenching, and related site activities.
Understand the relationship between site conditions, foundation preparation, and jobsite safety.
Review concrete materials, reinforcing steel, formwork, placement, curing, quality control, and structural concrete requirements.
Know the purpose of reinforcing bars, concrete placement practices, and field inspections.
Study brick, block, mortar, reinforcement, flashing, masonry wall construction, and common masonry materials.
Masonry questions may require identifying appropriate installation or structural practices.
Review structural steel, joists, steel decking, erection methods, connections, bracing, and handling procedures.
Safety is particularly important during steel erection.
Study framing, trusses, sheathing, fasteners, wood products, structural connections, and installation practices.
Truss handling, temporary bracing, and construction sequence can also appear in technical questions.
Review roofing systems, insulation, waterproofing, building envelopes, flashing, sealants, and methods for controlling water intrusion.
A commercial contractor must understand how these systems protect the building throughout its service life.
Study doors, frames, hardware, storefronts, windows, glass, and installation requirements.
Accessibility and means-of-egress considerations may affect product selection and installation.
Review gypsum assemblies, plaster, finishes, flooring, ceilings, and other interior construction systems.
Understand the relationship between finish materials, rated assemblies, and installation methods.
Study HVAC and plumbing coordination, piping, equipment placement, access requirements, and building-system interfaces.
The general contractor should recognize how these trades affect other construction activities even when specialty contractors perform the work.
Review basic electrical construction coordination, panel locations, equipment access, raceways, lighting, and common electrical installation considerations.
This is the largest NASCLA content category, with 31 scored questions.
Study bidding, estimating, construction contracts, subcontractor responsibilities, purchasing, procurement, scheduling, contract changes, and project administration.
It is particularly important to understand the financial and contractual decisions made before and during commercial construction.
Highest topic: Procurement and Contracting Requirements, 31 questions.
Second: General Requirements, 25 questions.
Third: Site Construction, 15 questions.
Combined: These three areas represent 71 of 115 scored questions.
Percentage: Approximately 61.7% of the NASCLA examination.
The first step is to understand that you are preparing for two examinations, not one.
The NASCLA exam focuses on commercial building construction, while Georgia Business & Law focuses on the business and legal responsibilities of contracting.
Build a study schedule that covers both subjects throughout your preparation.
NASCLA construction: Commercial building materials, construction systems, codes, safety, sitework, structures, and contracts.
Georgia Business & Law: Licensing, estimating, accounting, taxes, employment, liens, contracts, insurance, and safety.
Code navigation: Practice using the indexes, chapters, and tables in your approved reference books.
Estimating: Review material quantities, labor costs, equipment costs, overhead, and contractor profit.
Project management: Study schedules, subcontractor coordination, project records, and change orders.
Concrete and structures: Review reinforcing steel, concrete placement, steel framing, trusses, and code provisions.
Sitework: Study excavation, grading, drainage, stormwater control, and OSHA requirements.
Business management: Practice contracts, insurance, licensing, tax responsibilities, and risk.
Begin with the subjects that receive the largest question allocations.
Procurement and Contracting Requirements account for 31 scored NASCLA questions.
General Requirements account for 25 questions.
Site Construction accounts for 15 questions.
Together, those three categories represent approximately 61.7% of the trade examination.
Next, distribute study time among concrete, masonry, metals, wood, roofing, building-envelope systems, doors, windows, finishes, plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical systems.
Do not ignore smaller subjects simply because they contain fewer questions.
Five or six correct answers in a technical category can make a meaningful difference in the final result.
For Georgia Business & Law, start with the approved state-specific NASCLA guide.
Practice finding information about licensing, contracts, liens, tax laws, and project management.
The Georgia NASCLA Commercial General Building Online Exam Prep Course supports structured trade preparation.
Combine that course with the Georgia Business and Law Guide for the separate state examination.
Complete timed practice questions and review every incorrect response.
