Georgia Residential-Basic Contractor Book Package (8 books)

Georgia Residential-Basic Contractor Book Package (8 books)

Get a complete set of core references to support your preparation for the Georgia Residential-Basic Contractor trade exam. This 8-book package brings your code, safety, carpentry, truss handling/bracing guidance, concrete, masonry, excavation, and energy code references into one organized set—so you can study consistently and build faster navigation habits for exam-day readiness.

Important note about editions: Georgia/PSI publishes the official reference list and required editions for the Residential-Basic exam. Some of the editions in this package may differ from the editions listed in the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. Always confirm your exact edition requirements for your testing window before exam day.

What You Get

• 8-book reference package for Georgia Residential-Basic Contractor exam preparation
• Organized study foundation for code + safety + core residential construction topic areas
• Better readiness for open-book testing by building familiarity with where information is located across your references

Exam Details

• Exam: Georgia Residential – Basic Contractor (Trade Exam)
• Testing provider: PSI
• Number of questions: 80
• Time allowed: 200 minutes
• Minimum passing score: 70% (56 correct)
• Reminder: Georgia Residential-Basic candidates must also pass the Georgia Business & Law exam for licensure.

Open Book Test

The Georgia Residential–Basic Contractor trade exam is an OPEN BOOK exam. PSI’s bulletin states that the approved references are not provided in the testing center, so candidates must supply their own books.

PSI also states that reference material may be highlighted, underlined, and/or indexed, but must be otherwise unmarked (no writing in the books) and may not contain additional papers (loose or attached). References may be tabbed/indexed with permanent tabs only; temporary tabs must be removed before the exam begins.

Licensing Steps

1. Apply with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors: Eligibility to test is determined by the Board.
2. Receive approval to test: If your application is approved, you’ll receive instructions for registering.
3. Schedule with PSI: Register and schedule your exam appointment through PSI.
4. Pass required exams: Residential-Basic candidates must pass the Residential-Basic trade exam and the Georgia Business & Law exam.

State Requirements

Georgia contractor licensing is regulated by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, and examinations are administered by PSI. Requirements vary by application type (Individual vs. Qualifying Agent) and license classification, so follow the Board’s current application instructions and PSI’s current Candidate Information Bulletin for your exact pathway.

Reference Books

• International Residential Code, 2018
  Primary residential code reference used for code and construction knowledge questions.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments
  Construction safety standards used for OSHA and jobsite safety questions.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Carpentry and construction fundamentals used for framing and core building knowledge.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Truss handling and bracing best practices used for roof/structural safety concepts. (Always confirm the edition accepted for your test date.)
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction 4th  Edition
  Concrete placement and quality fundamentals used for concrete and reinforcement topic areas.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Masonry reference supporting brick/block/stone knowledge. (Always confirm the edition accepted for your test date.)
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Excavation and piping fundamentals tied to sitework and related trade knowledge.
• International Energy Conservation Code, 2015
  Energy conservation concepts used for code-related questions.

Not included in this 8-book set: PSI’s Residential–Basic reference list also includes Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes. If your exam preparation plan requires that title for your test date, be sure to obtain it separately.

Test Information and Study Materials

• Use open-book the right way: Open-book success comes from knowing where information lives. Practice “find-and-confirm” lookups using the index and table of contents.
• Keep your books exam-compliant: Avoid loose pages, pasted notes, or writing in the books. Use permanent tabs only.
• Study by the PSI outline: Organize your review around sitework/foundations, concrete, masonry, carpentry, roofing, general code knowledge, associated trades, and OSHA safety.
• Confirm editions before test day: PSI’s required editions can change. Verify that each book edition you bring matches the current PSI bulletin for your exam window.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Georgia Residential-Basic candidates turn a stack of references into a clearer, more manageable prep routine. We support you with organized study guidance, practice-oriented preparation, and a trade-focused approach that helps you build confidence in the material and strengthen your open-book navigation habits—without relying on last-minute cramming.

• Organized study guidance: Helps you structure your time across the exam’s major topic areas.
• Practice-oriented preparation: Reinforces understanding through application so you’re training for exam-style thinking, not just reading.
• Reference navigation habits: Encourages faster, more reliable lookups using indexing, tabbing strategy (permanent tabs), and timed practice.
• Confidence-building structure: A steady plan helps reduce overwhelm and keeps your prep consistent.

FAQ

Does this package include the Georgia Business & Law book?

No. This is the Residential-Basic trade 8-book package. Georgia Residential-Basic candidates must also pass the Georgia Business & Law exam, which uses a separate NASCLA business/law reference.

Is the Georgia Residential-Basic exam open book?

Yes. PSI lists the Residential–Basic Contractor exam as OPEN BOOK and publishes the allowed references and reference-handling rules.

Can I highlight and tab these books?

PSI states reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and/or indexed, but must be otherwise unmarked (no writing) and may not contain additional papers. PSI also states references may be tabbed/indexed with permanent tabs only.

Do I need the Georgia State Amendments book?

PSI’s Residential–Basic reference list includes Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes. This 8-book package does not include that title, so confirm whether you need it for your exam and obtain it separately if required.

Do my book editions have to match PSI exactly?

Yes—especially for code books. PSI bulletins specify the code edition the exam is based on, and reference list editions can change by exam cycle. Always verify your editions for your test date.

Does the exam only test what’s in the books?

PSI notes that the examination may also include questions based on trade knowledge or general industry practices, so it’s important to study for understanding—not just lookup.