How to Get Your Electrician License in Georgia
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for Georgia. Last verified: February 2026.
Important Note
Georgia does not issue a statewide journeyman electrician license. Electrical contractor licensing is handled by the Georgia Secretary of State's Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB), but journeyman-level licensing is primarily done at the county and municipal level. Requirements, exams, and fees vary by jurisdiction. [VERIFY any statewide journeyman path at sos.ga.gov]
Major Local Licensing Jurisdictions
What You Still Need — Regardless of Jurisdiction
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training (required on most commercial and union job sites)
- ✓NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training (recommended for arc flash protection)
- ✓Georgia Electrical Contractor License from the GCILB (if starting a business — issued by the Secretary of State)
Quick Facts
Hours Required
N/A — primarily local licensing
Exam
Local Electrician Exam (varies)
Fee Range
Varies by jurisdiction
Governing Body
Local Jurisdiction [VERIFY statewide path]
Requirements
In Georgia, journeyman-level electrical licensing is primarily local. The Georgia GCILB under the Secretary of State licenses Electrical Contractors (master-level), but individual counties and cities handle journeyman licensing separately. Many Georgia counties require a journeyman card to perform electrical work. Check with your county's building and planning department for the specific requirements in your area.
Steps to Apply
- 1
Identify the specific county or municipality where you will perform electrical work in Georgia.
- 2
Contact the local building or licensing department for journeyman electrician requirements.
- 3
Complete the required apprenticeship or experience hours (typically 4 years / ~8,000 hours for journeyman-level).
- 4
Apply to the local licensing authority, provide proof of experience, and pay required fees.
- 5
Pass the local or county electrical exam.
- 6
Receive your local journeyman electrician license and maintain it through required renewals.
Exam Details
Exam requirements vary by jurisdiction. Many Georgia counties use exams based on the NEC as adopted in the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes. The GCILB contractor exam is administered by PSI for master-level contractor licensing. [VERIFY journeyman exam requirements with your specific county or city]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: Varies by jurisdiction
Fees vary by jurisdiction. GCILB Electrical Contractor application fees are set by the Secretary of State. [VERIFY current GCILB fee schedule at sos.ga.gov and local county fees with your building department]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia have a statewide journeyman electrician license?
Georgia's statewide electrical licensing (through the GCILB) focuses on the Electrical Contractor (master) level. Journeyman licensing is primarily handled at the county or local level. [VERIFY any statewide journeyman program at sos.ga.gov]
What electrical code does Georgia use?
Georgia has adopted the National Electrical Code (NEC) as one of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes. Local jurisdictions may adopt additional amendments. [VERIFY currently adopted NEC edition in Georgia]
How do I get a Georgia Electrical Contractor (master) license?
The Georgia GCILB issues Electrical Contractor licenses through the Secretary of State's office. Requirements include documented experience, passing a PSI-administered exam, and paying the application fee. Details are at sos.ga.gov.
Why doesn't Georgia have a statewide journeyman electrician license?
Georgia's statewide Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB) licenses Electrical Contractors at the master/business level, but journeyman licensing authority has remained with local counties and cities. Many Georgia counties fill this gap by issuing their own journeyman electrician cards. [VERIFY any pending statewide journeyman legislation at sos.ga.gov]
How do I find my local electrician license requirements in Georgia?
Contact the building or licensing department of the specific county or city where you'll perform work. The Georgia Association of Electrical Contractors (GAEC) and your local IBEW hall can provide guidance on local licensing programs. For statewide contractor licensing, visit sos.ga.gov/gcilb.
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