Beatrice Lang
If you're interested in becoming an electrician in Georgia, there are a few important things you need to know about obtaining your electrical license. First, it's important to note that Georgia requires electrical contractors to be licensed, while electricians work under the license of these electrical contractors and do not need their own individual licenses. To obtain an electrical contractor license, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship program, gain work experience, and pass a state exam. This guide will outline the steps and requirements for obtaining your electrical contractor license in Georgia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License requirement | Electrical contractors in Georgia must obtain a license issued by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors. Electricians do not need to be individually licensed. |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or GED, at least 16 years old, valid driver's license, and passing algebra grade. |
| Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship programs require 8,000 hours (4-5 years) of on-the-job experience and 576-900 hours of classroom instruction. |
| Application fee | $30 non-refundable application fee. |
| Exam | PSI administers the Georgia electrical contractor exam. The exam is open-book and consists of 155-162 multiple-choice questions, with a passing score of 70%. |
| Renewal | Renewal is required every two years by June 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal fee is $75. |
| Reciprocity | Georgia has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. |
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What You'll Learn
Requirements to apply for an electrical license in Georgia
To obtain an electrical contractor license in Georgia, you must pass an exam administered by PSI. The exam is open book, and you must score at least 70% to pass. There are two types of exams: the Class I Restricted exam, which contains 15 pre-test questions and 155 questions total, and the Class II Non-restricted exam, which contains 22 pre-test questions and 162 questions total. Both exams feature multiple-choice questions.
To apply for the exam, you must submit a completed, signed, and notarized application along with a non-refundable application fee of $30. Pre-approval is required from the testing agency prior to scheduling the exam. Once the application is submitted, the licensing board will notify you within 45 days if you are approved to take the exam.
In addition to passing the exam, you must also meet certain requirements to be eligible for an electrical contractor license. These requirements include completing an apprenticeship program, such as the IEC's program, which provides a nationally recognized journeyman certificate. The program involves 8,000 hours (four to five years) of on-the-job experience and 576 to 180 hours of classroom instruction. To enroll in the IEC's program, you must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school with a guidance counselor's consent, or be 18 years old. You must also possess a valid driver's license and have passed algebra.
Once you have completed the exam and met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for your electrical contractor license through the Georgia Professional Licensing Board. The Board will issue your license, which must be renewed every two years by June 30 to avoid late fees. The renewal process can be completed online and requires a non-refundable application fee of $75.
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How to renew your license
To renew your electrical contractor license in Georgia, you must renew it every two years by June 30 of even-numbered years to avoid late fees. Late renewals can be submitted between July 1 and July 31 of even-numbered years. The renewal process is completed online via the Georgia Online Licensing site.
First, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site. Then, click on the "License Renewal" button on the left-hand side of the page and enter your login information. If you do not remember your login credentials, you can reset them for a "person" type license. Follow the instructions for online renewal specific to your license.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $75 for renewal ($100 for late renewal). After submitting your application, create an account and upload all the required documents through the online portal. Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays.
It is important to note that electricians in Georgia do not need to be individually licensed. However, they must work under the license of an electrical contractor. Electrical contractors must obtain a license from the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors. To maintain their license, electrical contractors must complete four hours of continuing education prior to each renewal.
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Electrical license exam
To obtain an electrical contractor license in Georgia, you must pass an exam. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for and pass the electrical license exam:
Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites
Before enrolling in an apprenticeship program, you must meet certain prerequisites. Most programs require you to be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, possess a valid driver's license, and demonstrate a passing grade in algebra.
Step 2: Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program
Enroll in an apprenticeship program to gain the necessary work experience and education. The IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters offer an accredited non-union apprenticeship program that combines hands-on work experience with classroom instruction. The program typically requires 8,000 hours (four to five years) of on-the-job training and 576 to 180 hours of classroom instruction each year.
Step 3: Prepare for the Exam
After completing your apprenticeship, you can prepare for the electrical license exam. You can study at home using practice exams, courses, and books offered by companies like RocketCert. They provide exam prep courses to help you pass your test on the first try.
