The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Exam, Licensing & Business Setup Solution

The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor Exam, Licensing & Business Setup Solution is built for contractors who want a complete path for exam preparation, licensing support, and business setup in one organized package. This solution brings together Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam preparation, business and trade classes, rental reference books, application service, business formation, EIN filing, contractor compliance guidance, and a first-year surety bond cost credit for the $25,000 bond that Georgia allows as a substitute for financial net worth.

This package is designed for students preparing for the Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor license through the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. Candidates in this license category must prepare for the Residential-Light Commercial trade exam and the Georgia Business & Law exam. The trade exam covers residential and light commercial construction knowledge, while the Business & Law exam focuses on the legal, financial, administrative, and project-management responsibilities involved in operating as a contractor.

Open-book contractor exams require more than owning the correct books. Students must know how to use the references efficiently, recognize where topics are located, understand code and trade terminology, and manage their time during the exam. This package supports that process with live classes, recorded classes, self-study courses, rental books, and structured preparation for both the business and trade portions of the Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor exam process.

Package Price: $2,220 plus a $900 deposit, for a total of $3,120.

Exam Details

The Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor licensing process includes two required examinations: the Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam and the Business & Law exam. The Residential-Light Commercial trade exam contains 90 questions, allows 230 minutes, and requires a minimum passing score of 70%. The Business & Law exam contains 50 questions, allows 120 minutes, and also requires a minimum passing score of 70%.

The Residential-Light Commercial trade exam measures knowledge across major construction areas involved in residential and light commercial work. Topics include sitework, footings and foundations, concrete and concrete reinforcement, metals, masonry, carpentry, roofing, general code and construction knowledge, associated trades, and OSHA safety. These subjects require familiarity with construction methods, code interpretation, field practices, safety standards, and the organization of the listed reference books.

The Business & Law exam focuses on the business side of contracting. Exam topics include licensing requirements, estimating and bidding, business organization, financial management, tax laws, labor laws, project management, lien law, contracts, risk management, environmental requirements, and safety. This exam is important because licensed contractors are expected to understand not only how construction work is performed, but also how a contracting business is managed responsibly.

Students should prepare for both exams with a focused study plan. A strong plan includes reading and reviewing the exam content outline, learning where subjects are located in the references, taking practice-oriented review sessions, and building comfort with the structure of the books. Because the exams are timed, successful preparation depends on both knowledge and speed.

Open Book Test

The Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam and the Georgia Business & Law exam are open book. Candidates are responsible for bringing the correct allowed references to the testing appointment. The testing center does not provide the books for the candidate.

Open-book testing still requires serious preparation. The number of books is large, and the exam time is limited. Students need to know how to locate answers, interpret code language, recognize trade terminology, and move between references without wasting time. The purpose of the included classes and self-study courses is to help students develop a clear method for studying and navigating the books before exam day.

Reference materials used during the exam must follow testing rules. Books may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed, but they must be otherwise unmarked. Loose papers and attached papers are not allowed. Permanent tabs may be used. Temporary tabs, including Post-It style tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

Licensing Steps

Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor applicants apply through the Georgia Secretary of State licensing system. The applicant selects the appropriate Residential-Light Commercial license type, completes the online application, provides required documentation and information, and submits the required fee. Application paths include individual applications and qualifying agent applications, depending on how the applicant will operate.

An individual license is used when the contractor is applying as an individual or sole proprietor. A qualifying agent application is used when the applicant will qualify a business organization. Students should identify the correct application type before beginning the process so that the business structure, work history, insurance, financial responsibility, and supporting documents match the selected licensing path.

The application process may include personal information, business information, work experience documentation, employment affidavits, project information, references, and insurance or financial responsibility documentation. This package includes Application Service to help organize the licensing side of the process, along with business setup support for students who need help forming an LLC or Corporation and obtaining an EIN.

The business setup portion helps students move beyond exam preparation and into a more complete operating structure. Business Formation helps establish the entity. EIN Filing supports banking, tax, hiring, and business administration needs. Contractor Compliance Guidance helps students understand the compliance responsibilities that come with operating as a Georgia contractor.