When you miss a question, identify the correct reference and record the topic you need to practice again.
Over time, the goal is to recognize both the construction principle and the best place to find supporting information.
A Georgia commercial General Contractor coordinates multiple construction systems, trades, schedules, and safety requirements.
Simplified educational illustration of commercial construction coordination.
Use these eight steps to move from construction experience to the appropriate Georgia commercial General Contractor license.
Decide between unlimited General Contractor and General Contractor Limited Tier based on project scope and financial requirements.
Confirm that you are at least 21 and meet an accepted commercial construction education or experience pathway.
Review the applicable net-worth requirement, general liability coverage, and workers' compensation obligations.
Use the Georgia GOALS portal and upload the documents required for your specific applicant type.
Study commercial building construction, jobsite safety, structural systems, project management, and approved references.
Study the Georgia NASCLA business guide, licensing, estimating, contracts, taxes, liens, and risk management.
Earn at least 81 of 115 on NASCLA and 35 of 50 on Georgia Business & Law.
Submit outstanding documentation, provide any required NASCLA transcript, and wait until your Georgia license is active.
The NASCLA commercial examination has 115 scored questions distributed among twelve major subjects. The bar lengths show each subject's share of the scored examination.
Total NASCLA scored questions: 115.
Highest-weight category: Procurement and Contracting, 31 questions.
General Requirements: 25 questions.
Site Construction: 15 questions.
Top three combined: 71 questions, approximately 61.7%.
Separate Georgia Business & Law: 50 additional scored questions, not included in this chart.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination uses an extensive construction reference library.
Unlike examinations based on one codebook, NASCLA covers building materials, construction methods, safety, accessibility, structural systems, contracts, and project management.
The Georgia NASCLA Complete Book Set from Contractor Exam Preps lists the following major books and technical references.
| Reference Book | Listed Edition | Study Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Jobsite Management | 5th Edition | Site supervision, field coordination, project records, and construction operations. |
| Construction Project Management | 5th Edition | Scheduling, planning, contracts, project administration, and construction controls. |
| Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, ACI 318 | ACI 318-19 | Structural concrete and reinforcing requirements. |
| BCSI Guide to Good Practice for Wood Trusses | 2025 | Truss handling, restraint, bracing, and installation safety. |
| NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management | Basic, 14th Edition | General construction contracting, administration, management, and business topics. |
| Erectors Manual for Precast Concrete Products | 2nd Edition, 1999 | Precast concrete installation and erection practices. |
| Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning | Level 1 Field Fundamentals | Post-tensioned concrete and field procedures. |
| Steel Deck Institute Manual of Construction with Steel Deck | 3rd Edition | Steel deck installation and structural floor systems. |
| Pipe and Excavation Contracting | 2011 | Excavation, trenching, underground utilities, and site construction. |
| Gypsum Construction Handbook | 7th Edition | Gypsum walls, ceilings, assemblies, and finishing systems. |
| Placing Reinforcing Bars | Recommended Practices, 10th Edition | Rebar placing and reinforced concrete fieldwork. |
| Technical Digest No. 9, Steel Joists and Joist Girders | 3rd Edition | Handling and erection of steel joists. |
| Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone | 10th Edition | Masonry construction methods and materials. |
| Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction | 11th Edition | Commercial construction systems and project execution. |
| OSHA Construction Standards | 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction workplace safety and hazard prevention. |
| Carpentry and Building Construction | 2016 | Framing, tools, materials, and building construction. |
| ICC A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities | 2017 | Accessibility design and building requirements. |
| Roofing Construction and Estimating | Daniel Atcheson | Roofing systems, quantities, and installation methods. |
| Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | 4th Edition | Concrete placement, quality control, and field practices. |
| Green Building Fundamentals | 2nd Edition | Sustainable construction and energy-conscious building. |
| International Building Code | 2021 in the Georgia Store Package | Occupancies, construction types, fire safety, accessibility, and building code requirements. |
| Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan | EPA Construction Guide | Stormwater management and site environmental compliance. |
| ANSI/EIMA 99-A, EIFS and EIFS with Drainage | 2017 | Exterior insulation and finish systems. |
| Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers | 4th Edition | Coordination of building mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. |
| Georgia NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management | Georgia, 3rd Edition | Separate Georgia Business & Law examination reference. |
Important: This table describes the Georgia Contractor Exam Preps package's listed books and editions. It is not a substitute for the current official NASCLA examination reference bulletin.
