In Georgia, getting to the highest level of your electrical career requires commitment, dedication, and lots of work. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (under the US Department of Labor) expects the number of jobs for licensed electricians in Georgia to increase by 17.4% in ten years. What perfect time is there to take steps to become an electrician in Georgia than now?
Interestingly, unlike other states, it does not take too long to become an electrician in Georgia. In this article, we cover steps to becoming a licensed electrician in Georgia which start with the gaining of experience through the apprenticeship to become a journeyman and then to become a master electrician. The last step is to become a licensed independent electrical contractor.
Table of Contents
Step 1 – Obtain Specialized Training and Classroom-Based Education
Before you can work independently in the electrical trade without direct supervision in Georgia, you must have acquired five years of practical, on-the-job experience equivalent to 8,000 hours. You also must have gotten 180 hours of classroom-based training in each year of the training.
Job experience, technical training, and classroom-based education can be achieved in two ways.
You could decide to acquire it through an apprenticeship that requires you to learn the necessary skills of the electrical trade in a classroom and obtain on-the-job experience under the supervision of an electrical contractor. This apprenticeship could be a union or non-union one.
Or you could decide to enroll in a technical school instead. If you opt for a technical school, you would have to complete an associate degree in electrical systems technology before being employed in entry-level positions.
Some of the subjects that would be covered in technical school are:
- Advanced Electrical Theory
- Applied Math
- Commercial & Industrial Wiring
- Electrical Motors and Electrical Theory
- OHM’s law
- Residential Wiring
- Safety/CPR/First Aid
- The National Electric Code
The subjects above just some part of the subjects to be undertaken at the technical school.
In technical school, you would be opportune to get a job with a local electrical contractor to acquire all the job experience required to earn your journeyman license. Some programs in technical schools include a field training component that would involve you working for a locally licensed electrical contracting firm. This could mean full-time employment for you as an electrical technician in training if such positions are open.
In union apprenticeships, you would get a traditional apprenticeship experience. Local electricians will take the classes through unionized contractors.
In Georgia, you can find union apprenticeships through local JATCs (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee). This is a union between local union chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) under the National Training Alliance. This is a way of ensuring high-quality and consistent education.
If you opt for a non-union apprenticeship, you will be trained by local electricians. You would also receive assistance in locating an employer that would not mind taking on an apprentice. Also, you will have access to job postings which are typically found at non-union trade organizations. Educators and program directors would also be willing to offer assistance in whatever way they can.
Some of the non-union trade organizations that are known to facilitate electrician training programs in Georgia are:
- IEC Atlanta Chapter
- IEC Georgia Chapter
Step 2 – Continue Working as a Journeyman Electrician
Unlike other states, Georgia does not have a journeyman license. Most electricians proceed to earn their electrical contractor license immediately after their apprenticeship or technical school. However, it is entirely up to you. You can choose to work as a journeyman electrician for a while before proceeding to earn your electrical contractor license.
In Georgia, electricians who choose to gain more experience by working as a journeyman usually enjoy some benefits that others might not. Suppose they ever have to work in other states. In that case, they need to provide their journeyman certificate and get their license or take a journeyman examination to prove that they are knowledgeable.
Step 3 – Consider to Become a Licensed Independent Electrical Contractor in Georgia
In Georgia, the electrical contractor is divided into two classes by the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board. They are Class I and Class II.
The Class I license is for only electrical contracts involving single-phase electrical installations that do not exceed 200 amperes at the service drop or the service lateral.
The Class II license is without restrictions.
With either of these two licenses, you can legally offer your services to the public in Georgia.
Before you can get any of the licenses, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have filled the application.
- You must not be less than 21 years.
- You must be able to present proof of 4 years of experience working as an electrician.
- You must have gotten at least 70% on the proper exam.
- You must be able to present three references on the required form. Note that at least one of your references has to be a licensed electrical contractor.
An additional requirement for Class II applicants is to have worked with and installed systems of more than 200 amperes.
You will need to attach your references to your exam application. The examination would then be scheduled when you have been cleared to sit for it.
Below are the subjects that cover in both class I and class II licenses:
Class I License:
- Basic Electrical Circuits
- DC and DC Rotating Equipment
- Electrical Controls and Devices
- Interior Electrical Systems
- Pre-test questions
- Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions
- Special Equipment, Conditions, and Locations
- Transformers
Total questions for this class I license is 155 questions
Class II License:
- Basic Electrical Circuits
- DC and DC Rotating Equipment
- Electrical Controls and Devices
- Interior Electrical Systems
- Pre-test questions
- Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions
- Special Equipment, Conditions, and Locations
- Transformers
Total questions for this class II license is 162 questions
License Renewal in Georgia
As mentioned above, there is no license as a journeyman; however, you can still work as a journeyman and then apply for an independent electrical contractor license. The license for an independent electrical contractor has to be renewed every two years. To do this, you will have to meet up the continuing education requirements for electrical contractors.
License Reciprocity in Georgia
Georgia has electrical reciprocity agreements with Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama.
Final Words
Before you can fulfill your dream of becoming an electrician in Georgia, you have to be prepared to put in a lot of effort. It will not just come to you on a platter of gold.
No matter how difficult becoming an electrician seems, it is achievable. You have to believe that and at the same time work for it.
References
ElectricianSchoolEdu.org How to Become an Electrician in Georgia
Housecall Pro Georgia Electrician License: Everything You Need To Know
