Georgia Electrician License: How to Get Certified as an Electrician in GA

Types of Georgia electrical contractor licenses

Georgia issues two types of electrical contractor licenses. The one you need depends on the size of the jobs you plan to take on.

Class I—Restricted electrical contractor license

A Class I license lets you work on electrical contracts worth up to $25,000 per job. This is a good starting point if you’re launching a smaller operation or focusing on residential work, such as panel upgrades, outlet installs, or rewiring projects that fall below that threshold.

Class II—Unrestricted electrical contractor license

A Class II license has no contract value limit. You’ll need this to bid on larger commercial, industrial, or residential projects exceeding $25,000. Most electrical contractors who plan to grow their business aim for this license.

Both license classes require passing an exam and meeting specific experience and insurance requirements. The exam itself is the same for both. The difference comes down to the scope of work you’re authorized to perform.

Benefits of getting your electrician license in Georgia

Getting licensed puts opportunities within reach that require a contractor’s credentials to pursue:

• Work legally and avoid fines. Georgia law requires a license for electrical contracting work. Operating without one can result in penalties, fines, and legal trouble.
• Pull your own permits. Licensed contractors can pull electrical permits directly, streamlining your projects and building trust with clients.
• Bid on bigger jobs. A Class II license removes the $25,000 contract limit, letting you compete for commercial and large residential projects.
• Earn more money. Licensed electricians in Georgia earn significantly more than unlicensed workers. The earning range stretches from $39,430 to over $106,030, depending on experience and specialization.
• Build credibility. Clients and general contractors prefer working with licensed professionals. Your license number is verifiable through the state, which gives clients confidence.
• Start and grow your own business. A license is the foundation for building an electrical contracting business. It’s your ticket to operating independently and scaling on your terms.

How to get your Georgia electrician license step by step

To get your Georgia electrical license, you’ll have to follow these steps:

1. Meet the prerequisites

Make sure you have the required years of experience and meet the age, insurance, and bond requirements outlined above. Gather documentation of your work history because you’ll need it for your application.

2. Submit your exam application

Download and complete the exam application from the Georgia Secretary of State website. You’ll need to provide:

• Proof of your electrical experience (employer verification letters or affidavits)
• Three character references
• Proof of insurance and surety bond
• The application fee

Submit your completed application to the Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors, which operates under the Secretary of State’s office. The board reviews applications and approves qualified candidates to sit for the exam.

3. Schedule your exam with PSI

Once the board approves your application, you’ll receive authorization to schedule your exam through PSI, the state’s exam vendor. You can take the exam at a PSI testing center in Georgia or at other approved locations.

4. Pass the electrical contractor exam

The exam tests your knowledge of:

• The National Electrical Code (current edition)
• Georgia electrical contractor laws and rules
• Business and trade practices

The NEC portion of the exam is open-book. Study the current NEC code book thoroughly and review Georgia’s electrical contractor rules. Many candidates find it helpful to take a prep course (see the training programs section below).

5. Submit your license application

After passing the exam, submit your license application to the board along with:

• Your passing exam score
• Proof of current insurance and bond
• The license application fee

6. Get your license

Once the board processes your application and verifies everything checks out, you’ll receive your Georgia electrical contractor license. You can verify your license status through the Georgia license verification portal.

How much does a Georgia electrician license cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect:

Total upfront cost: Roughly $835–$2,550, depending on your insurance and bond rates. Budget for the biennial renewal fee every two years after that.

These are approximate figures and can change. Check theGeorgia Secretary of State website for the most current fee schedule.

How long does it take to get an electrician’s license in Georgia?

Total from exam application to license in hand: About two to four months, assuming you already meet the experience requirement and pass the exam on your first try.

The timeline depends on where you are in your career. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

• Experience requirement: Four years minimum. If you’re starting from scratch with an apprenticeship, this is the biggest time investment.
• Exam prep: Two to eight weeks for most candidates who already have the experience. A structured prep course can help you pass on the first attempt.
• Application review: The board typically reviews applications within four to six weeks after submission.
• Exam scheduling: Once approved, you can usually schedule your PSI exam within two to four weeks.
• License processing: After passing, expect two to four weeks for the board to issue your license.

If you’re just starting your electrical career, plan on a four to five-year path from apprenticeship through licensing.