Code editions matter: The approved code edition for questions must match the examination reference list applicable to your testing date.
Georgia Business & Law: Requires the separate Georgia-specific NASCLA guide, 3rd Edition.
Book strategy: Learn the reference category first, then practice finding sections through the table of contents, index, and permanent tabs.
Both NASCLA Commercial General Building and Georgia Business & Law are open-book examinations.
However, candidates must comply with the reference-book rules specified by the testing provider.
The standard Georgia examination instructions allow highlighting, underlining, and indexing in approved books while prohibiting unauthorized notes and inserted materials.
NASCLA pace: 330 minutes divided by 115 scored questions equals approximately 2.87 minutes per scored question.
Georgia Business & Law pace: 120 minutes divided by 50 questions equals 2.4 minutes per question.
Permitted book preparation: Highlighting, underlining, indexing, and permanent tabs, subject to the latest examination rules.
Best preparation: Practice identifying which book contains the answer before opening it.
A Georgia General Contractor may manage qualifying commercial construction activities within the authority of the license classification.
The unlimited General Contractor classification permits commercial general contracting without the Limited Tier's $1 million per-contract ceiling.
General Contractor Limited Tier permits qualifying commercial construction contracts that do not exceed $1 million.
These classifications concern overall construction contracting and management.
A general contractor may oversee site preparation, foundations, structural concrete, steel framing, masonry, roofing, building envelopes, and the coordination of specialty trades.
The contractor is often responsible for developing the overall construction schedule and making sure separate activities fit together correctly.
For example, electrical rough-in may depend on framing completion, while drywall installation may depend on mechanical, plumbing, and electrical inspections.
A delay in one activity can affect several subcontractors.
Commercial General Contractors must also understand construction plans, contracts, estimates, and project finances.
Accurate estimating requires identifying labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, indirect expenses, and the amount needed for profit.
Contract administration requires attention to changes, payments, deadlines, notice requirements, and project documentation.
Safety is another major responsibility.
Commercial construction includes excavation hazards, fall exposures, lifting equipment, electrical risks, and working around heavy materials.
Contractors must understand the applicable safety requirements and coordinate safe site operations.
A General Contractor license does not automatically replace specialty-trade licenses where Georgia law requires separately licensed electrical, conditioned air, plumbing, or other contractors.
The contractor should also verify local permitting, inspection, zoning, and project requirements.
For Limited Tier contractors, the $1 million maximum is a contract limitation, not simply a recommended project size.
Contractors intending to exceed the applicable limit should investigate upgrading to the unlimited General Contractor classification.
Unlimited General Contractor: Broad commercial general contracting authority.
Limited Tier: Contracts of no more than $1 million.
Both classifications: Require compliance with building codes, permits, insurance, and licensing rules.
Specialty trades: Separate licensing requirements may apply.
