Quick Reference Table
Label | Value |
|---|---|
License type | Class I Electrical Contractor (Restricted), Class II Electrical Contractor (Non-Restricted) |
Agency | Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors (board homepage) |
Minimum experience | 4 years Primary (field) experience, or combined 6 years with Secondary credit (at 50%) |
Exam required | Yes, with 70 minimum score; administered by PSI after Board approval |
Renewal cycle | Every 2 years, due June 30 of even-numbered years (late renewal July 1 to 31) |
Continuing Education | 4 hours per year (8 hours per 2-year cycle); must log via CE Broker |
Fees | Application: $30 + $10 processing (new/exam). Renewal: $75 + $10 (on-time, as of May 2026). Full schedule: see official fee schedule |
Official links | Board, How-To Guide, Continuing Education, FAQ |
Who Needs a License in Georgia?
Anyone who contracts for compensation to install, maintain, alter, or repair electrical systems under the National Electrical Code must hold a state electrical license in Georgia. There is no minimum job size or dollar amount; paid electrical contracting always requires a license and must follow the electrical license requirements in Georgia.
It is important to note that the law distinguishes between the license holder (the contractor or qualifying agent) and employees or helpers. Employees and apprentices may perform electrical work under the supervision of a licensed contractor, but only the licensed contractor may legally contract with a customer for an electrical job. Subcontractors must also be hired by licensed electrical contractors if their work falls under regulated electrical scopes. Homeowners may perform electrical work on their own residence, provided they comply with state and local building codes, but may not perform paid work for others without a license and must follow the electrical license requirements in Georgia.
Therefore, before offering estimates or entering into any contract for electrical work in Georgia, you must possess the correct license from the State Construction Industry Licensing Board. This requirement applies regardless of the size or type of project, including new installations, repairs, upgrades, and maintenance work that falls under the NEC (National Electrical Code). Failing to meet electrical license requirements in Georgia can result in penalties.
Electrical License Types
Georgia electrical licenses fall into two main classifications, each with its own restrictions and permitted scope of work. Choosing the proper license class is mandatory for legal compliance and to ensure you can bid on the types of jobs you want to perform according to electrical license requirements in Georgia.
Class I Electrical Contractor License (Restricted): This license allows you to work only on single-phase electrical installations not exceeding 200 amperes at the service drop or lateral. This typically applies to smaller commercial buildings and most residential homes. You cannot install or service three-phase systems, and you are limited to the amperage scope defined above.
Class II Electrical Contractor License (Non-Restricted): This license has no restrictions on phase or amperage. With a Class II license, you may contract for any size or type of electrical installation or maintenance, including large-scale commercial and industrial projects. This is the broadest electrical license available in Georgia and is preferred for contractors who want to operate across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Georgia does not recognize any other state-level electrical contractor classifications, such as journeyman, master, or specialty licenses. However, cities or counties may have local requirements for lower-tier workers, so always verify with the relevant local building department before commencing work to remain compliant with electrical license requirements in Georgia.
Electrical License Requirements in Georgia: How to Get Licensed
The State Construction Industry Licensing Board has a formal step-by-step process. Every applicant must follow these steps in order to earn an electrical contractor license in Georgia. Understanding electrical license requirements in Georgia helps prevent delays and denials.
Verify Eligibility
First, confirm that you meet all basic eligibility requirements. You must be at least 21 years old. You must also have a minimum of four years of primary, in-field electrical experience. Secondary experience or formal education may count for up to one year, but only at 50% credit (so 2 years of secondary experience equals 1 year for application purposes).
Create a GOALS Portal Account
Georgia uses the "Georgia Online Application Licensing System" (GOALS) for all professional licensing. Set up an account at the official portal, if you do not already have one.
Select License Type and Complete Application
Choose either Class I (Restricted) or Class II (Non-Restricted), then complete the online application. You must upload all required supporting documents.
Prepare and Submit Documentation
This includes a notarized application, three professional references (at least one must hold a Georgia electrical contractor license, others may be licensed in another state or a registered engineer), a background check from local law enforcement, a secure and verifiable identity document, an affidavit of citizenship, and immigration documents if applicable. The Board may also request additional documents to verify qualifications or resolve discrepancies.
Pay Application Fee
Submit the required fee of $30 plus $10 online processing, for a total of $40 as of May 2026 (verify latest fee schedule).
Board Review
After you submit your application, the Board will review your materials. Most reviews can take up to 20 business days. If your application is incomplete, the Board will notify you. Any missing or insufficient documentation resets the review clock, so double-check your submission for accuracy and completeness.
Exam Approval and Scheduling
Once approved, the Board sends you an official approval letter. You then register with PSI, the testing vendor, following instructions in your approval letter. You must pass the electrical contractor exam for your chosen class with a minimum score of 70%. If you fail the exam twice, you must complete a Board-approved review course before taking the exam again.
Pass Exam and Receive License
After passing the exam, the Board issues your Electrical Contractor license. You may begin contracting for electrical work immediately, subject to all state and local legal requirements.
Complete CE and Renew as Required
After you hold your license, you must complete the required continuing education hours and renew your license every two years. You must upload CE information to CE Broker before renewal.
Special Cases (Veterans, ADA, Lapsed Licenses)
If you are a veteran, you may qualify for preference points or expedited review by submitting a DD-214. For ADA accommodations on the exam, submit the Board’s ADA form. If your license lapses for less than 3 years, you will pay a higher reinstatement fee and submit additional documents. If your license lapses for more than 3 years, you must reapply as a new applicant and retake the exam.
