Georgia Electrical License: Step-by-Step Guide to Become An Electrician

An excellent career option, being an electrician, is more than a job. Electrical contractors have a variety of job choices and make a respectable living. Additionally, there is employment security because clients will always need trained tradespeople to construct and maintain electrical systems in their residences and places of business. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 711,200 electricians employed nationwide, of whom 19,010 are located in Georgia. According to projections, over 50,000 more people will join the ranks of this skilled profession nationally between 2021 and 2031. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the growth rate is predicted to be greater in Georgia, at 11%.

Finding experienced tradespeople is a nationwide search for many contractors. According to the Associated General Contractors of America’s 2020 AGC-Autodesk Workforce Survey, hourly craft roles, including plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians, were unfilled in 60% of American businesses and 63% of companies in Georgia. You will therefore have a wide selection of employment to choose from when you’re ready if you receive the required training.

Although being an electrician takes time, you are compensated for your efforts as you learn and develop your skills.

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What does an electrician do? What are their skills?

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power system components in buildings and other structures. Electrical work involves communication, lighting, and control systems in enterprises, commercial facilities, and homes. 

Electricians deal with the installation and upkeep of the lighting system and inspect electrical parts such as circuit breakers, electrical wiring, and controls. They must use hand and power tools to fix or upgrade the equipment, wiring, and fixtures. 

They must be in charge of managing and instructing additional electrical workers. They have to interpret designs showing where outlets, circuits, and other equipment are located in buildings. They also employ testing tools to find electrical flaws. 

The National Electrical Code, which forms the basis of local and state building regulations, must be followed by electricians. When buildings are still being built, they might work there, installing wiring and other equipment before it is hidden behind walls.

Electricians who maintain machinery must locate and fix broken machinery.

How do you know you are qualified to become an electrician?

To become an electrician, you must have the following prerequisites:

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years old 
• Have a high school diploma or GED 
• Be in good physical condition 
• Have dependable transportation to and from school and workplaces 
• Be able to work both independently and in a group 
• And be able to follow directions.

Depending on your state, there may be other criteria you need to fulfill before beginning your career as an electrician. Information about how to obtain a license in Georgia is provided in this article.

Steps on how to get an electrical license in Georgia

An electrical license applicant in Georgia should have at least four years of experience. 

To gain practical experience, you can sign up for an electrical apprenticeship program in Georgia. 

Under the supervision of a certified electrician, you will conduct a range of electrical tasks as an apprentice. 

Apprenticeship programs for electricians in Georgia: 

• Technical College System of Georgia 
• IEC Apprenticeship Program 
• IBEW Local Union 613 Apprenticeship Program

Information about the Georgia electrician apprenticeship program: Georgia has $25–$50 application fees. A trade school or community college might cost up to $10,000 for electrical training. 

Students can typically find financial aid choices at accredited institutions and trade schools. Some apprenticeships are sponsored and funded. It is required to undergo classroom-based electrician courses.

Prerequisites for an electrical apprenticeship in Georgia:

• You must be at least 18 years old to sign up for an apprenticeship.
• possess the physical ability to accomplish the work
• passing the test for general aptitude
• a class in Algebra I that you took and passed
• Observe a job interview

Work Experience:

• Fix electrical issues
• Install and connect the wires.
• Electrical wiring in existing homes should be replaced and repaired.
• Under the supervision of a certified electrician, do all tasks.

Information about the Georgia licensing examination

Candidates must receive at least a 70% on their tests. Each exam costs $259 to take. PSI/AMP is in charge of testing. 

Three times a year, the electrician exams are presented. The exam is open-book.

The following topics are included in Georgia electrical exams:

• Safety
• Basic Electrical Knowledge
• Branch circuits, feeders, and services
• A Raceway and an Enclosure
• Motors and controls by grounding and bonding

Tools for Exam Preparation:

• Master Exam Prep
• Georgia Electrical Exam – Tests.com
• Unbiased Electrical Test

Types of Georgia Electrical licences

Georgia issues the following various electrical licenses:

• First Class Electrical Contractor
• Contractor Class II for Electrical

Class I license holders for electrical contractors in Georgia are permitted to install, modify, and repair electrical equipment, control systems, and electrical wiring for installations that use just one phase of electricity. Candidates for this license must:

• Minimum age of 21
• Achieve success on a test
• Get your application for the electrical exam approved
• A high school diploma or a GED
• Have four years or more of experience working in the electrical industry

Class II license holders for electrical contractors in Georgia are permitted to install, maintain, and fix electrical wiring, control systems, and equipment. Holders of a Class II license may carry out electrical work of any scope and size. Candidates must:

• Have completed 21 years of age.
• Take and pass the test.
• Obtain permission to take the electrical exam.
• Possess a GED or high school diploma.
• Four or more years of experience working in the electrical industry.
• The Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors grants licenses. The cost of a licence ranges from $75 to $150.

Georgia electricians make an hourly average of $20.36.

Benefits of Becoming a licenced Electrician in Georgia

The following are just a few advantages of becoming a certified Georgia electrician:

• Most importantly, you must first obtain state certification to undertake electrical work in Georgia lawfully.
• A trade license demonstrates your expertise and experience.
• Only licensed electricians can bid on public and government projects, establish a business, market their services, secure commercial insurance, obtain building permits, and pass inspections.
• Licensing safeguards both your business and your clients.
• Certification as an electrician provides you a leg up in the employment market.
• Your potential for generating money is also increased.