Electrical Application Process In Georgia: When To Apply

when is the georgia electrical application process

If you want to become an electrician in Georgia, you'll need to obtain a license. The process involves filling out an application form, providing proof of experience, submitting references, and passing an exam. The Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors administers electrical licenses, and the PSI exam is a requirement to obtain a license. The exam covers regulations, technical functions, and safety protocols. It is an open-book test, and applicants must score at least 70% to pass. The application process also includes a fee, and veterans or current military service members may be eligible for expedited processes. It's important to note that the license needs to be renewed every two years, with a deadline of June 30 on even-numbered years.

Characteristics Values
Application process Online or paper copy
Processing time 20 business days
Application fee $30
Additional fees Processing fees for online or mail applications
Requirements Authorization to take the electrical exam, proof of 4 years of electrician experience, 3 references (including one from a licensed electrical contractor), background check, and age above 21
Exam Administered by PSI, open-book, multiple-choice, pass mark of 70%
Exam fee $115-$140
Exam preparation RocketCert offers preparation courses and books
Exam date and time PSI will contact the applicant with an exam date and time, typically two weeks prior
License validity 2 years
License renewal deadline June 30 of even-numbered years
Late renewal deadline July 1 to July 31 of even-numbered years with a late fee
Renewal fee $75 for regular renewal, $100 for late renewal

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Application process and requirements

To become a licensed electrician in Georgia, you must be at least 21 years old and follow the application process outlined below.

The first step is to complete an application form, which must be completed, signed, and notarized, along with a fee. The fee for the application is $30, with additional processing fees for online or mail applications. You must also submit three references, including one from a licensed electrical contractor, and provide proof of four years of electrician experience or 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Additionally, a background check is required.

Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Board. It is important to ensure that your application is accurate and complete, as any deficiencies must be satisfied within 60 days to avoid withdrawal. The Board will communicate primarily via email, so it is crucial to provide a correct and current email address.

After your application is approved, you will need to pass the electrical contractor exam. The exam is administered by PSI and consists of two parts: Technical Functions and Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions, including safety, electrical circuits, controls, and transformers. It is an open-book, multiple-choice exam, and you must score at least 70% to pass. PSI will contact you with an exam date and time, typically two weeks in advance.

Veterans, military service members, and their spouses may be eligible for exam point credits or expedited application processes. If claiming Veteran's Preference Points, a copy of the DD-214 form must be enclosed.

License Types

There are two main types of electrical contractor licenses in Georgia:

  • Class I (Restricted): This license restricts the holder to low-voltage electrical work on single-phase electrical installations not exceeding 200 amperes.
  • Class II (Unrestricted): This license allows the holder to work on any type of electrical system.

License Renewal

Electrical contractor licenses in Georgia are valid for two years and must be renewed by June 30 of even-numbered years. A late renewal period is available from July 1 to July 31, with an additional late fee. To renew your license, you must complete four hours of continuing education each year, totaling eight hours during the two-year renewal period.

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Exam registration and preparation

To become a licensed electrician in Georgia, you must pass a licensing exam. This exam is administered by PSI and is open-book, with a passing score of 70% or higher. The exam covers regulations (federal, National Electrical Code), technical functions, safety, electrical circuits, controls, and transformers.

  • Ensure you meet the basic requirements: You must be at least 21 years old and have four years of electrician experience or 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, including 576 hours of classroom instruction.
  • Complete an application form: The application must be completed, signed, and notarized, and include a fee of $110 (or $115-$140, according to another source). You will also need to submit three references, including one from a licensed electrical contractor, and a background check.
  • Submit your application: You can submit your application online through the Georgia Online Licensing Site (GOLS) or send in a paper copy. The processing time is 20 business days, and you will need to provide any missing components within 60 days to avoid having to restart the application process.
  • Await exam date and time: After submitting your application, PSI will contact you with an exam date and time, typically two weeks before the exam.
  • Prepare for the exam: The exam is open-book, and you are permitted to use tabbed and highlighted references during the test. You can purchase the required books and study materials or enroll in exam prep courses to help you prepare for the exam. Practice exams are also available to help you become familiar with the exam format.
  • Take the exam: On the day of your exam, arrive at the testing center with your identification and any permitted materials.