Every applicant should read the full How-To Guide for Electrical Contractors for detailed document and procedure explanations about electrical license requirements in Georgia.
Application Requirements
The Board requires all applicants to meet strict standards before they may hold an electrical contractor license. Here is what you must provide and demonstrate to meet electrical license requirements in Georgia:
Experience and Age
You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application. You must document at least 4 years of primary, hands-on experience with electrical installations under the National Electrical Code. Up to one year can be credited from related secondary experience (such as engineering, drafting, or estimating) or from approved electrical education. Secondary experience or education only counts at 50%, so you need two years for each year’s credit.
Your application must include three professional references. At least one of these must be from a licensed electrical contractor (in Georgia or another state), or a registered professional engineer. If your primary experience was gained as an employee, your supervisor must document your role, duties, and hours. In contrast, if self-employed, business records or project documentation may be required.
Citizenship, ID, and Immigration Status
Georgia requires applicants to prove citizenship or lawful presence. You must provide a secure and verifiable government-issued ID, an affidavit of citizenship, and, if you are not a U.S. citizen, current immigration documents. Falsifying information may lead to criminal penalties and permanent denial of licensure.
Background Check
All applicants are required to obtain a background check from their local law enforcement agency. Include the results with your application. The Board may ask for more details if there are criminal convictions or disciplinary actions in your background. If you have such issues, submit court documents or supporting records to prevent delays.
Bond and Insurance
There is no bond or insurance requirement imposed by the State Electrical Board for individual contractor licensing. However, your specific business entity (LLC, corporation, etc.) may need insurance or bonding under Georgia law or local ordinance. Always verify with your insurer and local authorities for compliance beyond the contractor’s license itself.
Other Documentation
You must complete all forms exactly as the Board requires to meet electrical license requirements in Georgia. If you are a veteran seeking preference, attach your DD-214. ADA accommodation requests must be supported by medical documentation and submitted on the official Board form. In summary, read the application instructions carefully and gather all paperwork in advance of starting your submission.
Exams
All electrical contractor license applicants in Georgia must pass the Board-approved licensing examination. The following details apply for those meeting electrical license requirements in Georgia:
Exam Format and Content
The required exam covers both trade knowledge and business/law aspects relevant to electrical contracting in Georgia. Exams are closed-book, proctored, and administered electronically by PSI Testing after the Board issues your approval letter. You cannot register for the exam until the Board has approved your application.
Exam Registration and Scoring
Once approved, you will receive instructions for scheduling through PSI at PSIOnline.com. You need a score of at least 70% to pass. If you do not pass after two attempts, you must complete a remedial review course approved by the Board before scheduling again. There is no explicit waiting time between exam attempts, but follow Board or PSI instructions closely.
Exam Fees
The application fee to the Board does not cover the PSI exam fee. Exam fees are paid directly to PSI when scheduling your test. For the latest exam fee amount, verify at the official Board FAQ.
Fees
All fees for electrical contractor licensing in Georgia are regulated and published by the Board. Every applicant pays a $10 online processing fee in addition to the base fee for their application or renewal. As of May 2026, confirmed fees are:
New (by Exam) Application: $30 + $10 processing = $40 (as of May 2026, see form)
Reinstatement (lapsed under 3 years): $150 + $10 processing = $160 (as of May 2026, see form)
Reinstatement (lapsed 3 or more years): $150 + $10 processing = $160, plus re-exam required (as of May 2026, see form)
On-time Renewal: $75 + $10 processing = $85 (as of May 2026, see schedule)
Late Renewal (within 30 days): $100 + $10 processing = $110 (see official schedule for confirmation)
License Verification: $35 (see Board FAQ)
A complete, current fee chart is always posted on the Board’s official fee schedule. The State Board may increase fees at any time, so contractors should always verify before applying.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Georgia electrical contractor licenses renew every two years. On-time renewals are due June 30 on even-numbered years (for example, June 30, 2026), with a 30-day late window extending through July 31. Renewal is not automatic. You must complete the following steps for each cycle to meet electrical license requirements in Georgia.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
The state requires all licensees to complete 4 hours per year (8 hours total per cycle) of continuing education. You must enter all CE credit hours into Georgia’s approved CE Broker system before renewing your license. Acceptable topics include code updates, safety/OSHA standards, business law, installation methods, theory, and changes in materials. Manufacturer training is allowed, provided that the training is not used to promote products.
CE Documentation and Audit
It is your responsibility to retain certificates or proof of completion for at least five years. The Board audits CE compliance randomly. If you cannot provide documentation upon audit, your renewal may be delayed or denied, or your license may be suspended.
Consequences for Lapsed License or CE Deficiency
If you do not renew by June 30, your license enters a 30-day late renewal window; late renewal incurs a higher fee. After July 31, your license lapses. Under three years lapsed, you may file for reinstatement with additional fees and documentation. If you do not meet continuing education requirements, you cannot renew your license until deficiencies are remedied, and you may face disciplinary action for non-compliance. More than three years lapsed requires you to re-apply and re-exam as a new applicant, following all electrical license requirements in Georgia.
Reciprocity
No reciprocity exists for electrical contractor licenses in Georgia as of May 2026. Although earlier versions of the rules referenced possible agreements with Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, these are no longer honored. Contractors from other states must meet all of Georgia’s standard application and exam requirements, without shortcuts or waivers. Always confirm reciprocity status at the Board FAQ, as this policy may change in the future regarding electrical license requirements in Georgia.
Official Links
Board homepage – Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board
Application instructions (How-To Guide)
Continuing Education requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Official rules (Chapter 121-3)
Official fee schedule (PDF)