| Classification | License Type | Scope and Examination |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Unlimited Commercial | NASCLA commercial trade exam and Georgia Business & Law, with no Limited Tier $1 million contract cap. |
| General Contractor Limited Tier | Limited Commercial | NASCLA commercial trade exam and Georgia Business & Law, with $1 million maximum per contract. |
| Residential-Basic Contractor | Residential | Separate residential trade examination and Georgia Business & Law; focus on qualifying residential structures. |
| Residential-Light Commercial Contractor | Residential and Defined Light Commercial | Separate Residential-Light Commercial trade examination and Georgia Business & Law. |
| Unlimited GC Net Worth | Financial Requirement | $150,000 minimum. |
| Limited Tier Net Worth | Financial Requirement | $25,000 minimum. |
| Commercial GC Insurance | General Liability | $500,000 minimum per occurrence. |
| NASCLA Commercial Exam | Trade Examination | 115 scored questions, 330 minutes, 70% passing. |
| Georgia Business & Law | State Examination | 50 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing. |
| Individual Applicant | Application Type | Typically operates in their own name or as a sole proprietor. |
| Qualifying Agent | Application Type | A licensed responsible individual associated with a qualifying business organization. |
| NASCLA Passing Transcript | Exam Record | May be submitted to participating agencies, subject to each state's licensing requirements. |
General Contractor: Unlimited classification.
General Contractor Limited Tier: Maximum $1 million per contract.
Residential classifications: Different scopes and trade examinations.
NASCLA: An accredited trade exam, not a contractor license.
Commercial Construction Qualifications
Unlimited vs. Limited Tier
NASCLA and Georgia Business & Law
Georgia experience route: Several education and experience combinations are recognized. Select the route that matches your documented qualifications.
Commercial experience: The commercial General Contractor application requires appropriate commercial construction background.
Unlimited net worth: $150,000.
Limited Tier net worth: $25,000.
Limited Tier contract limit: $1,000,000.
Insurance: Minimum $500,000 general liability per occurrence, plus workers' compensation when applicable.
This schedule prepares candidates for both the NASCLA commercial trade examination and the separate Georgia Business & Law examination.
The Georgia General Contractor examination process can be challenging because applicants must prepare for two separate tests.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination covers a wide range of commercial construction subjects.
The Georgia Business & Law examination separately tests the state's legal and business requirements for contractors.
One of the biggest NASCLA challenges is the size of the reference library.
The exam covers construction project management, sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, roofing, waterproofing, accessibility, and mechanical and electrical systems.
A contractor with years of experience in concrete or framing may be very comfortable with certain questions while finding other subjects less familiar.
For example, a candidate who understands structural concrete may need more practice with stormwater pollution prevention or EIFS installation requirements.
That is normal for an examination intended to evaluate broad general contracting knowledge.
The NASCLA trade examination contains 115 scored questions and allows 330 minutes.
This provides approximately 2.87 minutes per scored question.
The time limit is generous enough for planned reference lookups, but it can become difficult when candidates search through several books for each answer.
That is why reference navigation should be practiced before the examination.
Another challenge is understanding the relationship between individual trades.
For example, roofing depends on the structure beneath it, waterproofing affects the building envelope, and mechanical and electrical installation must be coordinated with walls, ceilings, and inspections.
Contract administration creates additional challenges.
Procurement and Contracting Requirements represent the largest NASCLA category, with 31 scored questions.
Candidates should understand estimating, purchasing, scheduling, subcontractor responsibilities, change orders, and project documents.
Georgia Business & Law requires a different type of study.
The examination has 50 questions and allows two hours.
Questions may involve tax law, employment requirements, contractor licensing, insurance, liens, contracts, and business organization.
These subjects are not always part of a contractor's daily field responsibilities.
However, they are important when managing the legal and financial obligations of a construction company.
Both examinations are open book, but an approved reference book is only useful when the candidate knows where to look.
Study by topic, practice using the same books, and review incorrect answers.
With a consistent schedule and effective reference navigation, the broad NASCLA examination becomes more manageable.
NASCLA: 115 scored questions, 330 minutes, 70% passing.
Georgia Business & Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing.
Separate sessions: Confirm which examination you are scheduled to take.
References: Bring only the books permitted for that examination.
After passing: Complete the Georgia licensing application and approval requirements.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Georgia NASCLA commercial construction books, online courses, highlighted and tabbed references, rental packages, and Georgia Business & Law materials.
Each product supports a different part of the examination and licensing process.
