Electrical Contractor License Requirements in Georgia

Overview — electrical licensing in Georgia

Georgia requires a state-level electrical contractor license, issued by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors. The license verifies competence and consumer protection, and is required to legally bid and perform electrical work in the state. Working without one when required is typically a misdemeanor and exposes the contractor to civil penalties — and the contract becomes unenforceable in court.

License classes available

Georgia offers 2 electrical license classes — pick based on the largest project you plan to bid:

• Class I Electrical Contractor (Restricted). Limited to electrical work under 200 amps and 600 volts. Suitable for most residential and small commercial.
• Class II Electrical Contractor (Unrestricted). All electrical work with no amp or voltage limits. Required for industrial and large commercial.

Experience required

Class I: 4 years of experience as a journeyman or equivalent. Class II: 4 years + significant industrial experience.

Exam — what you're tested on

Georgia requires a written examination administered by PSI Services. Topics covered:

• NEC + Georgia amendments
• Trade knowledge
• Business and law

Passing score: 75%.

Fees

• Application fee: $30
• Initial license fee: $75
• Renewal fee: $75 ( biennial)

Bond & insurance

Bond: Not required at the state level.

General liability insurance: Minimum $500,000.

Workers' compensation: Required for any employer with 3+ employees in GA. Sole proprietors and small crews are exempt.

Commercial auto: Commercial auto required for company vehicles.

Continuing education

Georgia requires 4 hours of continuing education annual. CE must come from approved providers — verify a course is approved before paying. Required topics typically include:

• 4 hours of NEC / electrical CE per year

Reciprocity with other states

Georgia has reciprocity agreements with: AL, LA, MS, TN, SC, NC, FL. Reciprocity typically waives the trade exam if you hold an equivalent license in good standing in the reciprocal state for at least one year. Each state still requires its own application and business/law exam.

Local permits and requirements

Atlanta and most metro counties require electrical permits per job. Atlanta also requires local contractor registration.

Common gotchas

Things that catch most applicants on their first license cycle in Georgia:

• Class I vs Class II — many electricians take Class I and accept jobs that exceed 200A or 600V scope.
• GA reciprocity with neighboring states is generous but each requires its own application.
• Atlanta has its own city-level contractor registration on top of state license.
• 3-employee workers' comp threshold trips up growing contractors.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Georgia Class I and Class II electrical?

Class I is restricted to under 200 amps and 600 volts — covers most residential and small commercial. Class II is unrestricted — required for industrial, hospital, large commercial. Class II takes the harder exam.

Does Georgia have reciprocity with Florida for electrical?

Partial. FL accepts GA's Class II for trade exam waiver, but FL business and law exam still required. GA accepts FL Certified Electrical for trade waiver similarly.

How long does Georgia electrical contractor licensing take?

Application processing: 30–60 days. Exam queue: 2–4 weeks. Total: 8–12 weeks from start.

Can a Georgia Class I electrician work on a 400A residential service?

Technically no — 400A exceeds the 200A limit on Class I. However, many GA electricians do 400A residential services because enforcement is loose. Better practice: take Class II if you regularly install 400A services.

What CE counts for Georgia's 4-hour electrical CE?

Board-approved providers only. IEC Georgia, NECA Georgia chapter, and most community colleges run approved blocks. Online options exist but verify approval before purchase.