State Requirements

The Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor license is regulated by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. The license category applies to contractors pursuing residential and light commercial work under the rules of the Board. Applicants may apply as individuals or as qualifying agents connected to a business organization.

Georgia application materials require applicants to provide information showing that they meet the requirements for the selected license type. The Residential-Light Commercial application process includes age, experience, financial responsibility, insurance, and documentation requirements. Depending on the qualification path, applicants may need to document work experience and submit supporting information such as project records, employment affidavits, references, or education records when applicable.

Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor financial and insurance requirements include financial responsibility documentation. Georgia allows a surety bond to be used as a substitute for financial net worth. For this package, 1 Exam Prep provides a credit toward the first-year cost of the $25,000 bond. This added support is designed to help students address a key licensing requirement while preparing for the exam and setting up the business side of their contracting operation.

Residential contractor license renewal is handled online and must be completed by June 30 of even-numbered years. A late renewal period is available from July 1 through July 31. Contractors should maintain their license, insurance, business records, bond or financial documentation, and compliance items according to the Board’s rules.

Reference Books

• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, 3rd Edition
  Business and law reference for Georgia contractor exam preparation, covering contractor licensing, business organization, financial management, contracts, project management, legal responsibilities, risk, and construction business practices.
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2018
  Building code reference used for light commercial construction questions involving occupancy, construction types, fire-resistance, means of egress, structural provisions, and general building-code requirements.
• Included Book: International Residential Code, 2018
  Residential code reference used for one- and two-family dwelling construction topics, including building planning, foundations, framing, roofing, dwelling systems coordination, and residential code provisions.
• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments
  Construction safety reference covering OSHA standards for jobsite safety, hazard recognition, fall protection, excavation, scaffolding, worker protection, and construction safety responsibilities.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 (Student Edition)
  Construction reference covering carpentry methods, layout, framing, materials, structural components, and general building practices used in residential and light commercial construction.
• Included Book: BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Truss reference focused on proper handling, installation, restraint, and bracing practices for metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Included Book: The Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
  Concrete construction reference covering quality practices, placement, reinforcement, finishing, curing, and field considerations for concrete work.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, 9th or 10th Edition
  Masonry reference covering brick, block, stone, mortar, masonry installation practices, terminology, and construction methods.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Excavation and utility construction reference covering trenching, pipe installation, excavation planning, equipment, safety, and field practices.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  Gypsum systems reference covering gypsum board, assemblies, finishing, wall systems, ceiling systems, and installation methods.
• Included Book: Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition, 2008
  Steel joist reference focused on handling, erection, coordination, and field considerations for steel joists and joist girders.
• Included Book: SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, 3rd Ed.
  Steel deck reference covering deck construction, handling, installation practices, and coordination of steel deck systems.
• Included Book: International Energy Conservation Code, 2015
  Energy code reference used for building energy-efficiency requirements, building envelope provisions, insulation, fenestration, and related construction standards.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are identified for Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam preparation and exam-room use. Candidates should bring the correct allowed editions, prepare books according to testing rules, and make sure all tabs and markings comply with exam-center requirements.

• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, 3rd Edition
  Business and law reference for the Georgia contractor business exam.
• International Building Code, 2018
  Building code reference for light commercial construction and general code questions.
• International Residential Code, 2018
  Residential code reference for dwelling construction and residential building requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments
  Construction safety reference for OSHA-related jobsite safety questions.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 (Student Edition)
  Construction reference for carpentry, framing, building materials, and construction practices.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Truss reference for handling, installation, restraint, and bracing practices.
• The Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
  Concrete reference for concrete placement, reinforcement, quality, curing, and related field practices.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, 9th or 10th Edition
  Masonry reference for brick, block, stone, and masonry installation methods.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Excavation and pipe reference for trenching, utility work, excavation safety, and installation practices.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  Gypsum construction reference for wall, ceiling, board, and finishing systems.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition, 2008
  Steel joist reference for handling and erection of joists and joist girders.
• SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, 3rd Ed.
  Steel deck reference for deck handling, installation, and construction methods.
• International Energy Conservation Code, 2015
  Energy code reference for insulation, envelope, efficiency, and energy-conservation requirements.

