Licensing Guides
Georgia Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Georgia
Electrical, GA
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Georgia
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Georgia?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Georgia?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Georgia?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Georgia?
Does My Georgia Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Georgia?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Georgia?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Georgia.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 20,740 in Georgia.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034 adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Georgia is projected at 17%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Georgia in July 2025 totaled 229,200, a decrease of 300 (-0.1%) from July 2024 and an increase of 21,200 or 10% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Georgia
Is a state license required for electrical contracting in Georgia? Yes.
Electrical contractors in the state of Georgia must obtain a license issued by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors, located in Macon.
There are detailed instructions on how to apply for an electrical license on the state website.
Unlike most other states, Georgia does not offer a journeyman licensing phase. Instead, after completion of an apprenticeship, you can legally work as a journeyman for a general contractor without supervision. Most people gain work experience as journeyman electricians before taking the step to obtain their own electrical contractor license.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Georgia
For an electrical contractor license, you must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Join an apprenticeship program to acquire the necessary work experience needed.
Complete the necessary application.
Submit proof documenting four years of experience.
Submit three references.
Pass the electrical exam with at least a 70% score.
How to Become an Electrician in Georgia
To become a licensed electrician in Georgia, you must:
Be at least 21 years of age.
Meet the hands-on experience requirements.
Pass the required exams.
Pay all applicable fees.
Complete a background check.
Below are the specifics for each license.
Electrical Contractor — Non-Restricted
Work experience: Must have four years of work experience under a licensed electrical contractor. Must include experience with electrical installations exceeding single-phase, 400 ampere systems, and this experience must be gained while working under a Class II (non-restricted) licensed electrical contractor
Pass Licensing Exam: Pass the Electrical Class II Non-Restricted exam through PSI Exams.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, references, and background check.
Pay Fee: $110.
Limitations: All types of residential and commercial electrical installations (no restrictions).
Electrical Contractor — Restricted
Work experience: Must have four years of work experience under a licensed electrical contractor.
Pass Licensing Exam: Pass the Electrical Class I Restricted exam through PSI Exams.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: $110.
Limitations: Limited to single-phase low voltage electrical installations up to 400 amps on:
Multifamily structures up to two levels
Single-family dwellings up to three levels
Types of Electrical Licenses in Georgia
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Georgia?
Georgia offers two types of electrical contractor licenses: Class I and Class II.
Class I: Applicants must have four years of work experience under a licensed electrical contractor and pass an exam.
Class II: Must have four years of work experience under a licensed electrical contractor that includes experience with electrical installations exceeding single-phase, 400 ampere systems.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Georgia
There are many benefits to electrical licensure in Georgia.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Georgia?
The annual mean salary for electricians in Georgia is $61,590 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Georgia those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $59,400
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,700
Senior (4-7 years): $75,100
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
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 average tickets.
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 an Electrician License in Georgia?
To become a licensed electrician in Georgia, you must pay a $100 application fee and a $288 exam fee.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Georgia?
Unlike other states, Georgia does not have a journeyman electrician licensing phase. Most people who complete an accredited apprenticeship program earn a nationally recognized journeyman certificate in about five years, which includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and 180 hours of classroom instruction each year.
That experience also qualifies one to apply for an Electrical Contractor license, though you must be 21 to apply.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Georgia Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Georgia.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Each option will provide the necessary 180 hours of classroom instruction per year. The apprenticeship programs also include 8,000 hours of required work experience.
There are a number of local community colleges that offer approved programs that lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology or similar degrees. A few are:
If you wish to be an electrical engineer, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree. If this is a path that interests you, Georgia Tech offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. At Georgia community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,403 per year for in-state students and $7,170 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Georgia, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Georgia: The Ultimate Guide.
Georgia Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Georgia requires an examination for each level of licensing. There are requirements to apply to sit for each exam.
Class I applicants must have four years of work experience under a licensed electrical contractor to qualify.
Class II applicants must have four years of work experience under a licensed electrical contractor that includes experience with electrical installations exceeding single-phase, 400 ampere systems.
Each exam, Class I and Class II, has a four-hour time limit. The Class I Restricted exam contains 15 pre-test questions and 155 questions total. The Class II Non-restricted exam contains 22 pre-test questions and 162 questions total. Both open-book exams feature multiple-choice questions. You must score at least a 70% to pass.
The exams cover topics such as:
Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions
Basic Electrical Circuits
Electrical Controls and Devices
DC and DC Rotating Equipment
Transformers
Interior Electrical Systems
Special Equipment, Conditions, and Locations
OSHA Requirements
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Georgia?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the exam. You will need to complete an apprenticeship that lasts four years.
Your apprenticeship classes will help with exam prep. You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC). The test is open book and allows for you to have permanent tabs in the NEC so you can easily navigate it during the exam. You can also take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Georgia?
The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors issues electrician contractor licenses.
Does My Georgia Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, Georgia currently offers reciprocity for Non-Restricted Electrical Contractors with Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
You will still need to fulfill administrative steps to apply for a license if you choose to work in any of those states and possibly some additional requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Georgia?
Georgia has specific reciprocity license applications. Along with the application, you must include references, a $100 application fee, and a copy of your background check.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Georgia?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Georgia. Options include:
Many local Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), like Central Georgia EMC and Carroll EMC, offer scholarships for high schoolers and students in their service areas, sometimes tied to family membership.
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Foundation provides scholarships for students in accredited apprenticeship programs or college, focusing on the electrical trade.
The West Georgia Technical College Foundation offers several scholarship opportunities.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Georgia?
Your Georgia electrical contractor license can be verified through the Georgia Secretary of State website. One of the online services on the website is a “Professional Licensee Search,” where anyone can search individual or contractor licenses or verify the status of a license. Users can search by name or license number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Georgia?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Georgia electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Georgia electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the official Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, performing electrical work without a license is a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, violators face fines of up to $1,000 per violation, up to six months in jail, or both.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Georgia electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the official Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
Continuing Education
Georgia electrical contractors must renew their licenses every two years and complete four hours of continuing education each year, or a total of eight hours during the two-year period.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
