Short answer: To become an electrician in Georgia in 2026, start as a paid helper for a licensed electrical contractor or join a registered apprenticeship, which usually means 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus classroom work over four years. sources: 1, 2 Georgia has no state journeyman electrician license; a separate Class I or Class II license is needed only to run an electrical contracting business. source On October 9, 2026, the Atlanta IBEW apprenticeship was closed until 2027, Augusta opens January 4, 2027, Savannah takes applications on Wednesdays, and IEC refers applicants year round. sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 Published apprenticeship application fees run US$30 to US$46.
Last verified: October 9, 2026. Primary authorities: the Georgia General Assembly (2026 law, Senate Bill 553), the State Construction Industry Licensing Board’s rules, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the U.S. Department of Labor, and each apprenticeship sponsor’s own page. Journeyman rates are federal Davis-Bacon figures and BLS statistics, labeled that way.
Choose your starting route
| Your situation | Next step (status on October 9, 2026) |
|---|---|
| You need a paycheck now | Apply for helper jobs with licensed electrical contractors (you can check a contractor in the Secretary of State’s licensee search), ask whether the employer registers apprentices, and confirm pay, benefits and training costs before you accept. Or start the IEC request form to be referred to a member contractor; IEC says no experience is required and that it offers referrals, not job placement SOS guide sources: 1, 2 |
| You live in metro Atlanta | The union program is closed until 2027 (no date posted). Watch the Atlanta Electrical JATC page and consider IEC now sources: 1, 2 |
| You live near Savannah or Brunswick | Gather the full SETA document list (including your Social Security card, the Physician Appraisal Form and an OSHA 10 card) and apply in person on a Wednesday source |
| You live near Augusta | Order a sealed transcript and plan a background check within 30 days of applying; the window opens January 4, 2027 source |
| You live in Middle Georgia | Bring your documents and the US$30 fee to the Macon JATC; the aptitude test is scheduled later source |
| You already have electrical experience | Atlanta’s Construction Electrician program needs at least 1 year of documented experience (closed until 2027); IEC may let you test out of year 1 with 2,000 hours sources: 1, 2 |
Georgia quick facts
| Question | Georgia answer (checked October 9, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Statewide journeyman electrician license? | None. Georgia licenses electrical contractors only (Class I and Class II). The 2026 law has a journeyman license for plumbers, not electricians 2026 law Board rules |
| Who registers apprenticeships? | The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. Georgia has no State Apprenticeship Agency source |
| Minimum age | 18 at Savannah and Augusta sources: 1, 2; IEC youth apprentices can start at 16 through a high school work-based learning program with counselor approval source; the Board rule sets 21 for the contractor license source |
| Apprenticeship length | 4 years: 8,000 on-the-job hours at Atlanta, Savannah and IEC (Atlanta’s telecommunications track: 3 years, 4,800 hours) sources: 1, 2, 3 |
| Classroom hours | 720 over 4 years (Atlanta), 180 a year (Savannah), 576 in total (IEC) sources: 1, 2, 3 |
| Entry test | Union aptitude test in math, algebra and reading; Atlanta needs 5 of 9. IEC uses a 30-minute online algebra assessment sources: 1, 2 |
| Apprenticeship application fees | US$46 (Atlanta, US$23 plus US$23), US$30 (Macon), US$40 (Savannah), US$45 (Augusta) sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Contractor license experience (2026 law) | Class I: 3 years full time, or a 2-year electrical contracting diploma plus 2 years, or a completed U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship. Class II: 4 years with at least 2 on three-phase systems, or a DOL-approved apprenticeship plus 1 year of three-phase work 2026 law |
| Contractor exam | PSI, computer based, open book with listed references (2023 NEC), 140 scored questions, 8 hours; the law and the PSI handbook both set a minimum score of 70 PSI handbook 2026 law |
| Contractor license fee and renewal | US$110 application for Class I or Class II by exam, filed online in GOALS (Secretary of State guide, archived April 24, 2026). Renew by June 30 of even years, late renewal July 1 to 31, 4 hours of continuing education a year. Fees are set by the Board, so check the current fee before you pay SOS guide renewal rule CE rule |
| State electrical code | 2023 NEC, effective January 1, 2025; Georgia amendments revised January 1, 2026 sources: 1, 2 |
Step by step
- Get the basics ready. A high school diploma or GED is required at every program below; union programs also want an official transcript with one year of algebra and a valid driver’s license. sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 Savannah does not accept GED test scores in place of the GED itself, and asks for an OSHA 10 card. source
- Pick the program for where you live. Atlanta asks for proof of residence in the IBEW Local 613 area, which the JATC says the U.S. Department of Labor requires. source See the finder below.
