Joining a skilled trade has received a rejuvenated response in recent years. Georgia is one of the US states with an easier licensing process in skilled trades.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a healthy growth of 17% in electrical trade jobs leading up to the year 2024.
You can also join a skilled trade that offers good average pay and a progressive career as an independent contractor.
Here is our guide on how to become a licensed electrician in Georgia.
State Requirements for Electrician Licensing in Georgia
You can work directly as an independent electrical contractor in Georgia once you complete the training.
Georgia offers a quick progression to the contractor’s license unlike, other states. It means your career progression can soon take a turn from job to business in Georgia.
There is no state requirement for a journeyman electrician’s license in Georgia. You can obtain the necessary college education and hands-on work experience requirements first.
After completing the required degree or training program, you will be awarded a journeyman electrician license. However, there is no legal requirement for a journeyman electrician’s license in Georgia.
You can then apply for a master’s electrician or an independent electrical contractor’s license. There are two types of electrical contractor’s licenses in Georgia.
The state requirements for the electrical contractor’s license in Georgia are:
- 5 years of work experience – 8,000 work hours under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.
- 900 hours of classroom-based education. 180 hours of education every year.
- At least 21 years of age.
- Apply for the exam and pay the fees.
- Pass the exam with at least 70% marks.
How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Georgia
although you do not need a journeyman electrician’s license, your first step will be to get a classroom education and hands-on job experience.
You’ll need to complete 900 classroom hours that can be completed over five years along with the hands-on job hours.
You’ll also need to complete 8,000 hours of work experience. You can begin to accumulate the necessary hours through a technical college or apprenticeship program.
Technical College Option
You can enroll in an associate degree program in applied science with major subjects in electrical. You can also enroll in a certificate of competency in electrical. Enrollment in a technical college remains a popular option for students.
It offers the flexibility of completing the education as well as a chance to continue further education.
You can start an entry-level job after completing the technical college program. You can also join an apprenticeship program.
Most of the technical colleges provide advisory services on getting an apprenticeship or training programs with licensed contractors.
Apprenticeship Program Option
You can join a local apprenticeship program in Georgia. There are two options; a unionized or a non-union apprenticeship program.
The local chapters of IBEW and NECA in Georgia arrange union-sponsored apprenticeships through local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs).
A few JATCs in Georgia are:
- Macon Electrical
- Albany Electrical JATC
- Atlanta Electrical
- Savannah Electrical JATC
You can also join a non-union apprenticeship. Local chapters of IEC and non-union organizations arrange these apprenticeship programs. You can get education and training from local independent electricians under this option.
Consider a Journey Electrician License in Georgia – Optional
The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board does not issue a journeyman electrician’s license.
You can apply for a contractor’s license once you complete Georgia’s classroom and work experience requirements.
Most technical colleges, IBEW, NECA, and IEC organs will issue a journeyman electrician’s license to you.
These licenses align with the national licensing standards. Thus, you can use the journeyman license to obtain a job in any organization.
You can also use the journeyman electrician’s license in other states as it follows the national standards for licensing.
However, this step is optional in Georgia unlike many other states in the US.
Become an Independent Electrical Contractor in Georgia
After completing the education and training program, you can apply for two types of electrical contractor’s licenses in Georgia.
The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Issues Class 1 and 2 electrical licenses. The general requirements for both licenses are:
- Proof of five years of work experience – 8,000 work hours
- Three References from work experience – at least one by a contractor.
- 21 years of age.
- Apply for and pass the exam with 70% marks.
- Supervised work experience in installations and working with systems of above 200 amperes. For class 2 license only.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive the electrical contractor’s license for your selected category. You’ll need to renew the license every two years with 8 hours of continuing education requirement.