Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Book Package

Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Book Package

Build your Georgia Residential–Light Commercial exam prep around a complete reference set. This book package gathers the core code, safety, and construction references commonly used for Residential–Light Commercial study so you can practice code lookups, reinforce trade knowledge, and improve speed with open-book navigation.

PSI’s Georgia Candidate Information Bulletin (Updated 4/28/2025) lists the Residential–Light Commercial trade exam as OPEN BOOK and provides the official reference list for the exam. For code-based questions, PSI states the exam is based only on the code edition listed, so matching the correct edition matters.

What You Get

• Residential–Light Commercial reference set: The books you listed below packaged together for one-stop purchasing and consistent studying.
• Open-book readiness foundation: A practical way to build “find-it-fast” habits across multiple references (index + table of contents + clean organization).
• Better study flow: A single package that supports code, structural, masonry, excavation, drywall, steel joist/deck, and OSHA safety review.

Exam Details

• Trade exam: Georgia Residential – Light Commercial Contractor Exam (PSI)
• Number of questions: 90
• Time allowed: 230 minutes
• Minimum passing score: 70% (63 correct)
• Important reminder: PSI states Residential–Light Commercial candidates must also pass the Georgia Business & Law exam for licensure.

Open Book Test

PSI states the Georgia Residential–Light Commercial trade exam is an OPEN BOOK exam and that the approved references are not provided in the testing center (candidates must supply their own).

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 must be removed before the exam begins.

Edition note from PSI: For code questions, PSI states the exam is based only on the code edition listed in the bulletin. If any edition in this package differs from the bulletin for your exam date, you may need to swap to the listed edition before test day.

Licensing Steps

1. Apply with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors: PSI states eligibility to test is determined by the Board.
2. Receive approval to test: After approval, you’ll receive instructions to register with PSI.
3. Schedule your exams: Register and schedule the Residential–Light Commercial trade exam and the Georgia Business & Law exam.
4. Prepare with the correct references: Match your books and editions to the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin reference list for your exam window.

State Requirements

Georgia contractor licensing for Residential–Light Commercial is regulated by the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. Requirements can vary by application type (Individual vs. Qualifying Agent). Always follow the Board’s current application instructions and PSI’s current bulletin for the most accurate exam and reference requirements.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  Code reference used for building/code questions tied to Light Commercial scope.
• International Residential Code, 2018
  Residential code reference used for core residential code requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments
  Construction safety standards used for OSHA safety and compliance questions.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 (Student Edition)
  Carpentry and construction fundamentals supporting framing and trade knowledge topics.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Truss handling and bracing guidance supporting roof/structural safety concepts. Confirm your accepted edition for your exam date.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction
  Concrete placement and quality fundamentals supporting concrete/reinforcement topics.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Masonry reference supporting brick/block/stone knowledge. Confirm your accepted edition for your exam date.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Excavation and piping fundamentals tied to sitework and associated trades.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  Drywall/gypsum systems reference supporting associated trades and construction knowledge.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition, 2008
  Steel joist/joist girder handling and erection guidance supporting metals/structural topics.
• SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, 3rd Ed.
  Steel deck construction reference supporting metals and structural construction knowledge. PSI’s bulletin lists this title with a specific year; confirm your accepted edition/year for your exam date.
• International Energy Conservation Code, 2015
  Energy conservation requirements supporting code and construction knowledge questions.

Important: PSI’s Residential–Light Commercial reference list also includes the Georgia Accessibility Code (latest edition) and Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes. These titles are not listed in your package above, so confirm whether you need them for your testing window.

Test Information and Study Materials

• Practice open-book the right way: Train “find-and-confirm” lookups using the index and table of contents so you don’t burn time searching during the exam.
• Keep books inspection-ready: PSI permits highlighting/underlining/indexing and permanent tabs, but prohibits writing in books and prohibits loose/attached papers.
• Match code editions: For code questions, PSI states the exam is based only on the code edition listed in the bulletin—verify your IBC/IRC/IECC editions before test day.
• Don’t ignore metals and associated trades: Light Commercial adds metals content and includes drywall and steel joist/deck topics on the reference list.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Georgia Residential–Light Commercial candidates turn a stack of references into a clearer, more effective study routine. We support you with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, and practice-oriented preparation so you can build confidence in the material and improve your open-book navigation habits—without relying on last-minute cramming.

• Organized study guidance: Helps you structure prep across sitework, concrete, masonry, carpentry, roofing, metals, codes, associated trades, and OSHA safety.
• Practice-oriented preparation: Reinforces key concepts through application so you’re training for exam-style questions, not just reading chapters.
• Reference navigation habits: Encourages cleaner lookups and better pacing using indexing, tabbing strategy (permanent tabs), and timed drills.
• Confidence-building structure: A consistent plan helps reduce overwhelm and supports steady progress toward exam day.

FAQ

Does this package include the Georgia Business & Law book?

No. This is the Residential–Light Commercial trade reference package. PSI states you must also pass the Georgia Business & Law exam, which uses a separate NASCLA business/law reference.

Is the Georgia Residential–Light Commercial exam open book?

Yes. PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin states the Residential–Light Commercial examination is OPEN BOOK and lists the references allowed in the examination center.

Can I highlight and tab my books?

Yes. PSI states references may be highlighted, underlined, and/or indexed, but must be otherwise unmarked (not written in) and may not contain additional papers. PSI also states references may be tabbed/indexed with permanent tabs only.

Do my editions have to match PSI exactly?

For code questions, PSI states the exam is based only on the code edition listed. For non-code references, PSI notes later editions may be used as they become available. To avoid test-day issues, match the PSI bulletin for your exam window.

Are any books missing from this package compared to PSI’s reference list?

PSI’s Residential–Light Commercial reference list also includes the Georgia Accessibility Code (latest edition) and Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes. Those titles are not listed in your package above, so confirm whether you need them for your exam date.

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

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