Georgia Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

Licensed electricians in Georgia install, repair, and maintain electrical equipment for residential and commercial properties. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the electrical industry will grow by about 6% over the next decade. In Georgia, the job growth potential for electricians is even brighter: the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that job growth will increase by about 11% over the next 10 years.
If you want to pursue a career in the electrical industry, now is the perfect time. Our guide can help you learn how to apply for your Georgia electrical license. We include all the information you need to apply for an apprenticeship, including links to apply for your license and other helpful information.

Does Georgia require an electrician license?

Yes, all electrician contractors in Georgia must have a license issued by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors. Journeymen and apprentices are not required to have a license, though. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you can work as a journeyman under a licensed electrician.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Georgia?

The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors, issues licenses for electrical contractors in Georgia. Apprentices and journeymen are not required to have licenses but must work under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.

There are two types of electrical contractor licenses in Georgia:

• Electrical Contractor Class I
• Electrical Contractor Class II

Electrical Contractor Class I

Georgia electrical contractor class I licensees are authorized to maintain, install, alter, and repair electrical equipment, control systems, and electrical wiring for single-phase electrical installations. Applicants for this license must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass an examination
• Be approved to sit for the electrical exam
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have at least four years of electrical work experience

Electrical Contractor Class II

Georgia electrical contractor class II licensees are authorized to maintain, install, and repair electrical equipment, control systems, and wiring. Class II licensees are authorized to perform electrical jobs of any amount and size. Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass an examination
• Be approved to sit for the electrical exam
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have at least four years of electrical work experience

Optional certifications for Georgia electricians

Although an electrician’s license is only required if you want to work independently, work on government projects, or own your own business, several optional certifications can help you advance in your field.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issues certifications for electricians who work on fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and similar systems. The NFPA offers several types of certifications and continuing education opportunities.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the largest and most well-respected association of professional electricians in the U.S. Any professional electrician can join and enjoy plenty of opportunities for networking and continuing education. NECA offers several certifications for electricians at every point in their careers. A certification from NECA demonstrates your abilities to potential customers and employers.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) is a designation for the most accomplished electrician in the country. A CPE certification is recognized in every state. Even if you aren’t at the point of securing a CPE certification, IEC offers several other certifications, including niche ones, which can help you if you want to go into specialty work.

IEC also offers resources for continuing education, which can help you stay up-to-date on industry changes and apprenticeship opportunities. If you’re not planning on pursuing a union apprenticeship or attending trade school, IEC could offer a viable alternative for your initial education.

How much does an electrician make in Georgia?

Electrician pay in Georgia is fairly competitive, especially in the larger metro areas. There are many jobs available, from entry-level to managerial. The average pay rates for the most commonly advertised electrician jobs in Georgia are as follows:

• Apprentice electrician: $19.14 per hour
• Electrical technician: $26.77 per hour
• General electrician: $58,714 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $28.94 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $32.56 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $94,459 per year

Georgia electrician salaries are a little lower overall than the national average. General electricians in Georgia, for example, can expect to earn an average of $58,714 per year, compared to the U.S. average of $63,370 per year. However, if you work in a higher cost-of-living area or have specialty certifications and lengthy experience, you can expect to earn more than the average.

If you are an hourly employee, you may earn more by working overtime, or receive extra pay for responding to emergency calls at night or on weekends, which can also increase your weekly pay. Electrical contractors who own their own businesses have much more potential for high earnings than people who work for someone else, although owning your own business can come with different challenges.

How to get an electrician license in Georgia

Georgia electrical license applicants are expected to have at least four years of experience. You can enroll in a Georgia electrician apprenticeship program to get work experience. As an apprentice, you will perform a variety of electrical jobs under the direction of a licensed electrician.

Georgia electrician apprenticeship programs

Aspiring electricians in Georgia have plenty of opportunities for an apprenticeship program, both union and non-union. You can also attend a trade school or a community college that offers an Associate’s Degree in electrical work.