It is important to thoroughly prepare for the exam, as failing can result in substantial delays in obtaining your license.

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Exam structure and content

The Georgia Electrical Contractor Exam is divided into two parts, with 4 hours allocated for each half. The exam is made up of 140 multiple-choice questions, with 30 questions on Business and Law and 110 technical questions. A scaled score of 70% is required to pass.

The exam is open-book, and applicants are allowed to bring in specific references, which can be tabbed and highlighted. These include the Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management, and the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC provides requirements for electrical design, installation, and inspection, including provisions for wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and equipment.

There are two categories of licenses granted: Restricted Class I electrical contractor and unrestricted Class II electrical contractor. The Class I exam has 155 multiple-choice questions, while the Class II exam has 162. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have at least 4 years of electrical contracting work experience under a licensed contractor.

There are various exam preparation resources available, including online courses, highlighting guides, practice tests, theory, calculations, and instructor support.

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License types and restrictions

The electrical contractor license types in Georgia are Class I and Class II. Applicants for a Class I electrical contractor license are restricted to low-voltage electrical work involving single-phase electrical installations that do not exceed 200 amperes. They must work for a licensed electrician and document their work experience before applying for this license. Class II license holders, on the other hand, are authorized to perform electrical jobs of any amount and size.

To obtain a Georgia electrical contractor license, applicants must meet specific requirements and follow certain procedures. Applicants for a new license who have never held a license before must apply for Licensure by Exam. The Board must grant approval for the applicant to sit for the exam. The exam is administered by PSI/AMP and is offered three times a year. It is an open-book, multiple-choice exam, and applicants must score at least 70% to pass. The fee for the exam is $259 per test. Although applicants can retake the exam as many times as needed, they must pay the fee each time.

For those who have previously held an electrical contractor license that has been expired or lapsed, there is a reinstatement process. If the license has been lapsed or expired for less than three years, applicants can submit a reinstatement application with a $310 fee. However, if the license has been lapsed or expired for three or more years, applicants must submit a reinstatement application and also pass the exam again before their license can be reissued.

Georgia also offers reciprocal licensing for those who hold current licenses from specific states, including Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Applicants can apply for a reciprocal license by completing the Georgia reciprocity agreement and mailing it to the Georgia licensing board.

It is important to note that electrical contractor licenses in Georgia must be renewed every two years by June 30 of even-numbered years. A late renewal period is available from July 1 to July 31, with an additional late fee. The renewal fee is typically $75, but late renewals cost $100.

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License renewal and fees

To renew your electrical contractor license in Georgia, you must renew it by 30 June on even-numbered years (every two years). There is a late renewal period from 1 to 31 July, during which a late fee will be added. The renewal fee is $75, and $100 for late renewals.

The state of Georgia requires four continuing education hours each year, which totals eight hours per renewal. The PSI-administered exam is open-book and multiple-choice, and you must score at least 70% to pass.

If your license has been lapsed or expired for three or more years, you will need to submit a reinstatement application and pay a fee.

Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members, and military spouses of the US armed forces, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. If claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a conflict or war for at least 90 days.

Frequently asked questions

To be eligible for an electrical contractor license in Georgia, you must be at least 21 years old, have four years of electrician experience, and submit three references, including one from a licensed electrical contractor. You must also pass a background check and complete an application form.

The application process for an electrical contractor license in Georgia involves submitting a completed, signed, and notarized application form with the required fee. Veterans and military service members may be eligible for expedited application processes and exam point credits. After submitting the application, PSI will contact the applicant with an exam date and time, typically two weeks in advance.

The electrical contractor exam in Georgia is administered by PSI and consists of two parts: Technical Functions and Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions. It is an open-book exam, and you must score at least 70% to pass. The exam covers topics such as safety, electrical circuits, controls, and transformers.

Electrical contractor licenses in Georgia are valid for two years and expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year. To renew your license, you must complete the renewal process by June 30, with a late renewal period from July 1 to July 31. You must also complete four hours of continuing education each year, totaling eight hours during the two-year renewal period.

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