All Georgia contractors are required to complete continuing education courses and pass periodic exams to maintain their licenses in good standing. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure contractors stay up-to-date with the latest industry laws, regulations, practices, and technical advancements. This article will discuss Georgia contractor continuing education and exam requirements, common courses and exam prep strategies, and tips for fitting it all in while growing your business.
Continuing Education Requirements
Georgia contractors must complete 12 continuing education hours within each two-year renewal cycle to maintain an active license. RocketCert is the largest approved Georgia contractor continuing education provider, offering various online and in-person courses in areas like OSHA safety, legal updates, estimating, and new technologies. At least eight hours must be in courses related to the contractor’s license specialization.
Common Exam Subjects
Periodic licensing exams test contractors on various subjects relevant to running a successful business and proper job site practices. Three common subjects evaluated include business and project management best practices, safety protocols and regulations, and construction trade practices.
Exams cover topics within these domains like contracting law, estimating and budgeting, OSHA compliance, working around utilities and heavy equipment, common building materials, and installation techniques. Familiar with the typical exam content areas can help focus study efforts.
Study Tips for Exam Preparation
If you want to pass the contractor exam on your first attempt, you’ll want to dedicate study time. The following tips can help you create a study plan that will optimize your chances of passing the exam:
1. Develop a Study Plan
Create a schedule allowing enough time to review all relevant materials. Block out short sessions over several weeks for optimal retention.
2. Review Course Notes
Go back through notes and handouts from previous continuing education courses. Re-familiarize yourself with code requirements, case studies, and technical drawings.
3. Practice Test Questions
Seek out practice exams from providers like RocketCert and quiz yourself, covering the common subject areas. Treating it like the real thing helps identify knowledge gaps needing more attention.
4. Use Study Groups
Forming a small study group with fellow contractors is another effective preparation method. Take turns quizzing each other and discuss unclear topics out loud. Teaching the material to others cements your understanding.
5. Utilize Available Resources
Beyond your notes, take advantage of additional exam prep tools from publishers. RocketCert, for example, provides practice exams, flashcards, and an exam simulation option to get comfortable with the testing experience and format.
6. Stay Confident on Test Day
When the exam arrives, get enough rest the night before. Remember that with appropriate preparation using the above tips, you have given yourself the best chance at passing the first time. Maintaining a calm and focused mindset during the exam itself is important.
Available Prep Courses and Materials
There are several types of contractor exam preparation available through RocketCert, including live and on-demand online courses, study guides, practice exams, and flashcards. Courses cover various levels of subject matter detail depending.
The more thorough the preparation, the better chance of passing on the first try. You should pick the right course(s) for your needs. For example, if you have trouble studying independently, an in-person or virtual live course would be better. If you’re busy running your business, an on-demand course with adjustable review schedules might be ideal.
Maintaining an Up-to-Date License
To renew a contractor license before its expiration date, complete the required continuing education hours and submit a renewal application with payment to the state licensing board. Records are subject to a random audit, so retain all course completion certificates. Harsh penalties like license suspension can result from non-compliance, so staying current is important for any business in the construction industry.
Conclusion
Lifelong learning is especially crucial in construction, where new techniques, materials, tools, and regulations emerge constantly. For contractors, continuing education keeps critical knowledge and skills updated to run a business for years to come successfully. It also benefits clients by ensuring high standards and quality craftsmanship from licensed professionals committed to ongoing training and development.