- Apply inside the window. Atlanta is closed until 2027, Augusta opens January 4, 2027, Savannah takes applications on Wednesdays, and Macon takes them in person. sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
- Pass the aptitude test. Atlanta needs 5 of 9 in math, algebra and reading comprehension, takes about 3 hours, and allows no calculators. sources: 1, 2 Macon uses the Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test, then an oral interview and a ranking list. source IEC uses a 30-minute online algebra assessment. source
- Get hired. At Atlanta, passing the test makes you eligible to request a work assignment with a union contractor; all programs there require full-time union employment. source At IEC, you must be hired by a member contractor to be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. source Before you accept, confirm the wage, benefits, tuition and book costs in writing, and keep a record of the work you do; a later contractor license needs a signed experience affidavit from your supervising licensed contractor. source
- Work and study. Atlanta: 8,000 work hours and 720 classroom hours, class one day every other week. source Savannah and Macon: one night a week, 6 to 10 PM. sources: 1, 2 IEC: 8,000 hours plus 576 classroom hours. source
- Contractor license later, only if you want to run a business. Under the 2026 law, a completed U.S. DOL-approved electrical apprenticeship is one route to Class I; Class II after an apprenticeship also needs 1 year of three-phase work. Then pass the PSI exam with a score of 70. sources: 1, 2
Which program fits where you live
Training location does not decide eligibility. Each program can limit applicants by area, residency, employer or other admission rules, so open its page before you apply. If more than one program covers you, apply to each one you qualify for.
| Where you live | Program to check first | Status on Oct 9, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Atlanta and the rest of the IBEW Local 613 area (Georgia and part of Alabama) | Atlanta Electrical JATC (IBEW 613) application page | Closed Next application period: 2027, date not posted |
| Metro Atlanta, non-union | IEC Atlanta and Georgia chapters how to apply | Open Accepting referral requests year round |
| Savannah, Brunswick and the IBEW Local 508 area (24 Georgia counties) | Savannah Electrical Training Alliance application page Local 508 area | Wednesdays Accepting applications Wednesdays only |
| Augusta and nearby counties | CSRA Electrical JATC (IBEW 1579) application page | Opens Jan 4, 2027 Next application period: January 4 to June 2, 2027 |
| Macon and Middle Georgia | Macon Electrical JATC (IBEW 1316) application page | No window posted Accepting applications in person |
| Columbus, Albany and areas without a program above | IEC classrooms include Columbus, Macon, Augusta and Savannah, plus online source | Open Accepting referral requests year round |
Before you apply: checklist for career changers
- School records: a diploma or GED and an official transcript showing one year of algebra (Augusta wants it sealed and unopened). source
- ID: Savannah and Augusta require a driver’s license (Augusta accepts Georgia or South Carolina); Atlanta takes a Georgia or Alabama license. sources: 1, 2, 3
- Background and drug checks: Atlanta and Augusta both check backgrounds, and Augusta may ask for a drug test. Atlanta asks applicants with a felony less than 10 years old to email the details before applying. sources: 1, 2
- Savannah’s full list: driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate, official transcript with one full credit of algebra, diploma or GED, OSHA 10 card, the Physician Appraisal Form, an up-to-date laptop and an email address (iCloud addresses do not work). Bring copies of every document; incomplete applications are not accepted. source
- Veterans: bring a DD-214. Atlanta may waive the processing fee. sources: 1, 2
- Test prep: know the test and the cutoff for your program (programs table below).
