Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Georgia
Roofing, GA
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Georgia
Types of Roofing Licenses in Georgia
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Georgia
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Georgia
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Georgia?
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Georgia?
How to Get a Roofing License in Georgia
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Georgia?
Georgia Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Georgia Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Georgia?
Do I Need to Renew My Georgia Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Georgia Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Georgia Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Georgia
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Georgia employs 1,740 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Georgia is more than double that at 13% for roofers.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Georgia.
Roofing License Requirements in Georgia
Georgia doesn’t offer a state-issued roofing license, and roofers don’t need licensure to work on residential or commercial properties. However, many roofers pursue a Residential Basic Contractor license, Residential Light Commercial Contractor license, or General Contractor license to enhance credibility and build trust with the community.
Residential Basic license holders may not perform commercial work. Residential Light Commercial license holders are permitted to do commercial work on structures under four stories and less than 25,000 square feet. General contractors have no restrictions.
All licenses are issued by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, a division of the Georgia Secretary of State.
Additionally, the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association (GARCA) offers a voluntary licensing program.
According to the agency, “The GARCA Voluntary Licensing Program was developed to protect consumers and secure the public's confidence in the Georgia roofing industry by elevating the roofing contractor’s knowledge, skills and professionalism through voluntary self-regulation. The license is provided through and managed by GARCA and is available to both Residential (Steep Slope) and Commercial (Low Slope) contractors.”
Types of Roofing Licenses in Georgia
In Georgia, the license you apply for depends on the type of work you intend to do.
The Peach State offers a Residential Basic Contractor license, Residential Light Commercial Contractor license, and General Contractor license. Both the Residential Basic Contractor license and Residential Light Commercial Contractor license are required for any job exceeding $2,500.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Georgia
The application process for a General Contracting license includes the following steps:
Complete the General Contractor license application.
Include Qualifying Agent affidavit.
Provide documentation of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or related field, or four years of documented work experience in a related field and approved by the Board.
Provide proof of general liability insurance of at least $500,000.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have three or more employees.
Pass the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) exam and Business and Law exam.
Pay the $200 application fee and $10 processing fee.
Complete the following steps to apply for a Residential Basic Contractor license.
Complete the Residential Basic Contractor license application.
Include Qualifying Agent affidavit.
Provide documentation of two years of documented work experience in a related field and approved by the Board.
Provide documentation of the successful completion of at least two projects within the past four years.
Provide proof of general liability insurance of at least $300,000.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have three or more employees.
Pass the Residential Basic Contractor exam and Business and Law exam.
Pay the $200 application fee and $10 processing fee.
Complete the following steps to apply for the Residential Light Commercial license.
Complete the Residential Light Commercial license application.
Include Qualifying Agent affidavit.
Provide documentation of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or related field, or four years of documented work experience in a related field and approved by the Board.
Provide documentation of the successful completion of at least two projects within the past four years.
Provide proof of general liability insurance of at least $500,000.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have three or more employees.
Pass the NASCLA exam and Business and Law exam.
Pay the $200 application fee and $10 processing fee.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Georgia
There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Georgia.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
In many municipalities, only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Georgia?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $44,400 for those in Georgia. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for roofers in Georgia is $22.54 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $52,560.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your years of experience.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Georgia?
All three Georgia contractor licenses include a $200 application fee and $10 processing fee.
Additional costs for working as a Georgia roofer may include:
The average cost of workers’ compensation coverage in Georgia is $0.95 per $100 of payroll.
The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year.
Surety bonds average between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount.
The roofing company typically covers any insurance fees.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Georgia
Georgia doesn’t offer a state-specific roofing license. Instead, Georgia offers a Residential Basic Contractor license, Residential Light Commercial Contractor license, and General Contractor license.
To get started, you need to complete the application for your desired classification. You will also need to submit documented work experience in the form of either a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or related field, or four years of documented work experience in a related field and approved by the Board.
Additionally, you must submit proof of general liability insurance of at least $500,000 and workers’ compensation insurance if you have three or more employees.
Finally you will need to pass the NASCLA exam and Business and Law exam and pay the $200 application fee and $10 processing fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Georgia?
To meet experience requirements for the General Contractor or Residential Light Commercial licenses, it will take four years. The Residential Basic Contractor license requires two years of experience.
Georgia Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue construction engineering or construction management degree. There are many higher education options throughout The Peach State that offer these types of programs.
Here are some options:
Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville, Alpharetta Commercial Construction Estimator Certificate — 1 year Commercial Construction Contract Administrator Certificate — 3 semesters AAS Commercial Construction Management — 2 years Residential Construction Manager Certificate — 1 semester Framing Carpenter Certificate — 1 semester Finish Carpenter Certificate — 1 semester Certified Construction Worker Certificate — 1 semester Carpentry - Residential Diploma — 2 years Residential Construction Management Diploma — 2 years AAS Residential Construction Management — 2 years
Savannah Technical College | Savannah AAS Construction Management — 2 years Construction Management Diploma — 2 years Certified Construction Worker Technical Certificate of Credit — 1 semester Construction Management Apprentice Technical Certificate of Credit — 1 year Construction Manager Technical Certificate of Credit — 1 year
South Georgia Technical College | Americus Certified Construction Worker Certificate — 1 semester
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Valdosta General Construction Technology Diploma — 3 semesters
Georgia Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Exams are required for each contractor license type in Georgia:
Residential Basic Contractor license: Residential Basic Contractor exam and Business and Law exam
Residential Light Commercial Contractor license: NASCLA exam and Business and Law exam
General Contractor license: NASCLA exam and Business and Law exam
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Georgia?
All licenses are issued by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, a division of the Georgia Secretary of State. Additionally, the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association (GARCA) offers a voluntary licensing program.
Do I Need to Renew My Georgia Roofing License?
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Continuing Education
Residential Basic contractors must complete three hours of continuing education each year to qualify for renewal. Residential Light Commercial contractors must complete six hours of continuing education each year to qualify for renewal. Licensed general contractors don’t have continuing education requirements.
Does Georgia Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Georgia holds reciprocity agreements with Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Any applicant from those states must still pass the Georgia Business and Law exam prior to licensure.
Does My Georgia Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina reciprocate Georgia contractor licenses, but each state may mandate additional requirements before approving licensure. Make sure to check with the state you intend to work.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money in the construction industry. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Georgia through the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association.
Other Requirements Unique to Georgia
Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels.
According to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, “If you are a contractor who performs abatement of friable asbestos-containing material (ACM), you are required to be a Georgia-licensed asbestos abatement contractor AND submit a project notification form for each project.”
Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