Who issues electrician licenses in Georgia?

The Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors, which operates under the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, is the state authority that issues and regulates electrical contractor licenses.

The board is responsible for:

• Reviewing exam and license applications
• Administering licensing requirements
• Enforcing Georgia’s electrical contractor laws and rules
• Handling complaints and disciplinary actions

Electrician license requirements in Georgia

Georgia has clear requirements you need to meet before you can sit for the licensing exam. Here’s what the Board of Electrical Contractors looks for:

Experience

Experience can include time spent as an apprentice, journeyman, or working under a licensed electrical contractor. Here’s what you’ll need to qualify for your Georgia electrical license:

• Class I (Restricted): At least four years of practical electrical experience. At least two of those years must be in the commercial or industrial electrical field.
• Class II (Unrestricted): At least four years of practical electrical experience. At least two of those years must be in the commercial or industrial electrical field, and you must demonstrate experience with projects exceeding $25,000 in value.

Exam

You must pass the Georgia Electrical Contractor Examination. The exam covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), Georgia electrical laws and rules, and general business and trade knowledge.

Insurance

You need general liability insurance to get licensed. The required minimum coverage is $300,000 combined single limit, or $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence / $50,000 property damage.

Surety bond

Georgia requires a $5,000 surety bond from all licensed electrical contractors. This protects consumers if you fail to meet your contractual obligations.

Additional requirements

• You must be at least 21 years old (Class II) or 18 years old (Class I).
• You need to provide three character references from people familiar with your electrical experience.
• A criminal background check is part of the process.

For full details, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s page on becoming a licensed electrical contractor.

Georgia electrician training programs and schools

If you’re looking for a Georgia electrician apprenticeship or formal training program, these are solid options:

Apprenticeship programs

• IEC Atlanta (Independent Electrical Contractors) — A four-year apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. You earn while you learn, and the program covers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work.
• IBEW Local 613 Atlanta (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) — A five-year joint apprenticeship program with structured classroom and field training. The program is nationally recognized and provides a strong foundation for licensure.

Technical colleges and trade schools

• Lincoln Tech — Marietta, GA — Offers an electrical and electronic systems technology program. Hands-on training covers residential and commercial wiring, motor controls, and the NEC.
• Wiregrass Georgia Technical College — Provides an electrical construction and maintenance program with coursework aligned to industry standards.
• Georgia Northwestern Technical College — Offers an electrical systems technology program covering residential and commercial installations.
• Southern Regional Technical College — Features an electrical systems technology program in south Georgia.
• Chattahoochee Technical College — Provides electrical-related programs in the metro Atlanta area with hands-on lab components.

Completing a formal program can count toward your experience requirement and gives you a stronger foundation for the licensing exam.

Georgia electrical license renewal requirements

Your Georgia electrical contractor license must be renewed every two years (biennially). Here’s what you need to know:

Continuing education

Georgia requires continuing education (CE) credits for license renewal. The specific CE requirements are outlined in Rule 121-4-.05 of the Georgia Electrical Contractors Board rules. CE courses must cover topics relevant to the electrical trade, including NEC updates and Georgia-specific regulations.

How to renew

You can renew your license online through the Georgia online renewal portal. You’ll need to:

1. Complete your required CE credits before your renewal deadline
2. Log in to the renewal portal
3. Submit proof of current insurance and surety bond
4. Pay the $100 biennial renewal fee

Keep your license active. Renewing on time avoids additional fees and keeps you in compliance with Georgia law.

Electrician salary in Georgia

The average electrician salary in Georgia is $51,837/year (ZipRecruiter, 2025), with a median salary of $56,390/year. The earning potential ranges from the 10th percentile at $39,430/year to the 90th percentile at $106,030/year.

Licensed electrical contractors who run their own businesses typically earn at the higher end of this range, and often exceed it, because they set their own rates and keep the profit margins.

Your actual earnings depend on factors like:

• Whether you hold a Class I or Class II license
• The types of projects you take on (residential vs. commercial/industrial)
• Your location within Georgia (metro Atlanta rates tend to be higher)
• How efficiently you run your business operations

For detailed national salary data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics report on electricians.

Originally published in November 2023. Last updated on May 2026.