- Budget: the application fee, books each year, and at Savannah tuition and a laptop. sources: 1, 2
Routes compared
| Route | Who it fits | Test to get in | Cost to you | Years | Pay while learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBEW/NECA apprenticeship (Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon) | People who can wait for a window and want a union contractor job | Aptitude test in math and reading; Atlanta asks for 5 of 9 sources: 1, 2 | US$30 to US$46 to apply; tuition free at Atlanta and Macon (books extra); Savannah lists US$1,400 to US$1,700 a year for tuition, books and modules sources: 1, 2, 3 | 4 sources: 1, 2 | US$18.90 an hour in year 1 at Atlanta (sheet updated 9/8/26); US$19.25 at Savannah sources: 1, 2 |
| IEC apprenticeship (non-union, statewide classrooms) | People hired by an IEC member contractor; year-round starts | 30-minute online algebra assessment source. You can also enroll on your own, but then IEC says you are not registered with the U.S. DOL source | US$1,495 a year tuition and US$600 to US$900 books; IEC bills the employer, and each company sets its own payment rules sources: 1, 2 | 4 (8,000 hours plus 576 classroom hours) source | IEC says entry wages average US$17 to US$20 an hour source |
| Atlanta Construction Electrician program (not an apprenticeship) | People with at least 1 year of documented electrical experience | No aptitude test source | Class costs paid in advance source | 8 pay levels of 1,600 work hours each source | CW1 US$17.00 an hour (sheet updated 9/8/26) source |
| Helper job with a licensed contractor (no program) | People who need a paycheck now | Set by the employer | None published | For a later contractor license, the 2026 law asks for a sworn experience affidavit from each supervisor (usually the supervising licensed contractor) 2026 law | Set by the employer |
| Technical college first (TCSG) | People who want classroom training before a job | College admission | US$107 per credit hour for Georgia residents from fall 2026; the HOPE Grant pays US$107 an hour at TCSG for eligible students sources: 1, 2 | Varies by program | None while in class |
Georgia license and certification details
| Question | Answer (2026 law unless noted) |
|---|---|
| Do employees need a state license? | No state license exists for apprentices or journey-level electricians. The law requires a license to engage in electrical contracting, and defines an electrical contractor as an individual licensed as Class I or Class II 2026 law. The license belongs to the person: the Board does not register electrical contracting companies SOS FAQ |
| Class I (restricted): what it covers | Single-family dwellings up to three levels or residential multifamily structures up to two levels, single-phase service up to 400 amperes 2026 law. The Board rule still printed the older 200 ampere wording on October 9, 2026, so confirm with the Division Board rule |
| Class I: experience | A full-time year means 2,000 documented hours of qualifying work. One of: (A) at least 3 years of full-time experience, with completed projects in at least five of seven listed areas plus shown competency in load and conductor calculations; (B) a two-year diploma or certificate in electrical contracting plus 2 years of full-time experience; or a completed electrical apprenticeship accredited or approved by the U.S. Department of Labor 2026 law |
| Class II (unrestricted): experience | One of: (A) at least 4 years of full-time experience, at least 2 of them on three-phase systems; (B) a two-year electrical contracting diploma plus 4 years (2 on three-phase systems); or (C) a completed DOL-approved electrical apprenticeship plus 1 year of full-time three-phase experience 2026 law |
| Older documents still online | Board Rule 121-3-.01 (effective March 19, 2025) and the 2022 application form still describe 4 years for both classes and age 21. Where they differ from the 2026 law, confirm with the Division before you file Board rule 2022 form |
| How to apply | Create an account in GOALS, the Secretary of State’s online licensing portal, pick the license type, upload the documents and pay the fee. The Board must approve you before you can schedule the PSI exam; applications are generally processed within 20 business days SOS guide |
| Paperwork | 2026 law: a sworn experience affidavit signed by your supervising licensed contractor or, in the alternative, by another licensed professional the law names (such as a licensed architect), with a separate affidavit for each supervisor; at least one secure and verifiable identity document; an affidavit of lawful presence; and consent to a criminal background check 2026 law. The Secretary of State checklist (archived April 24, 2026) still asks for three references, at least one from a licensed electrical contractor, and a background check from your local law enforcement agency. Prepare the affidavits the law requires and ask the Board whether the three reference forms are also needed before you submit SOS guide SOS FAQ |
| Exam | PSI, computer based, open book with listed references. Class I: 140 scored questions plus 15 pretest; Class II: 140 plus 22; 8 hours in two parts; minimum score 70. Fail twice and you must finish a Board-approved review course before a third attempt PSI handbook. Exam approval letters are valid for one year SOS FAQ |
