How to Become an Electrician in Georgia

How to Become an Electrician in Georgia

Electricians are in demand in every state, including Georgia. The field is expected to grow 6% nationwide in the next decade, with a projected 11% growth in Georgia, making now an excellent time to begin the licensing process. Georgia has one of the highest demands for electricians, with some of the more lenient requirements to sit for their Electrical Contractor’s license. 

Georgia has no formal education requirement other than a high school diploma or GED; you can begin earning training hours as early as age 16. Here is everything you need to know about becoming an electrician in Georgia. 

Types of Electrician Licenses in Georgia

Georgia does not have a journeyman or master electrician license like many other states do. Instead, there are just two types of electrical contractor’s licenses: Class I and Class II. If you are interested in pursuing other types of contractor licenses in Georgia, such as a general contractor license, you can explore more information on how to become a general contractor in Georgia.

• Class I: This is a restricted license for electrical contractors who work on low-voltage, single-phase systems under 200 amps. 
• Class II: This license is unrestricted and reserved for electrical contractors with demonstrated experience working with electrical systems over 200 amps.

You can work as an unlicensed electrician only under a licensed electrical contractor. You must be licensed to work independently, which requires experience under an already licensed electrician. 

The Steps to Obtain an Electrical Contractor’s License in Georgia

The only educational requirement in Georgia is a GED or high school diploma. But like most states, Georgia requires experience before you can become a licensed contractor. Here are the steps necessary to get your license. 

Step 1: Education Requirements

While there are no higher education requirements for the state of Georgia, education can be applied toward the experience requirements to sit for the exam to get your license. Two years of schooling is credited as one year of work experience. Here are your options: 

1. Complete a two-year academic diploma program. 
2. Complete a two-year certificate program at a vocational or technical training school. 

Vocational programs often offer apprenticeship programs in conjunction with classroom training, which benefits those who need a little extra help finding a qualified apprenticeship. 

Step 2: Apprenticeship Programs

While apprenticeships are not required in Georgia, experience is. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to ensure you’re getting the right experience. 

Apprenticeships are offered through technical schools or union or non-union electrical apprenticeship programs. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union has several five-year programs throughout the state. Non-union options include training and education through chapters of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) groups. Both union and non-union apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction and hands-on experience to meet state requirements.

During your apprenticeship, you will work under a licensed electrical contractor to learn the technical aspects of your job. You can expect to learn the components of an electrical system, troubleshooting, installing, and maintaining electrical systems, as well as the National Electric Code (NEC) and the Georgia Electric Code.

Many apprenticeship programs lead to a nationally recognized journeyman certificate, which can be beneficial if you plan to relocate out of state. Just make sure you verify that your apprenticeship program meets the requirements of the state you plan to move to.

Step 3: Gain Work Experience 

Georgia recognizes primary and secondary experience. Primary experience is actual hands-on experience installing electrical systems pursuant to the NEC and Georgia Electric Code. Secondary experience is training related to electrical contracting work. No more than one year can be credited as secondary experience or education. Secondary experience is credited at half the rate (50%) of primary experience. For example, three years of primary experience and two years of secondary experience meet the four-year experience requirement to sit for your electrical contractor’s licensing exam.

Georgia requires that Class I electrical contractors document primary experience in at least six of the eight competency areas, and Class II licensees must have experience in all eight. Just some of the documented experience you will need includes:  

1. Raceway system installation, including connections, components, pull boxes, junction boxes, panelboards, and switchboards.  
2. Conductor installation, including cables, cords, splices, taps, terminations, etc., in cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, boxes, and conduit. 
3. Service entrances, metering devices, cabinets, switchboards, service risers and fasteners, overcurrent protective devices, and main bonding numbers.  
4. Motors and generator installations with feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protective devices, and disconnect means. 
5. Switch, disconnect, and control installation pertaining to lighting fixtures, appliances, electrical circuits, heating and air, and general-use equipment. 
6. Materials and equipment installation as required for special occupancies.
7. Bonding of interior metal piping systems and installation of equipment grounding conductors. 
8. Determination of general lighting loads, minimum branch circuits, minimum ampacity, maximums, and net loads.

All work must be performed and demonstrated according to code. The state's website has a more complete list and up-to-date information.  

 Step 4: Obtain a License

Getting your electrical contractor’s license in Georgia has many benefits; the most obvious is working independently. To obtain your electrical contractor’s license, you need to: 

• Be at least 21 years old
• Complete the application
• Document a minimum of four years or 8,000 hours of experience 
• Provide three references, at least one from a licensed electrical contractor
• Pass the electrical contractor’s license exam with at least 70%
• Pay the fees

The Class I exam has 155 multiple-choice questions, and the Class II exam has 162, but only 140 of the questions are scored on each exam. The remaining questions are pre-test questions…the state is “testing” those to see if they will be included on future exams. 

The exam is broken into two parts, with a four-hour time limit each. The first part tests your knowledge of laws, regulations, administrative requirements, and day-to-day paperwork. The second part of the exam tests your technical knowledge. You can expect questions covering basic electrical circuits, installation and maintenance of electrical controls, devices, and transformers, interior electrical systems, and special equipment, conditions, and locations. 

The exam is open book; however, only specific reference materials are permitted inside the testing center. Check with the Georgia Secretary of State for the updated list. You can highlight, underline, and tab the approved reference materials. 

Studying for the exam is one of the most important aspects of becoming an electrical contractor. Fortunately, test preparation centers and resources are available to help you pass your exam on the first try!  

Continuing Education and License Renewal

The state requires four hours of CE each year to renew your license. CE must include relevant courses within the following categories: codes and standards, business law, insurance and finance, safety and OSHA compliance, materials and installation methods, and theory. Only approved courses from approved CE providers count. Approved providers include public utilities, electrical equipment manufacturers, and private institutions under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Board of Technical and Adult Education. 

Licensees must maintain written documentation of CE for a minimum of five years. For each course, licensees should obtain a Certificate of Attainment or Completion certifying satisfactory course completion that includes the course title, location and date, and number of hours of the training. Licensees can be audited for compliance at any time.

FAQs

Do you have to complete an apprenticeship to work as an electrician? 

No. The state of Georgia only requires that you have four years of experience. However, the state is very particular regarding what type of experience counts. An apprenticeship program will ensure you’re getting the required experience. 

Are apprenticeships paid? 

Yes. Apprenticeships are paid. However, if you are going through a vocational program, there will be tuition, which can cost between $4,000 and $15,000. According to ZipRecruiter, the average apprentice electrician earns $17.35/hour (August 2024).    

What are the benefits of becoming a licensed electrical contractor in Georgia? 

Electrical contractors can work independently, hire employees, and bid for electrical contracts in the private and government sectors. Electrical contractors make more money than electricians. The mean annual salary for an electrician is $57,930; for an electrical contractor, it is $62,798. 

Conclusion

Becoming an electrician can be a rewarding and lucrative career with a lot of room for growth. In Georgia, the requirements are less stringent than in other states, so you can begin earning more money more quickly. 

When you are ready, explore the Contractor Training Center’s exam prep courses to help pass your Georgia Electrical Contractor’s License exam. Reach out today to get started in this exciting and sustainable career.