# How to Get an Electrical Contractor License in Georgia: Class I, Class II and the 2026 Changes

Georgia licenses electrical contractors statewide through the Construction Industry Licensing Board's Division of Electrical Contractors. Class I is restricted to single-phase residential-scale work; Class II is unrestricted. Applicants must be 21, document qualifying experience, score 70 on the exam and complete 4 hours of CE a year. SB 553, signed in 2026, rewrites the experience paths.

## Key takeaways

- Two contractor classes: Class I (restricted, single-phase) and Class II (unrestricted).
- Current board rule 121-3-.01: age 21, four years of primary experience (up to one year credited from secondary experience or education), and a 70 on the exam.
- SB 553 (2026) sets new paths: Class I with three years, or a two-year program plus two years, or a DOL apprenticeship; Class II with four years including two of three-phase work.
- SB 553 also raises the Class I service limit to 400 amperes, from the 200 amperes in the current rule.
- Licenses renew every two years with 4 hours of CE for each year; fail the exam twice and you need a 6-hour review course.

## Who licenses electricians in Georgia?

The [Division of Electrical Contractors](https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-georgia-state-board-electrical-contractors) of the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, under the Secretary of State. It licenses electrical *contractors* statewide in two classes. Its rules, published on the Secretary of State's official rules site, describe contractor licensing only; we didn't find a statewide journeyman electrician license in them. Some Georgia cities and counties may have their own registration or permit rules, so check where you work.

> **Georgia's electrical law changed in 2026**
>
> SB 553, on the Governor's 2026 signed-legislation list, repeals and rewrites the chapter that governs electrical contractors. The board's posted rules still reflect the old requirements. Until the Division updates its rules and forms, confirm which version applies to your application.

> **Last verified**
>
> Rules were read on the Secretary of State's official rules site and SB 553 on gov.georgia.gov, 2026-10-24. The Division's own web pages blocked our checks, so fee and exam-vendor cells say "See the Division."

## What's the difference between a Class I and Class II electrical license in Georgia?

Under the current rule, Class I is "restricted to electrical contracting involving single-phase electrical installations that do not exceed 200 amperes" at the service drop or lateral, and Class II licenses are unrestricted ([Rule 121-3-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3)). SB 553 redefines Class I as work on "residential multifamily structures of not more than two levels or single-family dwellings of up to three levels" with single-phase installations that "do not exceed 400 amperes" ([SB 553](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download)). Class II stays unrestricted.

**Georgia electrical contractor requirements: current rule vs SB 553 (2026)**

| Item | Current board rule | SB 553 (2026) | Fees |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Class I scope | Single-phase, up to 200 A ([Rule 121-3-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3)) | Single-phase up to 400 A; multifamily up to 2 levels or single-family up to 3 levels ([SB 553](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download)) | See the [Division](https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-georgia-state-board-electrical-contractors) |
| Class I experience | 4 years of primary experience; up to 1 year credited from secondary experience (at 50%) or education ([Rule 121-3-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3)) | 3 years full time; or a 2-year electrical program plus 2 years; or a DOL-approved apprenticeship ([SB 553](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download)) | See the [Division](https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-georgia-state-board-electrical-contractors) |
| Class II experience | 4 years of primary experience, including work above single-phase 200 A ([Rule 121-3-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3)) | 4 years with at least 2 on three-phase systems; or a 2-year program plus 4 years; or a DOL apprenticeship plus 1 year of three-phase work ([SB 553](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download)) | See the [Division](https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-georgia-state-board-electrical-contractors) |
| Age | 21 ([Rule 121-3-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3)) | See SB 553 |  |
| Exam | Minimum score of 70 ([Rule 121-3-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3)) | Board-approved exam, minimum score of 70 ([SB 553](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download)) | See the [Division](https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-georgia-state-board-electrical-contractors) |
| Renewal and CE | Biennial renewal; 4 hours of CE per year ([Rule 121-4-.02, 121-4-.05](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-4)) | Biennial renewal with CE as the division prescribes ([SB 553](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download)) | See the [Division](https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-georgia-state-board-electrical-contractors) |

_Verified 2026-10-24. Experience under SB 553 must be backed by a sworn affidavit from the supervising licensed contractor, or a licensed architect or engineer, one per supervisor._

## How do you get an electrical contractor license in Georgia, step by step?

1. **Build hands-on experience under a licensed contractor** The current rule counts *primary* experience, meaning direct installation of electrical systems. Secondary experience or education can count for up to one year, at a 50% rate for secondary time ([Rule 121-3-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3)). SB 553 lists the experience areas you must show, from raceways and service entrances to load calculations ([SB 553](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download)).
2. **Pick Class I or Class II** If you'll stay in houses and small residential buildings, Class I is the shorter road. Commercial and three-phase work needs Class II.
3. **Apply to the Division** Submit the Division's application with the required fee and documentation. The Division sets the fee separately, and it's non-refundable ([Rule 121-2-.01](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-2)). Disclose any criminal history the rule requires.
4. **Pass the exam with a 70** If you fail twice, you must complete a board-approved review course of at least 6 hours of instruction before a third try ([Rule 121-2-.06](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-2)).
5. **Renew every two years with CE** Licenses renew biennially. You need 4 hours of CE for each year since your last renewal; someone licensed one year or less before the first renewal doesn't need CE yet. Keep course records for five years ([Rule 121-4-.02, 121-4-.05](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-4)).