| Fees | US$110 application for Class I or Class II by exam, per the Secretary of State guide archived April 24, 2026 SOS guide. The law lets the Board set fees, so check the current fee schedule before you pay 2026 law. An older paper form (rev. 08/22) listed US$40; the current guide sends applicants to GOALS instead 2022 form |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. Licenses expire June 30 of even years, with a late renewal period of July 1 to 31 and a late fee renewal rule SOS guide. Board Rule 121-4-.05 requires 4 hours of continuing education a year (8 per renewal), and you keep course records for 5 years CE rule SOS FAQ |
| Licenses from other states | The 2026 law lets the Division, at its discretion, license people from states with substantially equal requirements 2026 law. Board guidance changed during 2026: an April 2026 FAQ listed Class II reciprocity with Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee SOS FAQ, April 2026, but that list may no longer apply. Do not plan a move around it; ask the Board whether reciprocity is offered before you apply. |
| Local rules | A state license is valid statewide, and a city or county may not add its own licensing requirements for license holders (one exception in the law) 2026 law. Permits are still local. We found no Georgia city or county journeyman electrician card on October 9, 2026. |
The 2026 law (Senate Bill 553, listed on the Governor’s 2026 signed legislation page) repealed and replaced the chapter that covers electrical contractors. source The state electrical code is the 2023 NEC with Georgia amendments, and the PSI reference list for exams through December 31, 2026 names the 2023 NEC. sources: 1, 2
Programs and their status on October 9, 2026
| Program | Area | Test used | Status on Oct 9, 2026 | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Electrical JATC, inside wireman (IBEW Local 613 and the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association) | Local 613 area in Georgia and part of Alabama; training center in Peachtree Corners | Aptitude test (math, algebra, reading comprehension), 5 of 9 to pass; in person, about 3 hours, no calculators. US$23 processing plus US$23 test fee | Closed Applications for April 2027 classes closed. Fall 2027 applications “will reopen in 2027” (no date posted). IBEW 613 still shows the last window, February 1 to March 31, 2026 | JATC test page IBEW 613 |
| Atlanta Electrical JATC, telecommunications apprenticeship | Same area | Same aptitude test, 5 of 9. 3 years: 4,800 work hours and 540 classroom hours | Closed Same application cycle as above | JATC |
| Atlanta Construction Electrician program (not an apprenticeship) | Same area | No aptitude test; at least 1 year of documented experience | Closed Class enrollment closed until November 2026; applications reopen in 2027 | JATC |
| Savannah Electrical Training Alliance (IBEW Local 508 area) | Savannah and Brunswick class locations | Aptitude test in Algebra 1 based math and reading comprehension (cutoff not published). US$40 application fee, no cash or personal checks | Wednesdays Pick up or drop off applications Wednesdays, 8:30 to 11:00 AM and 1:00 to 4:00 PM, 1526 Dean Forest Rd, Savannah. No closing date posted | SETA classes |
| CSRA Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 1579) | Augusta area; applications at 403 Beverly Rd, Martinez | Aptitude test given by the JATC, interview the following week (cutoff not published). US$45 fee, money order or credit card only | Opens Jan 4, 2027 In person, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, January 4 to June 2, 2027 | IBEW 1579 |
| Macon Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 1316, Macon Electrical Training Center) | Middle Georgia; 1046 Patterson Street, Macon | Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test (math and reading), then an oral interview and a ranking list. US$30 application fee | No window posted Bring your documents and the fee in person; the test is scheduled later | IBEW 1316 training center |
| IEC Atlanta and Georgia chapters (non-union) | Main campus Doraville; classrooms in Kennesaw, Union City, Conyers, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, Savannah and online | 30-minute online algebra assessment; to be registered with the U.S. DOL you must be hired by an IEC member (self-enrolled students get class credit only) | Open Year-round referral; first-year classes usually start in August, October or January | IEC FAQ |
| ABC of Georgia (non-union) | Atlanta office | Not published | None listed Some guides list ABC as a Georgia electrician route, but the chapter’s own education and workforce pages list no electrical apprenticeship | sources: 1, 2 |
We could not open an official program page for an IBEW apprenticeship in Columbus or Albany on October 9, 2026. IEC lists a Columbus classroom. source
Program names belong to their owners. The program’s own page is always the final word. Tsai Electro is an independent publisher, not an apprenticeship sponsor or a licensing authority.
Looking for electrician jobs in Georgia?