Test Information and Study Materials

Effective Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam preparation should include trade review, business and law review, reference-book organization, and timed practice. Students should become familiar with the exam outline before studying so they understand which subjects carry the most weight and how to divide their review time.

For the trade exam, students should focus on sitework, foundations, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, associated trades, general construction knowledge, code application, and OSHA safety. For the Business & Law exam, students should focus on licensing, estimating, bidding, financial management, contracts, tax responsibilities, labor requirements, lien law, risk management, and safety-related business responsibilities.

This package includes business and trade live classes, recorded classes, and self-study courses. Live instruction helps students stay engaged and work through important topics in a guided format. Recorded classes allow students to revisit lessons and review difficult areas more than once. Self-study courses help students continue preparation between class sessions and build a consistent study rhythm.

Students should practice using the index, table of contents, chapter headings, and permanent tabs in each reference. During open-book exams, speed matters. A student who understands how the books are organized can move through questions more efficiently and avoid losing time searching randomly through large references.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, business and law preparation, reference navigation, and licensing support. This all-inclusive package is built for students who want help with the exam, the application process, and the business setup steps needed to operate professionally.

The included live classes give students direct instruction on important exam topics. Recorded classes provide flexibility for students who need to study around work, family, jobsite responsibilities, estimates, crews, and customer schedules. Self-study courses help reinforce the material and give students a structured way to continue preparing throughout the year of course access.

Reference navigation is a major part of open-book exam success. 1 Exam Prep helps students understand how the books are organized, how to use permanent tabs, how to find information quickly, and how to approach construction and business-law questions with a practical system. Students can build confidence by learning how to use the references before the test, rather than trying to figure them out under pressure.

The included Application Service helps students organize the licensing process. Business Formation helps establish the LLC or Corporation. EIN Filing helps create the tax identification structure needed for banking, taxes, hiring, and professional business operations. Contractor Compliance Guidance helps students better understand the responsibilities that come with operating as a Georgia contractor. The surety bond cost credit adds value by supporting a financial responsibility option accepted in Georgia.

This package is promotional, practical, and complete. It does not replace the student’s responsibility to study, meet state requirements, submit accurate information, or comply with Georgia rules. It gives students a stronger structure, more support, and a more complete path for preparing for the Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam and building the business foundation needed after licensure.

FAQ Section

What is included in The 1 Package for the Georgia Residential Light Commercial Contractor license?

This package includes the listed rental reference books, business and trade live classes, recorded classes, self-study courses, 1 year of course access, Application Service, Business Formation, EIN Filing with the IRS, Contractor Compliance Guidance, and a 1 Exam Prep credit toward the first-year cost of the $25,000 surety bond.

How much does this package cost?

The package price is $2,220 plus a $900 deposit, for a total of $3,120.

Does this package include business setup?

Yes. This package includes Business Formation for an LLC or Corporation, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance for Georgia contractor business setup.

Does this package include application help?

Yes. Application Service is included with this package. The service is designed to help students organize the Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor licensing application process.

Is the Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam is open book. Candidates must bring approved references and follow testing rules for highlighting, underlining, indexing, and permanent tabs.

Is the Georgia Business & Law exam open book?

Yes. The Georgia Business & Law exam is open book. Students should prepare the NASCLA Georgia business and law reference and practice locating information efficiently before the exam.

How many questions are on the Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor exam?

The Residential-Light Commercial Contractor trade exam has 90 questions, allows 230 minutes, and requires a minimum passing score of 70%.

How many questions are on the Georgia Business & Law exam?

The Georgia Business & Law exam has 50 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires a minimum passing score of 70%.

What does the surety bond credit cover?

Georgia allows a surety bond to be used as a substitute for financial net worth. This package includes a 1 Exam Prep credit toward the first-year cost of the $25,000 bond.

Who is this package best for?

This package is best for Georgia Residential-Light Commercial Contractor candidates who want exam preparation, rental books, live and recorded classes, self-study access, application help, business formation, EIN filing, compliance guidance, and surety bond cost support in one all-inclusive solution.