Georgia Commercial General Contractor References
Structured Commercial Construction Study
Reference Books, Course and Application Support
Georgia Business & Law reference: Georgia NASCLA Contractors Guide, 3rd Edition.
Highlighted and tabbed Business guide: Prepared Georgia Business & Law Book.
NASCLA complete exam prep: NASCLA Complete Exam Prep Package.
NASCLA highlighted and tabbed books: Commercial General Building Prepared Book Set.
Book rental: NASCLA Commercial General Building Book Rental.
NASCLA reference tabs: NASCLA Commercial Exam Pre-Printed Tabs.
Application and Business & Law preparation: Georgia Building Contractor License Jumpstart Package.
Product note: Verify current package contents, reference-book editions, rental terms, and availability before purchasing. Some listings are book-only packages, while others include online courses or application support.
Georgia NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor book-set image hosted on ContractorExamPreps.com.
This educational Georgia General Contractor credential illustration features the Georgia state outline, a commercial construction building, structural framework, and a construction crane.
It represents preparation for the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination and Georgia Business & Law.
This is not an official Georgia contractor license or certificate of examination passage.
The store-hosted product image beside the illustration comes directly from ContractorExamPreps.com and links to the matching Georgia NASCLA Complete Book Set.
• Georgia State Licensing Board
• General Contractor Unlimited
• General Contractor Limited Tier
• NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam
• Georgia Business & Law Exam
• 115 NASCLA Scored Questions
• 330-Minute Trade Examination
• 50 Business & Law Questions
• 120-Minute Business Examination
• 70% Passing Requirement
• Open-Book Testing
• Commercial Construction Methods
• Sitework and Excavation
• Concrete and Reinforcement
• Structural Steel and Joists
• Wood Framing and Trusses
• Masonry and Foundations
• Roofing and Waterproofing
• Building Envelope Systems
• Doors, Windows and Glazing
• Gypsum and Interior Finishes
• Accessibility Requirements
• Plumbing and Mechanical Coordination
• Electrical Systems Coordination
• OSHA Construction Safety
• Construction Estimating
• Procurement and Contracting
• Project Management
• Construction Scheduling
• Georgia Licensing Requirements
• Georgia Business Law
• Construction Liens and Contracts
• Insurance and Financial Responsibility
• Georgia GOALS Application
Prepare with approved construction reference books, organized study materials, timed practice, and strong reference-navigation skills.
Georgia General Contractor Licensing
It is a state license for qualifying general contracting work, regulated by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors.
The unlimited General Contractor classification is not subject to the Limited Tier's $1 million per-contract ceiling. Limited Tier contractors must keep contracts within that limit.
The maximum is $1,000,000 per contract under Georgia's Limited Tier rule.
The Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors, through the Georgia Secretary of State.
No. NASCLA is an accredited examination program. Georgia issues the actual General Contractor license after all state requirements are met.
Georgia's General Contractor licensing rules require applicants to be at least 21 years old.
Georgia offers several qualification routes. One route requires four years of active construction experience, including two years connected to general contracting and one year in a qualifying management-related function.
Yes. Georgia recognizes certain degree and college-credit paths combined with acceptable construction experience, subject to Board requirements.
Yes. Applicants pursuing commercial General Contractor licensing must document qualifying commercial construction experience.
NASCLA Commercial General Building Examination
The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is used for the commercial trade examination requirement.
The examination contains 115 scored questions.
330 minutes, equivalent to five hours and thirty minutes.
70%, requiring at least 81 correct answers out of 115 scored questions.
Yes. Candidates may use approved examination references subject to the testing provider's rules.
Procurement and Contracting has 31 questions, General Requirements has 25, and Site Construction has 15. Together they account for 71 of 115 scored questions.
Yes. Concrete and masonry are separate tested construction categories.
Yes. Metals and Wood are separate NASCLA examination topics, including structural systems and related installation practices.