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Pay from official sources
Apprentice pay published by training programs
| Program | First-year apprentice (per hour) | Top of scale (per hour) | Effective | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Electrical JATC, inside wireman | US$18.90 | US$42.00 graduate rate | Pay sheet updated 9/8/26 | JATC pay sheet source |
| Atlanta Electrical JATC, telecommunications | US$18.90 | US$29.27 graduate rate | Pay sheet updated 9/8/26 | JATC pay sheet source |
| Savannah Electrical Training Alliance | US$19.25 (55%, first 1,000 OJT hours) | US$29.75 (85%, 6,501 to 8,000 OJT hours) | Page undated; read October 9, 2026 | SETA classes page source |
| IEC Atlanta and Georgia | Entry wages average US$17 to US$20, set by the employer | Not posted | Page undated; read October 9, 2026 | IEC source |
Atlanta inside wireman ladder (sheet updated 9/8/26): year 2 US$21.00, year 3 US$23.10, year 4 US$27.30, year 5 US$31.50 if 8,000 hours are not yet met; raises every 1,600 work hours once the book balance is paid. source An older Atlanta requirements page still shows a US$18.00 starting rate; the dated pay sheet is newer. source Savannah ladder: US$21.00, US$22.75, US$24.50, US$26.25 and US$29.75 (60% to 85%). source
Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wages (not general market wages)
These are minimum rates for covered federal building construction, not a promise for every job. Fringe benefits are listed separately from the hourly wage.
| County (building construction) | Electrician rate (per hour) | Rate date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton (Atlanta) | US$38.65 plus US$12.75 fringe | IBEW 613 rate dated 03/03/2025, in a determination published 05/18/2026 | Federal Davis-Bacon source |
| Chatham (Savannah) | US$33.35 plus US$13.40 fringe | Rate dated 09/01/2025, published 05/18/2026 | Federal Davis-Bacon source |
| Richmond (Augusta) | US$32.25 plus US$16.95 fringe | Rate dated 10/01/2025, published 05/18/2026 | Federal Davis-Bacon source |
| Bibb (Macon) | US$32.00 plus US$14.71 fringe | Rate dated 09/01/2024, published 05/18/2026 | Federal Davis-Bacon source |
| Muscogee (Columbus) | US$22.45 plus US$12.41 fringe, a survey rate, not a union rate | Survey dated 04/15/2021, published 05/18/2026 | Federal Davis-Bacon source |
Georgia electrician wages (BLS statistics, all electricians, not apprentices)
| Area | Median (per hour) | Mean (per hour) | Other | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | US$28.04 | US$29.37 | Annual median US$58,320; 10th percentile US$17.88 an hour; 21,650 jobs | BLS OEWS, May 2025 source |
| Atlanta metro | US$28.20 | US$29.82 | 13,430 jobs | BLS OEWS, May 2025 source |
Costs and timeline
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta JATC application | US$23 processing plus US$23 aptitude test (US$46); veterans can ask about a processing fee waiver | source |
| Atlanta JATC tuition and books | Tuition and class fees covered by a contractor-funded scholarship; first-year books US$620.63 (October 2025 to April 2026 sheet); replacement 2023 NEC code book US$130 | source |
| Savannah ETA | US$40 application; tuition, books and computer modules US$1,400 to US$1,700 a year; you also need an OSHA 10 card and an up-to-date laptop | source |
| Augusta (CSRA) application | US$45, plus a criminal background check dated within 30 days | source |
| Macon application and books | US$30 application; tuition free; apprentices pay for books, half up front | sources: 1, 2 |
| IEC tuition and books | US$1,495 a year tuition and US$600 to US$900 a year books, billed to the member employer | sources: 1, 2 |
| Technical college (TCSG) | US$107 per credit hour for Georgia residents from fall 2026 | source |
| State contractor license application | US$110 for Class I or Class II by exam, filed in GOALS (Secretary of State guide archived April 24, 2026). The PSI exam fee is paid to PSI and is not listed in the PSI handbook. The Board sets fees, so check the current schedule | sources: 1, 2, 3 |
Timeline for the Atlanta union route:
- 2027 (date not posted): the JATC reopens applications for fall 2027 classes. The last IBEW 613 window was February 1 to March 31, 2026. sources: 1, 2
- After you apply: an in-person aptitude test, scheduled in the order applicants applied. source
- After you pass: request a work assignment with a union contractor. The JATC says applying for admission does not mean a contractor will hire you. sources: 1, 2
- 4 years: 8,000 work hours and 720 classroom hours, then the US$42.00 graduate rate on the current sheet. sources: 1, 2
- Contractor license (optional): a completed DOL-approved apprenticeship meets the Class I experience route in the 2026 law; Class II also needs 1 year of three-phase work. The PSI handbook says score reports can take up to 6 weeks to reach the Board. sources: 1, 2
Applying to a Georgia JATC? Atlanta asks for 5 of 9 on a math and reading aptitude test. Try the free timed practice.
U.S. Edition: 1,300 math and 216 reading questions, 6 timed simulations, interview prep and a guide to 49 JATCs. One payment, files yours to keep.
