The demand for skilled tradespeople in Georgia, particularly electricians, remains high, making this a promising career path. Becoming a licensed electrical contractor requires a specific progression of education, on-the-job training, and state-mandated examinations. This process is highly structured, defined by Georgia law, and designed to ensure that all practitioners meet rigorous standards for safety and competence. Navigating this path involves moving from supervised training to achieving the authority to operate an independent contracting business across the state.
Understanding Electrical Licensing Roles in Georgia
The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, specifically its Division of Electrical Contractors, oversees electrical licensing. This board qualifies and licenses individuals intending to operate an electrical contracting business, as outlined in the Georgia Code. Unlike many other states, Georgia only issues licenses for contractors.
The professional hierarchy begins with the Apprentice, an entry-level worker who must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. Next is the Journeyman, a status achieved through experience, not a state-issued license. The highest level is the state-licensed Electrical Contractor, who can operate independently and contract for work. This sole form of state-level credentialing is offered in two classes: restricted and unrestricted.
Phase 1: Training and Structured Apprenticeship
Aspiring electricians typically choose between formal vocational school programs or registered apprenticeship programs. Many technical colleges across the Technical College System of Georgia offer diploma or certificate programs that provide structured classroom instruction in electrical theory, code, and safety.
The most common route is a formal apprenticeship, which combines paid on-the-job training (OJT) with mandatory classroom hours. These programs, often sponsored by contractor associations or local IBEW unions, generally run for four to five years. Apprentices must accrue approximately 8,000 hours of OJT under a licensed contractor and complete around 576 hours of classroom instruction. Education obtained through a vocational school can also be credited toward the experience requirement, with two years of schooling often counting for one year of the required work experience.
Phase 2: Achieving Journeyman Status
Journeyman status in Georgia is a professional classification earned through experience rather than a state-issued license. Georgia does not have a statewide Journeyman licensing phase. Once an individual completes a registered apprenticeship program, they have earned the status to work unsupervised for a licensed electrical contractor.
The core purpose of this phase is to accumulate the verifiable experience required for the state-level contractor license. Some local jurisdictions may have their own licensing or registration requirements for this level, so individuals must check with the local authority where they intend to work. Regardless of local requirements, the Journeyman works as an employee under a state-licensed Electrical Contractor and is not authorized to bid on projects or pull permits independently.
Phase 3: Becoming a Licensed Master Electrician
Obtaining the state-level Electrical Contractor license is the definitive step for independent practice, often referred to as the Master Electrician license. To qualify for the examination, an applicant must be at least 21 years old and document a minimum of four years of verifiable, hands-on experience in the electrical trade. Up to one year can be substituted with formal education or secondary experience.
The state offers two classifications: Class I and Class II. The Class I license is restricted to work on single-phase electrical installations, typically not exceeding 400 amperes, often for residential and smaller commercial projects. The Class II license is unrestricted, authorizing the contractor to work on all types of electrical systems without limitation on voltage or amperage.
The examination process is administered by a third-party testing service. It involves passing a comprehensive, open-book trade exam based on the current National Electrical Code (NEC). Applicants must also pass a Georgia Business and Law exam, which covers administrative functions, regulations, and lien laws. A passing score of at least 70% is required on both portions of the test. Successful completion grants the holder the authority to operate an electrical contracting business, pull permits, and hire other electricians statewide.
Maintaining Your Professional Electrical License
Once the state Electrical Contractor license is secured, the professional must adhere to renewal requirements to maintain its validity. The license operates on a biennial renewal cycle, expiring on June 30th of even-numbered years. Renewal requires the completion of Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
License holders must complete four hours of board-approved continuing education each year, totaling eight hours over the two-year period. These courses must cover relevant topics like changes to the National Electrical Code, safety practices, and business law. Contractors operating a business must also maintain appropriate liability insurance and bonding to comply with state regulations.