Yes. Project administration, scheduling, procurement, contracts, supervision, safety, and other management responsibilities are important subjects.
Georgia Business & Law
Yes. Examination applicants must pass Georgia Business & Law in addition to the NASCLA commercial trade exam.
The examination contains 50 questions.
120 minutes, or two hours.
70%, which requires 35 correct answers out of 50.
The Georgia NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 3rd Edition, is the primary listed examination reference.
Licensing, estimating, bidding, business organization, financial management, taxes, labor law, project management, liens, contracts, risk, environmental regulations, and safety.
Financial and Insurance Requirements
The minimum is $150,000.
The minimum is $25,000.
Yes. Georgia requires at least $500,000 in general liability insurance per occurrence for commercial General Contractor licensing.
Georgia generally requires workers' compensation coverage for employers with three or more employees, subject to the applicable law.
A Qualifying Agent is the responsible licensed individual associated with a business organization that seeks to perform general contracting work.
Reference Books and Open-Book Rules
The NASCLA commercial examination uses a substantial library of approved construction references. Obtain the current official list and verify every required title and edition before testing.
Yes. PSI's published reference rules permit highlighting and underlining in approved books.
Yes. Approved examination references may use permanent tabs. Temporary removable tabs are prohibited.
No. The current PSI reference rules prohibit handwritten notes and unauthorized added papers.
Yes. NASCLA code questions are based on the code editions specified for the relevant testing window. Verify the current bulletin rather than assuming an older or newer codebook is equivalent.
NASCLA Transcripts and Licensing
Georgia may accept an eligible NASCLA passing result submitted through NASCLA's transcript system, while the applicant must still meet Georgia's other examination and licensing requirements.
No. Participating licensing agencies may accept the examination transcript, but each jurisdiction sets its own licensing requirements.
No. Georgia must approve the application, qualifying experience, financial requirements, insurance, and all other required documents.
Contractor Exam Preps Products
Yes. The Georgia NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Complete Book Set is listed on ContractorExamPreps.com.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers an online course for the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers highlighted and tabbed NASCLA commercial reference book packages.
Yes. Book rental and Ultimate rental packages are available. Review the current deposit, course access, processing, and return terms before purchasing.
The Georgia NASCLA Complete Book Set listing describes a book-only package. Online courses are available through separate products or selected bundles.
No. Preparation materials can support learning, but examination results and licensing decisions depend on the candidate's qualifications, performance, and completion of state requirements.
Watch this related 1Exam Prep video explaining the Georgia contractor examination process, including General Contractor licensing, NASCLA preparation, open-book reference strategies, and study methods.
The video addresses both Georgia commercial and residential contractor examination preparation and helps explain how highlighted and tabbed reference books can support timed testing.
Video source: 1Exam Prep.
Video focus: Georgia contractor exam preparation, including General Contractor and NASCLA topics.
Related subjects: Contractor licensing, open-book examination methods, reference books, timed practice, and study strategies.
NASCLA examination: 115 scored questions, 330 minutes, 70% passing.
Georgia Business & Law: Separate 50-question exam, 120 minutes, 70% passing.
Reminder: Verify your latest Georgia licensing and examination requirements before testing.
Watch Georgia Contractor Exam Prep on YouTube
Read the Related 1ExamPrep Georgia NASCLA General Contractor Guide
Explore Georgia General Contractor study materials from Contractor Exam Preps and verify your licensing requirements through the official state and NASCLA resources.
Georgia General Contractor: Unlimited commercial classification.
General Contractor Limited Tier: Maximum $1 million per contract.
NASCLA trade exam: 115 scored questions, 330 minutes, 70% passing.
Georgia Business & Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing.
Unlimited net worth: $150,000.
Limited Tier net worth: $25,000.
General liability: Minimum $500,000 per occurrence.
Application: Georgia GOALS with supporting licensing records.
Preparing for the Georgia General Contractor examination is an important step toward managing qualifying commercial construction projects throughout the state.