Check which aptitude test each JATC uses and compare first-year IBEW apprentice pay by local across the U.S.
Questions people ask
Does Georgia have a journeyman electrician license?
No. Georgia has no state journeyman or master electrician license. The Board’s own FAQ says it licenses electrical contractors, not electricians. The State Construction Industry Licensing Board licenses electrical contractors (Class I restricted and Class II unrestricted); the 2026 law has a journeyman license for plumbers only. We found no Georgia city or county journeyman electrician card on October 9, 2026, and the law bars cities and counties from adding licensing requirements for state license holders.
Is the Atlanta IBEW 613 apprenticeship accepting applications?
No. On October 9, 2026, the Atlanta Electrical JATC said applications for April 2027 classes were closed and applications for fall 2027 classes will reopen in 2027, with no date posted. The last IBEW 613 window was February 1 to March 31, 2026. Applicants pay US$23 processing plus US$23 for the aptitude test and need 5 of 9 to pass.
Which Georgia electrician apprenticeships can I apply to now?
As of October 9, 2026: the Savannah Electrical Training Alliance takes applications in person on Wednesdays, the Macon Electrical JATC takes them in person with no window posted, and IEC Atlanta and Georgia refers applicants year round. The CSRA Electrical JATC in Augusta opens January 4, 2027 and closes June 2, 2027. Atlanta reopens in 2027.
Can I become an electrician in Georgia without experience or trade school?
Yes. IEC Atlanta and Georgia says no experience is required, and the Atlanta and Savannah union programs say no experience or prior training is required; you need a diploma or GED and must pass their aptitude test. A registered apprenticeship takes about four years: 8,000 work hours plus classroom training (720 hours at Atlanta, 576 at IEC).
How much does a first-year electrician apprentice make in Georgia?
It depends on the program. The Atlanta Electrical JATC pays US$18.90 an hour in year 1 and US$42.00 at graduation (pay sheet updated September 8, 2026). The Savannah Electrical Training Alliance starts at US$19.25 an hour, 55% of the journeyman rate. IEC says its entry wages average US$17 to US$20 an hour.
What do I need for a Georgia electrical contractor license?
Under the 2026 law, Class I needs 3 years of full-time experience, or a two-year electrical contracting diploma plus 2 years, or a completed U.S. DOL-approved electrical apprenticeship. Class II needs 4 years with at least 2 on three-phase systems, or a DOL-approved apprenticeship plus 1 year of three-phase work. You file online in GOALS; the Secretary of State guide (archived April 24, 2026) lists a US$110 application fee. You also need a sworn experience affidavit from each supervisor, an identity document, a lawful-presence affidavit and a background check, then a PSI exam score of 70. The Board sets fees and the Board rule still shows age 21, so check both with the Board.
Does finishing an apprenticeship give me a Georgia contractor license automatically?
No. Completing a U.S. DOL-approved electrical apprenticeship can meet the experience requirement for Class I, and for Class II with 1 more year of three-phase work, but you still apply to the Division of Electrical Contractors and pass the PSI exam with a score of 70. You need the license only to run an electrical contracting business.
Change log
October 9, 2026: page published; every fact from the state agency, the U.S. DOL or the program’s own page, checked October 9, 2026. October 9, 2026 (review round 1): rewrote contractor licensing to the 2026 law (Senate Bill 553): Class I and Class II experience routes, three-phase requirement, apprenticeship routes, affidavit and identity documents; labeled the US$40 fee as the 2022 form figure; added a starting-route table, Atlanta’s telecommunications and Construction Electrician status, and split pay into program, Davis-Bacon and BLS tables. October 9, 2026 (review round 2): added the GOALS filing steps, the US$110 application fee and the reference checklist from the Secretary of State guide (archived April 24, 2026), the June 30 renewal date, the July 1 to 31 late period and the 4-hour CE rule from the Board rules, the April 2026 reciprocity list, exam approval validity, IEC youth and self-enrollment notes, and Savannah’s full document list. October 9, 2026 (review round 3): marked the April 2026 reciprocity list as possibly out of date, added the law’s 2,000-hour full-time year, the FAQ line that the Board does not register companies, and IEC’s referral-not-placement note. Next re-checks: when the Atlanta Electrical JATC posts its 2027 window, on January 4, 2027 when Augusta opens, and when the PSI reference list changes after December 31, 2026. Spot an error? Email hello@tsaielectro.com and we correct it within 48 hours.
