How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Georgia – Georgia Electrician License

Becoming an electrician in Georgia is much easier compared to the process in neighboring states. This is because you can start working as a Georgian electrician without licensure after your apprenticeship so long as you are supervised. The only electrical license offered in the state is that of an electrical contractor.

This article will dive into:

  • GA registered electrical apprenticeships 
  • Journeyman electrician requirements in GA
  • How to become a GA licensed electrical contractor
    • Reciprocity with other states
    • Expedited process for veterans
    • Renewing and/or reinstating your license

Do You Need an Electrical License in Georgia?

You do not need an electrical license to perform electrical work in Georgia as a journeyman electrician. Journeyman electricians should have completed a registered apprenticeship and are required to work under a licensed electrical contractor.

If you plan to supervise other electricians, you do need to get your Electrical Contractor License by filing with the Secretary of State.

Electrical Apprenticeships in GA

Electrical apprenticeships are where new electricians learn their trade. Most electrical apprenticeship programs last between 3-4 years, including 4,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and additional classroom hours. 

Many programs require a high school diploma or GED equivalent to participate. You must be capable of performing electrical work under supervision, pass a general aptitude exam, and also have taken and passed Algebra I. Many apprenticeships will hold interviews in the final stage.  

GA Journeyman Electrician

Journeyman electricians in Georgia are not licensed or regulated, but they must work under a licensed electrical contractor. 

Since this position is not licensed by the state, there is no formal requirement to complete an apprenticeship before working as a journeyman, but it is highly recommended you do so for safety and instructional purposes. 

If you are coming in from another state and have significant electrical work experience, you can begin working as a journeyman electrician in Georgia immediately so long as you are adequately supervised. 

Georgia Electrical Contractor Licenses

Electrical contractors in Georgia can bid for, perform, and supervise electrical work and projects in the state.  You can apply for two types of Electrical Contractor Licenses:

Electrical Contractor License Requirement

Both Class I and Class II Electrical Contractor Licenses have the same requirements. You must:

  • Be 21 years or older
  • Have 4+ years of electrician experience

How to Obtain Your Electrical Contractor License

You can file your application for the GA Electrical Contractor License through the online portal, where you’ll create an account. This same account can be used to renew your license in the future. 

If you prefer to file by mail, send all documents to:

Georgia Division of Electrical Contractors

237 Coliseum Drive

Macon, Georgia 31217

To obtain your GA Electrical Contractor License Class I or II, you’ll need to:

  • Complete, sign, and notarize the application for licensure by examination
    • When documenting your work experience, you will need the official name and licensee number of your previous supervisors. These supervisors will fill out a Primary Experience Form (found within the application) and return them directly to the Board. 
    • Complete and notarize 3 reference forms, one of which must be for an electrical contractor
    • Attach an Affidavit of Citizenship Form, as well as a copy of a secure and verifiable document or qualified alien document. 
  • Obtain a background check through your local law enforcement agency
    • If you have any prior sanctions or disciplinary action, attach appropriate documentation and a letter of explanation
  • Pay the exam application fee of $30
  • Once approved, PSI/AMP will send you instructions for scheduling your exam. You must pass your exam with 70% or higher to receive your license. 

Instructions for Veterans

If you are a veteran, you can claim Veteran’s Preference Points which count towards exam points and/or an expedited application process. You must have served for at least 90 days during a period of conflict/war. Read more about Veteran’s Preference Points here. 

Electrical Contractor License Reciprocity

Georgia offers reciprocity for electrical contractor exams from the:

  • Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
  • Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
  • North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
  • South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board
  • State of Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

To apply for reciprocity, complete the application, attach the supporting documentation, and pay a $30 application fee. Reciprocity applications must be mailed in to:

Georgia Division of Electrical Contractors

237 Coliseum Drive

Macon, Georgia 31217

Reinstating Your Georgia Electrical License

If you previously held a GA Electrical Contractor License but it has since lapsed, you may reinstate your license. The lapse must be less than 3 years; if it is more than 3 years, you’ll need to reapply for examination. 

To reinstate your license, you need to have at least 4 Continuing Education (CE) per year since your license was issued OR renewed. Complete the application, pay a $150 reinstatement fee, and attach all necessary documentation before submitting.  

Renewing Your Georgia Electrical License

GA electrical licenses should be renewed by June 30th on every even-numbered year. You’ll need to log in to your Georgia Online Licensing account to begin. Click on “License Renewal”, log in, and follow the instructions. 

The fee is $75, or $100 for late renewals. 

Electrician Salaries in Georgia

General electricians in Georgia, such as journeyman electricians, make an average of $51,600 per year plus $8,000+ in overtime. Those with more than 10 years of experience make around $60,000, plus overtime. 

Electrical contractors in the state make roughly $47,183 with $10,000+ annually in overtime. This is more than 20% higher than the national average for electrical contractors. While contractors begin at a lower salary than many journeyman electricians, they have the opportunity to move up the ladder and expand their earning potential over the years. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll to Top