Georgia regulates electrical work through the electrical contractor license. The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors (under the Georgia Secretary of State) issues Class I and Class II licenses. Georgia does not license journeyman or master electricians at the state level; journeyman cards are a local or voluntary matter. This guide covers the classes, requirements, exam process, fees, and renewal rules.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Experience4 Years
- Application Fee$30
- Renewal2 Years
- CE Needed8 Hours
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
To qualify for a Georgia electrical contractor license, you typically need:
- At least 4 years of qualifying experience gained under a licensed electrical contractor. Experience under an unlicensed contractor does not count.
- For Class I: experience in at least 6 primary experience areas. For Class II: experience in all primary areas plus installations above single-phase 400-ampere systems under a Class II licensee.
- 3 references, at least 1 from a licensed electrical contractor with a registration number.
- A minimum score of 70 on the licensing exam.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The Georgia application process works like this:
- Gather documentation of your 4 years of qualifying experience and line up 3 references, including at least 1 licensed electrical contractor with a registration number.
- Submit your exam application through the GOALS portal (goals.sos.ga.gov) with the $30 application fee. The board office is in Macon (237 Coliseum Drive).
- Wait for board approval of your application.
- Schedule your exam with PSI, the board's testing vendor, and pay PSI's exam fee.
- Pass with a score of 70 or higher and complete any remaining licensure steps in GOALS.
If you hold an exam-obtained license from Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee, you may instead apply for license by reciprocity using a paper application.
- 3
Pass the electrician exam
The Georgia electrical contractor exam is administered by PSI after board approval. A minimum score of 70 is required under the board's qualification rules (GAC 121-2). Exam content is built around the National Electrical Code; Georgia adopted the 2023 NEC with Georgia State Amendments effective January 1, 2026, so study against the current edition. Check the PSI candidate bulletin for the question count, time limit, and allowed references for your class.
Always confirm exam requirements with the board or PSI because formats and approved materials can change.
License Types
Electrical Contractor Class I
Restricted license for single-phase installations not exceeding 200 amperes at the service drop or service lateral.
- Statewide, restricted scope
- Experience in 6+ primary areas
Electrical Contractor Class II
Non-restricted license allowing unrestricted electrical contracting anywhere in Georgia.
- Unrestricted scope statewide
- Requires above-400A experience
Details
Experience
The core requirement is 4 years of qualifying experience earned under a licensed electrical contractor; time worked for an unlicensed contractor does not count toward the requirement. The class you pursue shapes what that experience must include. Class I candidates need experience in at least 6 of the board's primary experience areas. Class II candidates need experience in all primary areas, plus documented work on installations above single-phase 400-ampere systems performed under a Class II licensee. Experience is verified through the application and your references, so keep employment records organized before you apply.
Details
Fees
Per the board's how-to guide: application $30, reciprocity $30, renewal $75, late renewal $100, and reinstatement $150 (plus re-examination if the license lapsed 3 or more years). A $5 online processing fee applies, and PSI exam fees are paid separately. Always confirm current fee amounts with the board before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
Georgia electrical contractor licenses renew biennially, by June 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires:
- Continuing education of 4 hours per year (8 hours per renewal cycle). Beginning January 1, 2026, CE must be recorded in CE Broker.
- The $75 renewal fee ($100 if late; $150 reinstatement if lapsed, plus re-examination after 3 or more years lapsed).
Requirements can change; always confirm renewal rules with the Division of Electrical Contractors before your deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Does Georgia issue journeyman or master electrician licenses?
No. Georgia licenses electrical contractors only, in Class I (restricted) and Class II (non-restricted). Journeyman cards are handled by local jurisdictions or voluntary programs. If your goal is to work independently or contract electrical work in Georgia, the electrical contractor license is the credential to pursue.
How much experience do I need for a Georgia electrical contractor license?
At least 4 years of qualifying experience gained under a licensed electrical contractor. Experience earned under an unlicensed contractor does not count. Class I requires experience in at least 6 primary areas; Class II requires all primary areas plus work above single-phase 400-ampere systems under a Class II licensee.
What score do I need to pass the Georgia electrical exam?
A minimum score of 70, per the board's qualification rules (GAC 121-2). The exam is administered by PSI and requires board approval before scheduling. Confirm current exam details in the PSI candidate bulletin.
Does Georgia have electrical license reciprocity?
Yes. License by reciprocity is available for exam-obtained licenses from Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, using a paper application with a $30 fee. Reciprocity terms can change, so confirm with the board before applying.
What continuing education does a Georgia electrical contractor need?
4 hours per year, which works out to 8 hours per biennial renewal cycle. From January 1, 2026, CE must be recorded in CE Broker. Renewal is due by June 30 of even-numbered years. Confirm current CE rules with the board before your renewal date.