## Does Georgia have electrical license reciprocity?

The rules allow it but don't list states. Divisions may sign written agreements with other states' boards whose exams and requirements are "substantially equal" and that offer Georgia licensees the same privilege, and an applicant with discipline in their home state can be denied ([Rule 121-2-.03](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-2)). Ask the Division whether your state has a current agreement.

## Starting your own electrical contracting business in Georgia

- **Plan for the rewrite:** if you're mid-way through your hours, the SB 553 paths may get you to Class I sooner. Ask the Division which rules your application will be judged under.
- **Business registration:** the board's rules include a separate chapter, 121-6, on business registration ([GA rules](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121)).
- **Taxes:** Georgia sales and use tax on materials and entity filing are covered in [Georgia contractor taxes and licensing](https://www.brix.so/taxes/georgia).
- **Business setup:** entity, insurance, pricing and first customers are in [how to start an electrical business](https://www.brix.so/start/electrical).

BRIX tracks licenses, insurance certificates and permits and flags renewals before they lapse, so the two-year renewal and your yearly CE hours don't slip. It also answers calls while you're on a job in Marietta, books the next one and sends the quote and invoice from one customer record.

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## Frequently asked questions

### What is a Class I electrical license in Georgia?

Under the board's current rule, Class I is restricted to single-phase electrical installations of 200 amperes or less at the service drop or lateral. SB 553 (2026) redefines it as single-phase work up to 400 amperes on multifamily buildings of up to two levels or single-family homes of up to three levels.

### How many years of experience do you need for a Georgia electrical license?

The current rule requires four years of primary experience, with up to one year credited from secondary experience or education. SB 553 allows Class I with three years, or a two-year program plus two years, or a DOL-approved apprenticeship, and Class II with four years including two of three-phase work.

### How old do you have to be for a Georgia electrical contractor license?

Rule 121-3-.01 requires applicants for a statewide Class I or Class II Electrical Contractor license to be at least 21 years old, along with meeting the experience requirements and scoring at least 70 on the exam.

### How many CE hours do Georgia electrical contractors need?

Rule 121-4-.05 requires four hours of continuing education per year. Licenses renew every two years, and at renewal you show four hours for each year since the last renewal. Keep completion records for at least five years.

### What happens if you fail the Georgia electrical exam twice?

Under Rule 121-2-.06, an electrical contractor applicant who fails twice must show the board they completed an approved review course, with at least six hours of instruction, before taking the exam a third time.

### Does Georgia license journeyman electricians?

The Construction Industry Licensing Board's electrical rules cover contractor licenses (Class I and Class II), and we didn't find a statewide journeyman electrician license in them. Check with your city or county, which may have its own rules for electricians working under a contractor.

## Related

- [Electrician License Requirements by State: Who Licenses You, Hours, Exams and CE](https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician)
- [How to Get an Electrical License in North Carolina: NCBEEC Classes, Hours and Exam](https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/north-carolina)
- [How to Get an Electrician License in Florida: Certified Contractors, Registered Contractors and Local Journeymen](https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/florida)
- [How to Get an Electrician License in Texas: Every TDLR Tier, Hours and Fee](https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/texas)
- [Georgia Contractor Taxes and Licensing: Sales Tax, Licenses and Income Tax](https://www.brix.so/taxes/georgia)
- [Electrician Software for Panel Upgrades, EV Chargers, Permits and Progress Billing](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical)
- [Voltage Drop Calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/voltage-drop-calculator)
- [AI Receptionist for Electricians: Screen the Hazards, Book the Site Visit](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical/ai-receptionist)
- [Bookkeeping for Electricians: Progress Billing, Job Costing and QuickBooks](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical/bookkeeping)
- [Electrical Leads: How Electricians Win More Panel, EV and Generator Jobs](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical/sales)

## Change log

- 2026-10-24: Page published from Georgia board rules 121-2, 121-3 and 121-4 and SB 553 (2026). Fees and exam vendor not verified (Division pages blocked automated checks).

## Sources

- [Georgia Rules — 121-3 Application for licensure (Rule 121-3-.01, electrical contractor)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Georgia Rules — 121-4 Renewal and continuing education](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-4) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Georgia Rules — 121-2 Qualifications, exams and reciprocity](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-2) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Georgia SOS — Division of Electrical Contractors](https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-georgia-state-board-electrical-contractors) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Georgia SB 553 (2026), as passed, Governor's signed-legislation list](https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download) (checked 2026-10-24)

Last verified against [Georgia Secretary of State, Rules of the State Construction Industry Licensing Board](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3) on 2026-10-24.

Talk to BRIX: call or text (518) 588-1122, email eeharris2004@gmail.com, or book a 15-minute call at https://cal.com/ethanharris/15min.

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Written by BRIX Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Canonical: https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/georgia