Georgia Residential Basic Contractor Exam; Pre-Printed Tabs

Georgia Residential Basic Contractor Exam; Pre-Printed Tabs

Stay organized and exam-compliant with pre-printed, permanent tabs for the Georgia Residential – Basic Contractor open-book trade exam. These tabs are designed to help you navigate your approved references faster—so you spend less time searching and more time answering.

PSI’s Georgia contractor Candidate Information Bulletin states that Residential–Basic is an OPEN BOOK exam and that references may be tabbed/indexed with permanent tabs only. Temporary tabs (such as Post-It notes) are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

What You Get

• Pre-Printed Permanent Tabs: A ready-to-apply tab set to help index the major sections of the Residential–Basic reference books.
• Faster Lookups: A cleaner navigation system for code questions, safety questions, and core trade topics.
• Exam-Friendly Organization: Built around the PSI rule that allows permanent tabs only for open-book testing.

Exam Details

• Exam: Georgia Residential – Basic Contractor (Trade Exam)
• Testing provider: PSI
• Format: Open book
• Number of questions: 80
• Time allowed: 200 minutes
• Minimum passing score: 70% (56 correct)
• Key reminder: PSI also states Residential–Basic candidates must pass the Georgia Business & Law exam in addition to the trade exam.

Open Book Test

PSI states the Georgia Residential–Basic exam is OPEN BOOK, and candidates must supply their own references (the books are not provided in the exam center). PSI also states:

• Reference material may be highlighted, underlined, and/or indexed, but must be otherwise unmarked (not written in) and may not contain additional papers (loose or attached).
• References may be tabbed/indexed with permanent tabs only.
• Temporary tabs (such as Post-It notes) are not allowed and must be removed from the reference before the exam will begin.

Licensing Steps

1. Apply with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors: PSI states eligibility to test is determined by the Board.
2. Receive approval to test: PSI states that if your application is approved, you will be notified how to contact PSI for registration.
3. Schedule your exam with PSI: Register and schedule your Residential–Basic exam after approval.
4. Prepare with the correct references: Use the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin reference list for the approved titles/editions.
5. Arrive with compliant materials: Bring only approved books, with clean highlighting and permanent tabs (no loose papers or temporary tabs).

State Requirements

Georgia Residential–Basic contractor licensing is regulated by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. PSI administers the examinations, and PSI states exam eligibility is determined by the Board. Always follow the current Board application instructions and the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for your license path.

Reference Books

PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin lists the following references as allowed in the examination center for the Georgia Residential – Basic Contractor exam. These pre-printed tabs are intended to help you organize and navigate these approved references more efficiently:

• International Residential Code, 2018
  Primary residential code reference 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 Safety content.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2010 or 2016 (Student Edition)
  Carpentry and construction fundamentals used for framing and trade knowledge.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2018 (Updated March 2020)
  Truss handling and bracing practices tied to roofing and structural safety concepts.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 2005, 3rd Edition
  Concrete fundamentals used for concrete and reinforcement topic areas.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 8th Edition (2015)
  Masonry reference supporting brick, block, and stone knowledge.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Excavation and piping fundamentals tied to sitework and associated trades.
• International Energy Conservation Code, 2015
  Energy code concepts used in general code and construction knowledge.
• Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes
  State-specific amendments referenced in PSI’s Residential–Basic reference list.

Test Information and Study Materials

• Use tabs to protect your time: Practice “find-and-confirm” lookups using your index, table of contents, and tab system under timed conditions.
• Keep your setup clean: PSI prohibits loose or attached papers and prohibits temporary tabs. Keep your books tidy and inspection-ready.
• Don’t over-tab: Too many tabs can slow you down. A clear, consistent system is usually faster than clutter.
• Plan for two exams: PSI states Residential–Basic candidates must pass both the Residential–Basic trade exam and the Georgia Business & Law exam.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Georgia Residential–Basic candidates with a structured, practice-oriented approach that helps you study more efficiently and feel more confident on test day. We help you stay organized across trade topics, build practical review habits, and strengthen open-book navigation so you can use your approved references effectively under time pressure.

• Organized study guidance: Keeps your prep aligned to the PSI content outline so you don’t miss key areas.
• Practice-oriented preparation: Reinforces concepts through application—so you’re training for exam-style questions, not just reading.
• Reference navigation support: Encourages compliant organization habits (including permanent tabbing) that can improve pacing.
• Confidence-building structure: Helps you stay consistent and reduce last-minute stress with a clearer prep routine.

FAQ

Are tabs allowed for the Georgia Residential–Basic exam?

Yes. PSI states references may be tabbed/indexed with permanent tabs only. Temporary tabs (such as Post-It notes) are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

Can I highlight my books if I’m using tabs?

Yes. PSI states reference material may be highlighted, underlined, and/or indexed, but must be otherwise unmarked (not written in) and may not contain additional papers (loose or attached).

Do these tabs include the reference books?

No. This product is pre-printed tabs only. You’ll need to purchase the approved reference books separately.

What exam are these tabs for?

These tabs are intended for the Georgia Residential – Basic Contractor trade exam reference set listed in PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin.

Is the Georgia Residential–Basic exam open book?

Yes. PSI states the Residential–Basic Contractor exam is OPEN BOOK and that the approved references are not provided in the exam center.

Do I still need to study if it’s open book?

Yes. Open-book exams are timed, and many candidates lose points by searching too long. Tabs help most when you practice using them during timed drills before exam day.