Georgia Electrician License Requirements

Official classification: Electrical Contractor License (Class I or Class II) · Issued by the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB).

⚡ ElectricianGA ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Georgia, electricians must hold the Electrical Contractor License (Class I or Class II), issued by the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB), and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed electrician in Georgia

Follow these steps to earn your Electrical Contractor License (Class I or Class II). Every figure is verified against the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 4 years of documented work experience installing electrical wiring under a licensed electrical contractor. Class II additionally requires documented experience on installations exceeding single-phase, 400-ampere systems. Minimum age 21.
Pass the Electrical Contractor Trade Examination (Class I: 155 questions; Class II: 162 questions) exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Class II: $500,000 per occurrence (commercial general liability). Class I: Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a stated minimum.), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Required; applicants must disclose criminal history and provide explanation for any convictions.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB) — $110 (submitted via GOALS online portal) application fee, plus a Included in application process license fee. Processing time: Applications processed in order of receipt; exam approval letter valid for 1 year after board approval.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (June 30 of even-numbered years), completing 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (4 hours annually); GCILB-approved courses covering NEC updates and Georgia electrical law.

Georgia electrician license lookup

To confirm an electrician is properly licensed in Georgia — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official goals.sos.ga.gov database →

License types

Class I (Restricted) — Single-phase residential electrical installations on single-family dwellings up to 3 levels and multifamily structures up to 2 levels, not exceeding 400 amperes
Class II (Non-Restricted) — All residential and commercial electrical installations without amperage, voltage, or building-type restriction

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	4 years of documented work experience installing electrical wiring under a licensed electrical contractor. Class II additionally requires documented experience on installations exceeding single-phase, 400-ampere systems. Minimum age 21.
Application fee	$110 (submitted via GOALS online portal)
License fee	Included in application process
Renewal fee	$75 (biennial; due June 30 of even-numbered years); $100 if renewed within 30 days after expiration
Renewal period	Every 2 years (June 30 of even-numbered years)
Continuing education	8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (4 hours annually); GCILB-approved courses covering NEC updates and Georgia electrical law
Bond required	No state-level surety bond required by GCILB; local municipalities may impose their own bonding requirements at time of permit
Liability insurance	Class II: $500,000 per occurrence (commercial general liability). Class I: Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a stated minimum.
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required under O.C.G.A. §34-9-2 for any business with 3 or more employees.
Background check	Required; applicants must disclose criminal history and provide explanation for any convictions.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Alabama (trade exam waived for Non-Restricted license holders in good standing); Louisiana (trade exam waived for Non-Restricted license holders in good standing); North Carolina (trade exam waived for Non-Restricted license holders in good standing); South Carolina (trade exam waived for Non-Restricted license holders in good standing); Tennessee (trade exam waived for Non-Restricted license holders in good standing)
Processing time	Applications processed in order of receipt; exam approval letter valid for 1 year after board approval

Exams

Electrical Contractor Trade Examination (Class I: 155 questions; Class II: 162 questions)	Provider: PSI Exams · Passing: 70% · Fee: $288 (PSI-set exam fee; verify current amount on the PSI Georgia electrical bulletin)

Preparing for the Electrician exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Reciprocity applicants must still pass the Georgia Business & Law exam. All applications submitted through the GOALS online portal; paper applications no longer accepted.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Georgia electrician license cost?

Application: $110 (submitted via GOALS online portal). License: Included in application process. Renewal: $75 (biennial; due June 30 of even-numbered years); $100 if renewed within 30 days after expiration.

How do I look up a electrician license in Georgia?

Search the official license database at goals.sos.ga.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do electricians in Georgia need a surety bond?

No state-level surety bond required by GCILB; local municipalities may impose their own bonding requirements at time of permit

What experience is required for a Georgia electrician license?

4 years of documented work experience installing electrical wiring under a licensed electrical contractor. Class II additionally requires documented experience on installations exceeding single-phase, 400-ampere systems. Minimum age 21.

Is insurance required for electricians in Georgia?

Liability: Class II: $500,000 per occurrence (commercial general liability). Class I: Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a stated minimum. Workers' compensation: Required under O.C.G.A. §34-9-2 for any business with 3 or more employees.

How often must a Georgia electrician license be renewed?

Every 2 years (June 30 of even-numbered years). Continuing education: 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (4 hours annually); GCILB-approved courses covering NEC updates and Georgia electrical law

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB) before applying. This is not legal advice.