Georgia offers two primary commercial General Contractor classifications: unlimited General Contractor and General Contractor Limited Tier.
The unlimited classification does not have the $1 million per-contract restriction imposed on Limited Tier.
Limited Tier contractors must keep their contracts within the statutory $1 million maximum.
Both classifications require candidates to understand commercial construction, project management, legal responsibilities, and financial management.
The Georgia licensing process generally requires two separate examinations for applicants seeking licensure by examination.
The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors tests broad commercial construction knowledge.
The Georgia Business & Law examination tests state-specific contractor business and regulatory responsibilities.
The NASCLA trade examination contains 115 scored questions and allows 330 minutes, equivalent to five and a half hours.
The minimum passing score is 70%, requiring at least 81 correct answers.
Georgia Business & Law contains 50 questions and allows 120 minutes.
It also requires 70%, or at least 35 correct answers.
The scores are separate. Passing NASCLA does not automatically satisfy Georgia Business & Law.
The NASCLA examination covers twelve major commercial construction areas.
These include General Requirements, Site Construction, Concrete, Masonry, Metals, Wood, Thermal and Moisture Protection, Doors and Windows, Finishes, Mechanical and Plumbing, Electrical Systems, and Procurement and Contracting.
Procurement and Contracting is the largest area, containing 31 questions.
General Requirements contains 25 questions, while Site Construction contains 15.
Together, these three areas represent approximately 61.7% of the scored trade examination.
However, candidates should still prepare for every technical category because commercial general contracting requires knowledge of multiple construction systems.
A General Contractor must understand how concrete, structural steel, framing, roofing, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems fit together.
Successful construction management also involves scheduling, estimates, procurement, subcontractor coordination, contracts, permits, and jobsite safety.
The Georgia Business & Law examination complements that technical knowledge.
It covers licensing requirements, estimating, bidding, business organization, taxes, employment, liens, contracts, risk management, environmental requirements, and safety.
Both examinations are open book, but candidates may use only approved reference materials.
NASCLA preparation involves a large collection of construction books and technical standards.
Study materials include building codes, OSHA, structural concrete, steel systems, masonry, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, stormwater guidance, and construction management.
For the Georgia Business & Law exam, the Georgia NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 3rd Edition, is the principal state-specific reference.
Contractor Exam Preps offers several resources to help organize the preparation process.
The Georgia NASCLA Commercial General Building Complete Book Set provides a coordinated reference library.
The Georgia NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course supports structured construction study and test preparation.
The Georgia NASCLA Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package combines prepared rental books with online resources and application support.
For separate Business & Law preparation, candidates can review the Georgia NASCLA Business and Law Guide.
Before purchasing reference packages, verify the permitted editions and current examination rules with the official testing provider.
Georgia General Contractor licensing also involves requirements beyond passing the exams.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and satisfy an accepted education or commercial construction experience pathway.
One common route involves four years of qualifying construction experience, including experience working with a general contractor and managing construction-related responsibilities.
Financial responsibility is also important.
The unlimited General Contractor classification requires at least $150,000 in net worth.
The Limited Tier classification requires at least $25,000.
Commercial General Contractors must also meet applicable liability insurance and workers' compensation requirements.
Applicants must submit the correct documentation through Georgia's licensing process and receive state approval before offering regulated work.
A strong exam preparation strategy combines practical construction experience with focused study of the official exam outlines.
Practice reading construction documents, using reference indexes, interpreting building standards, understanding contracts, and solving construction calculations.
Complete timed NASCLA and Georgia Business & Law practice examinations separately so you understand the different pacing requirements.
Review missed questions and use them to identify areas that need more attention.
With the correct books, organized study, and consistent practice, candidates can build the knowledge and confidence needed for the Georgia General Contractor licensing process.
Find additional Georgia contractor licensing books, courses, and exam preparation resources at ContractorExamPreps.com.