Some state-approved programs to get you started include:

• IEC Apprenticeship Program
• IBEW Local Union 613 Apprenticeship Program
• Technical College System of Georgia

Georgia electrician apprenticeship program information: Georgia apprenticeship application fees are between $25 and $50. Expect to pay up to $10,000 for electrical training from a trade school or community college. Accredited colleges and trade schools generally offer financial aid options for students. Sponsors pay for some apprenticeships. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom.

Georgia electrician apprenticeship prerequisites

Each apprenticeship will have its own requirements, but in general, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old to enroll in an apprenticeship
• Be physically capable of performing the work
• Pass a general aptitude examination
• Have taken and passed an Algebra I class
• Attend an interview

On-the-job experience

Part of your apprenticeship occurs in the classroom, but the majority of your time will be spent under the field tutelage of a journeyman or contractor. Some hands-on experience you’ll gain as an apprentice includes learning how to:

• Repair electrical problems
• Install and connect wires
• Replace and repair electrical wires in existing dwellings
• Perform all jobs under the direction of a licensed electrician

Georgia license examination information

Applicants must score at least 70% on exams. The fee is $259 per test. Exams are administered by PSI/AMP. You can find more information about the exam, including practice exams, here. The electrician tests are offered three times a year. The test is an open book exam.

Georgia electrical examination content includes:

• Safety
• General electrical knowledge
• Feeders, services, and branch circuits
• Raceways and enclosures
• Grounding and bonding
• Motors and controls

Georgia Electrician exam preparation resources

Although you can retake the exam as many times as you need to secure your license, you will have to pay the exam fee each time you take it, so preparation is important. Some valuable resources to help you include:

Master Exam Prep

Georgia Electrical Exam – Tests.com

Free Electrical Exam

Should I join an electrician union in Georgia?

Georgia electrician union members are required to pay dues to join a union. However, these dues provide union members with plenty of benefits. Approximately 93% of union members have employer health insurance. Union electricians’ salaries are higher than those of non-union electricians. Additional union benefits include sick leave, vacation pay, and a pension program.

The largest electrician union in the country is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). It has dozens of Local unions (referred to as “locals), including IBEW Local 613 in the greater Atlanta area and the IBEW Local 508, in Augusta. IBEW offers many resources for aspiring electricians, like state-approved apprenticeships, plus support after you finish your training and are looking for a job.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Government and corporate employers hire licensed electricians in Georgia. Find current apprentice and licensed electrician jobs on the following sites:

CareerBuilder

Glassdoor

Indeed

Electrician Insurance in Georgia

Georgia electricians must be insured before they are authorized to perform any type of electrical work. Employers have insurance that covers their employees, but self-employed electricians must pay for their liability coverage.

Electrical contractors in Georgia must have the following insurance:

• General liability coverage: This policy must have a minimum of $10,000 per occurrence for residential work. It protects the business from claims of bodily injury and property damage.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: The state of Georgia requires all employers with three or more employees to carry sufficient workers’ comp coverage.  It provides medical care and income protection for employees who are injured on the job.

Electrician industry trends

Outdated residential and commercial electrical wires cannot handle the demands of new technology. Therefore, older buildings and homes must be rewired with the latest technology.

Power grid lines are under constant cybersecurity threats. Electricians are hired to fortify the power grid lines, so they can withstand an attack. Electrical so that shows provide electricians with access to up-to-date tools.

In Georgia, specifically, many homeowners and municipalities are incorporating electrical vehicle charging ports. For homeowners, especially those in older homes, buying an EV means rewiring their entire house. For a city, county, or commercial property owner, having EV charging ports simply makes sense. Electricians who understand the requirements Georgia Power (and other providers) set for EV charging installation could have a lucrative career.

FAQs

We answer your frequently asked questions about your Georgia electrician licensing requirements.

Is my license only valid in Georgia?

The Georgia licensing board has reciprocity agreements with Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama.

How do I change the information on my Georgia electrician license?

You can change your name, address, and other personal information on your Georgia electrician license through the Georgia Secretary of State’s “My License” online portal.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Georgia?

Georgia electrician licenses must be renewed annually. It’s $75 per license, and you can renew online. And, if you want to renew your license reciprocity, it’s $30 for each state.