Step 4: Apply for the Exam
Once you feel prepared, apply to sit for the exam on the state board website. Pre-approval from the testing agency is required before scheduling the exam. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee. After submitting your application, the licensing board will notify you within 45 days if you are approved to take the exam.
Step 5: Take the Exam
The Georgia electrical license exam is an open-book, multiple-choice exam. You will be contacted with an exam date and time typically two weeks before the exam. The exam contains pre-test questions that do not count toward your final score and vary in number depending on whether you take the Class I Restricted or Class II Non-restricted exam. You must score at least 70% to pass.
Step 6: Obtain Your License
After passing the exam, you can apply through the PLB to obtain your Georgia electrical license. This step may involve additional requirements and fees.
By following these steps and staying focused on your goal, you will be well on your way to obtaining your electrical license in Georgia.
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Apprenticeship programs
There are several types of apprenticeship programs available in Georgia, both union and non-union. The IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters offer an independent, non-union apprenticeship program. The program combines 8,000 hours (four to five years) of on-the-job experience with 180 to 576 hours of classroom instruction each year. IEC's tuition for members is less than $1,000 per year, plus the cost of books and other materials. Apprentices can also earn wages from their employer while enrolled in the program, with entry wages averaging $15.00–$18.00 per hour. Upon completion of the program, you will earn a nationally recognized journeyman certificate, although it is not required by the state of Georgia.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest electrician union in the country and offers several five-year apprenticeship programs throughout the state. IBEW Local 613, for example, conducts its apprenticeship program at its state-of-the-art Electrical Training Center in Norcross. Apprentices at IBEW Local 613 earn a good paycheck while learning the trade and gaining industry-leading OSHA safety certifications. Union electricians also enjoy benefits such as employer-provided health insurance, sick leave, vacation pay, and a pension program.
Other apprenticeship programs in Georgia include those offered by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia (ABC) and trade schools or community colleges that offer Associate's Degrees in electrical work.
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Benefits of an electrical license
Electricians are in high demand in Georgia, and the demand is only expected to grow. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the electrical industry will grow by about 6% over the next decade, while in Georgia, the job growth potential for electricians is projected to increase by about 11% over the next 10 years. This makes it an excellent time to obtain an electrical license in Georgia and take advantage of the growing number of job opportunities.
One of the main benefits of obtaining an electrical license in Georgia is the potential for high earnings. While Georgia electrician salaries are slightly lower than the national average, those with specialty certifications and extensive experience can expect to earn more. Electrical contractors who own their own businesses have much higher earning potential than those who work for someone else. Obtaining an electrical license in Georgia can lead to increased job security and better career prospects.
Another advantage of obtaining an electrical license in Georgia is the flexibility it offers. Licensed electricians in Georgia can work independently and choose to specialize in specific areas, such as residential or commercial electrical work. They can also decide to start their own business or work as a contractor for various clients. This flexibility allows licensed electricians to tailor their careers according to their interests and preferences.
Obtaining an electrical license in Georgia also provides a sense of credibility and recognition within the industry. A license serves as proof of an electrician's experience, skill, and proficiency in their field. It demonstrates to clients, peers, and the public that the electrician has met the necessary standards and requirements set by the state. This recognition can lead to increased trust and confidence in an electrician's abilities, potentially resulting in more work opportunities and a stronger professional reputation.
Lastly, obtaining an electrical license in Georgia can open doors to continued learning and professional development. Licensed electricians are required to renew their licenses every two years, which includes completing a certain number of continuing education hours. This requirement ensures that licensed electricians stay up-to-date with industry changes, new technologies, and safety protocols. It encourages them to continuously expand their knowledge and skills, which can ultimately benefit their careers and provide better services to their clients.
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Frequently asked questions
No, electricians do not need to be individually licensed in Georgia. However, they do work under the license of an Electrical Contractor.
To obtain an Electrical Contractor license in Georgia, you must pass an exam. Before taking the exam, you need to complete an application, get it signed and notarized, and pay a non-refundable application fee of $30. You can then apply to sit for the exam on the state board website.
Prerequisites vary, but most programs require you to be 16 or 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, possess a valid driver's license, and show a passing algebra grade.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the annual mean wage for electricians in Georgia is $55,220 to $61,590 per year. This salary increases with experience.
