GA General Contractor study guide
GA General Contractor · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Georgia General Contractor credential is issued by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, which operates within the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. The General Contractor classification is the broader of the board's two contractor categories and is intended for individuals who take responsibility for the construction or alteration of buildings and structures without the square-footage and height limits that apply to the residential classification. The GA General Contractor study guide has 12 sections and about 3,275 words.
01Project Management, Supervision, and Contract Administration
Every project rests on the owner-contractor agreement and its incorporated documents: general conditions, specifications, drawings, and addenda. Know the order of precedence clause.
293 words, about 1 min02Sitework, Earthwork, and Site Utilities
Cut and fill are measured in bank (in-place) cubic yards. Excavated soil swells as it is loosened and shrinks again when compacted, so trucking and import quantities must be figured on the right basis.
297 words, about 1 min03Concrete and Reinforcing
Concrete is specified by 28-day compressive strength, water-cement ratio, air content, and slump. Air entrainment (typically 5 to 7 percent) provides freeze-thaw durability; lowering the w/c ratio raises strength and reduces permeability.
293 words, about 1 min04Masonry
Concrete masonry units are 8x8x16 nominal, but the actual face is 7-5/8 by 15-5/8 inches because a 3/8-inch mortar joint completes the module. Modular brick is 3-5/8 x 2-1/4 x 7-5/8, and with joints the module closes at 8 inches in both face dimensions.
284 words, about 1 min05Structural Steel and Metals
Structural design drawings are prepared by the engineer of record; shop drawings are the fabricator's detail of members, connections, and erection. AISC 303, the Code of Standard Practice, governs tolerances, camber, marking, and erection practice.
277 words, about 1 min06Carpentry, Wood Framing, and Rough Framing
Platform framing is the standard for wood light frame construction: floor platform, walls, then the next platform. Balloon framing continues studs past the floor line and requires fireblocking.
282 words, about 1 min07Roofing and Waterproofing
Steep-slope roofs, above 4:12, use shingles, tile, and metal. Low-slope roofs from about 1/4:12 to 3:12 use single-ply membranes such as TPO, EPDM, or PVC, modified bitumen, or built-up roofing.
237 words, about 1 min08Thermal and Moisture Protection
Know the product families - batt, blown-in, rigid foam board, and spray polyurethane - and their R-values per inch. Continuous insulation outside the framing defeats thermal bridging at studs, which batt alone cannot do.
258 words, about 1 min09Doors, Windows, and Glazing
Hollow metal frames, flush wood doors, and aluminum storefront are the common assemblies. Hardware functions follow BHMA grades, and closers, exit devices, and latching must satisfy the door schedule.
257 words, about 1 min10Finishes (Drywall, Flooring, Painting, and Coatings)
Thickness and type drive performance: 5/8-inch Type X for rated assemblies, moisture-resistant board in wet areas. Fastener spacing and type, framing spacing, and treatment of joints all affect the finished appearance, which is graded by the five levels of finish in GA-214.
272 words, about 1 min11Specialties, Equipment, and Furnishings
Division 10 covers specialties: toilet and bath accessories, fire extinguisher cabinets, signage, lockers, wall and corner protection, partitions. Division 11 covers equipment: commercial kitchen, laboratory casework, athletic and loading dock equipment.
236 words, about 1 min12Safety, Building Codes, and Georgia Regulatory Requirements
Fall protection is triggered at 6 feet in construction. Guardrails, personal fall arrest, and controlled access zones are the standard options.
289 words, about 1 min